Map and Geospatial Data Librarian

Posted to IASSIST on: 2018-12-13

Employer: University of Michigan

Employer URL: https://umich.edu/

Description

The University of Michigan Library is seeking a dynamic and talented librarian to join the team for the Stephen S. Clark Library for Maps, Government Information, and Spatial and Numeric Data (SAND) Services, a rich and unique scholars’ resource on campus. The Clark Library Map Collection is among the premier map collections in North America, containing over 400,000 maps, and 10,000 books and atlases. Current campus initiatives such as those focusing on data management and archiving, providing access and metadata for the Big Ten Academic Alliance Geoportal (BTAAG), data visualization, and assisting with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are just a few examples of the arenas where this unit’s particular expertise provides excellent complementary services and support.

The position of Map and Geospatial Data Librarian provides leadership and expertise in developing library services related to maps as well as numeric and geospatial datasets across a wide range of disciplines. This position also supports the use of GIS and related technologies in teaching and research and serves as representative to the BTAAG and library wide teams. This is a largely collaborative position that requires negotiation of relationships across the library and the University. The incumbent may supervise student employees.

The University of Michigan Library is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and encourages all employees to fully incorporate their diverse backgrounds, skills, and life experiences into their work.

Responsibilities

• Assist and instruct diverse users with acquiring, accessing, and using the map collection, spatial and numeric data, data citation, spatial analysis and visualization, qualitative data analysis, and database creation.

• Promote data citation standards and help researchers identify sustainable, documentable practices, and workflows.

• Create resources and programs that engage with cutting edge data management, archive, analysis or display technologies to reflect the library’s practice of engaging with the scope and scale of researcher needs.

• Create and run workshops and online help guides on maps as well as spatial and numeric data topics including data access and use, and GIS.

• Assist in identifying and fulfilling collection development needs for spatial and numeric data across multiple subjects.

• Collaborate with metadata specialists and technical services librarians and staff to describe map and data resources.

• Serve as geospatial data expert on library-wide and regional committees about content development and access.

• Participate in library and campus planning activities, committees and task forces as well as conferences and meetings of relevant professional associations as appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• ALA-accredited master’s degree or equivalent combination of a relevant advanced degree and experience.

• Understanding of geospatial concepts? knowledge of relevant metadata standards and practices.

• A flexible, creative, and proactive approach to service.

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills including hands-on experience developing and presenting workshops, classes, information sessions, and individual/group meetings.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Ability to engage with, explore, and assess the adoption of relevant tools and technologies.

• Strong understanding of all aspects of diversity and the ability to leverage the value of diversity’s importance within a complex organization.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively network and build relationships with various internal and external stakeholders.

Archived on: 2019-05-22