Computational Literacy Librarian

Assistant University Librarian or Associate University Librarian

The George A. Smathers Libraries seek a proactive, collaborative, and engaging Computational Literacy Librarian to contribute to and enhance an existing team that delivers data-intensive research methodology services to the University of Florida community. This twelve-month, tenure-track faculty position will help the UF community become critical users of digital technologies, such as AI powered tools, data visualization programs, data wrangling or storytelling tools, digital scholarship or data repositories, etc. The exact mix of skills that you develop over time will depend on your interests and the ongoing needs of the UF community. This position plays a vital role in ensuring that the UF community has access to the skills, tools, and support needed to effectively collect and discover research data to gain new insights and ultimately create new knowledge, as well as navigate the ethical and policy issues that surround those activities, regardless of discipline. As data becomes an increasingly critical and valuable research asset, this position will also play a role in advising the Libraries on policies and best practices related to the selection and acquisition of datasets for inclusion in the Libraries’ collections. This position will guide and support the Libraries’ efforts to use local and open-source collections to create research datasets and explore the use of machine learning and AI methodologies to facilitate research using those datasets.

The Computational Literacy Librarian builds and maintains strong, collegial relationships across the Libraries and campus. These relationships support the development of collaborations and partnerships that reflect the University’s Core Values and support various services and programs that contribute to the University’s education, research, and service missions. This position provides expertise and consults users on the techniques and best practices to support the campus community’s data literacy needs to support research and learning. This position is also responsible for connecting researchers with complementary library, campus, and third-party resources and services to further support researchers’ needs.

As a member of the Academic Research Consulting & Services (ARCS) Department, this position contributes to shared departmental and Library-wide goals and collaborates with existing ARCS specialists, providing services on various research methodologies and scholarly communications issues. The Computational Literacy Librarian is key in advancing the Smathers Libraries' strategic commitment to research support and contributing to campus efforts to grow the university's research enterprise. This position provides exciting opportunities for the successful candidate to apply their knowledge, shape the development of vital research infrastructure, and engage in a collaborative team serving a diverse community of scholars.

The Smathers Libraries is committed to creating a thoughtful, equitable, and inclusive culture that provides space for innovation and creativity. We support that commitment by offering fulfilling work experience that allows for collaboration, growth, development, and shared perspectives. The Libraries encourage broad participation in reaching decisions; consequently, the incumbent will contribute to discussions, provide input, serve on various committees and teams, and participate in shared governance activities. Finally, as a tenure-track faculty member, this position will pursue professional development opportunities, including producing research, scholarship, and/or creative works and providing service to the Libraries, University, State, and Profession to meet the criteria for tenure and promotion.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops and leads the Libraries’ Data Literacy program to promote the informed and responsible use of data science tools, such as AI and visualization tools, across campus based on established and emerging literacy frameworks.
• Provides expert guidance and instruction to UF stakeholders on AI and data literacy, policy, and ethics as well as data science tools and techniques, including machine learning.
• Offers individualized reference and consultative services as part of the ARCS research methodologies team, supporting campus-wide needs in areas such as high-performance computing, text and data mining, data collection, and automation.
• Advises on, advocates for, and supports the implementation and use of AI and data science tools, standards, and processes within the Libraries to address emerging needs; evaluates AI and data-related tools and resources offered by library vendors and publishers.
• Facilitates and advises on the discovery, access, and use of the Libraries’ collections and external datasets, both open and proprietary, for research purposes.
• Collaborates with campus units and contributes to university-wide initiatives to develop policies, services, and infrastructure that advance the University’s research and educational missions.
• Engages in scholarly, creative, and professional service activities as related to assignment and in accordance with tenure and promotion criteria.

$68,182 minimum salary at the Assistant University Librarian rank

$78,861 minimum salary at the Associate University Librarian rank

The Smathers Libraries offer a salary commensurate with experience and credentials

• Master’s degree in library/information science from an ALA-accredited institution or advanced degree in a relevant field
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience for appointment at the Assistant level OR minimum of 8 years of relevant experience for appointment at the Associate level

• Experience providing one-on-one and group consultations to users and advising colleagues and administrators
• Experience in developing and delivering instructional sessions and web-based information resources to a wide variety of stakeholders in a variety of settings and venues
• Knowledge of data anonymization and de-identification techniques and standards
• Knowledge of the academic research enterprise and related infrastructures and systems; the research lifecycle; grants and research funding; funder mandates and compliance; and research integrity and ethics; and scholarly publishing and dissemination
• Successful track record in project development and management
• Experience with writing and participating on grants
• Recent practical experience with one or more programming languages or software packages relevant to data-intensive research methodologies
• Knowledge and recent practical experience with Text and Data Mining tools and practices, such as the use of APIs to gather data and AI tools to analyze data
• Knowledge of AI and Data Science applications and tools, e.g., Generative AI prompt engineering, tasks in a High Performance Computing environment
• Experience managing large datasets for research projects 
• Knowledge of metadata schemas and ontologies/taxonomies as applies to research data
• Knowledge of AI and data-related policy and ethics issues, including the transparent and accountable use of AI and Data Science methods in research
• Knowledge of managing sensitive data in a secure environment
• Demonstrated interest in teaching, training, and/or instruction
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work well in a team environment
• Evidence of potential to excel in developing, assessing, and promoting the use of research support services and resources
• Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills, including oral and written communication
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse internal and external stakeholders
• Strong potential to meet the requirements for tenure and promotion outlined in the departmental by-laws

To apply, submit

• a cover letter detailing your interest in, and qualifications for this position
• your current resume or CV
• a list of three references including their contact information (telephone number and email address)
• a written statement discussing the role of librarians in supporting computational literacy needs across multiple disciplines. (250 words)

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.