The Iowa State University Library offers early-career librarians an opportunity to gain professional experience and mentoring through its library residency program. The purpose of the residency program is to attract and support early-career librarians who are members of historically underrepresented groups to successful careers in academic and research libraries.
The three-year program provides residents with a holistic understanding of academic and research libraries. It provides experience in different areas of librarianship, mentorship, opportunities to observe and participate in library leadership, and an introduction to professional service, research, and scholarship.
For the duration of the program, the Resident Librarian will be placed in a home department. The selection of the home department should match the Resident Librarian’s professional interests and expertise, aligned with strategic areas defined by the library. The Resident Librarian will be able to select their home department from the following:
Library Assessment Program
Preservation (a Conservation track or a Digital Preservation track)
Scholarly Communications (a Technical track or an Outreach track)
Special Collections and University Archives
Information about these departments can be found at http://www.lib.
In the first year, the Resident Librarian will gain a breadth of experience in a variety of functional areas of academic librarianship by completing rotations in the home department and two to three other library departments of the Resident Librarian’s choosing. An option of concentrated work in the home department with no rotations may be possible as well. For more information about potential rotation sites, visit http://www.lib.iastate.
In the second and third years, the Resident Librarian will gain in-depth work experience in their home department. The Resident Librarian will work with a research mentor to design and conduct a third-year signature project, with the goal of disseminating research outcomes through publication and/or conference presentations.
The Resident Librarian will gain leadership and service experience through active participation in library committees and teams. They will also have opportunities to become involved in relevant regional and national professional organizations. Professional development funding is provided to enable professional and scholarly engagement at the national level.
The successful candidate will possess the ability to interact effectively with library staff and the university community and work both independently and collaboratively in a rapidly changing team-based environment. Additionally, the successful candidate will possess adaptability, problem-solving and decision-making skills; have the ability to formulate and implement innovative approaches and solutions to problems; communicate complex ideas to a wide range of audiences; effectively communicate and collaborate; and demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, social justice, public service and the land-grant mission.
ISU students, staff, and faculty strive to overcome historical and divisive biases in our society. Library staff must embrace an environment of inclusion that moves beyond simple tolerance to recognizing the richness in individual identities of people, and diverse perspectives. Applications from a broad spectrum of people are encouraged to apply.
For complete text, qualifications and application instructions: https://www.
ISU students, staff, and faculty strive to overcome historical and divisive biases in our society. Library staff must embrace an environment of inclusion that moves beyond simple tolerance to recognizing the richness in individual identities of people, and diverse perspectives. Applications from a broad spectrum of people are encouraged to apply. Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 3410 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.