Spencer Public Engagement Librarian

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES (70%)

• Designs, delivers, and assesses innovative programming featuring rare books, manuscripts, archives, and other unique materials 
• Explores new approaches in experiential teaching and learning using special collections materials 
• Develops standards-based lesson plans for K-12 students, including content that can be delivered off-site in classrooms with or without Spencer staff present 
• Develops online educational resources related to primary sources, including exhibits  
• Leads and assists with instruction sessions, field trips, tours, etc. on site at Spencer Research Library 
• Coordinates KSRL’s National History Day efforts such as developing web content and assisting researchers 
• Conducts outreach activities (both formally and informally) and participates in community events to promote Spencer Library collections and services to the Lawrence/Douglas County community and the general public 
• Assists with reference (in person and remote queries)  
• Develops appropriate content for the Spencer blog and other KSRL initiatives  
• Works collaboratively as a member of project teams and other groups to advance the libraries’ strategic priorities 
• Works collaboratively with faculty and other librarians to design and deliver library instruction to students
• Develops and sustains collaborative relationships with area public and private schools, homeschool groups, community groups such as Boys and Girls Club, Scouts, and senior centers, prioritizing Lawrence, Douglas County, and surrounding counties (including the Kansas City metropolitan area) 

RESEARCH (20%)

• Contributes to the profession’s collective knowledge by engaging in scholarly research activity. 
• Research may involve the publication of articles, books, book reviews, grant-supported inquiry, or editorial work (see Promotion and Tenure Procedures at KU, Spring 2017).

 
SERVICE (10%)

• Engages in service to the Libraries, the University and to professional organizations by participating in committee work, projects, and other contributory achievements.

Disclaimer
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.

Contact Information to Applicants
Tonia Morgan
morgt@ku.edu

Required Qualifications for All Candidates 

ALA-accredited master’s degree in Library/Information Science or equivalent from a foreign institution by date of appointment OR a PhD in library and information science from an LIS program that also offered an ALA-accredited master’s degree at the time the PhD was awarded.

Appointment at the Associate Librarian rank requires a review of the candidate’s materials to ensure work at the level documented in KU Libraries Criteria for Academic Ranks of Library Faculty

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have the foundational knowledge and skill set required to perform the duties of the position.  The level of degree is based on accreditation requirements, institutional standards of academic and professional excellence, alignment with peer institution benchmarks, and contributes to the credibility and effectiveness of the role within the university community.
 

The Engagement Librarian will lead efforts to connect community members (including K-12 students and educators, civic groups, and partner organizations) with the exceptional collections, services, and staff of the Kenneth Spencer Research Library (KSRL).  Reporting to the director of KSRL and working with colleagues in Spencer and across KU Libraries, the librarian will promote access and use of materials both in person and through digital and remote services. They will design and implement programming that promotes use of KSRL materials by public audiences.
 
KSRL has long nurtured connections with our communities, focusing on the library’s distinctive collections, historical preservation, and cultural memory more broadly, as a resource for the University of Kansas, the people of Kansas, and the world. In support of KU Libraries’ strategic goals to help build healthy and vibrant communities through increased community engagement, the librarian will both grow and support long-standing opportunities, and develop new ones. They will collaborate on developing a sustainable program of outreach to balance instruction, tours, programming, and other engagements from various potential stakeholders.  
 
The Public Engagement Librarian will have relevant experience in teaching with primary sources, community engagement in a library or archival setting, and collaborative outreach to achieve success in this role. 

This position requires some evening and weekend work and occasional travel.
 
KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe.  At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success.  We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued.  When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things. 

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment. This is a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track faculty position. Rank considerations are based on professional performance, research, and service experience sufficient to qualify for appointment at the rank of Assistant Librarian or Associate Librarian.

See the Libraries Criteria for Academic Ranks document: http://policy.ku.edu/libraries/criteria-academic-ranks-library-faculty

Additional information about the Libraries promotion and tenure procedures can be found at the following website: https://policy.ku.edu/ku-libraries/promotion-and-tenure-procedures-faculty

 

Additional Candidate Instruction
Applicants should attach a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three professional references (including at least one previous or current supervisor) to this online application. Please use your cover letter to address how you meet the qualifications.  An online application must be completed to be considered for this position.

Review of applications will begin on August 18th, 2025. Please submit a complete application no later than midnight on August 17th for consideration.