JOB: Digital Humanities and Social Sciences Librarian, RIT

Digital Humanities and Social Sciences Librarian at The Rochester Institute of Technology
Position open as of April 24, 2017

The Wallace Center (TWC) at Rochester Institute of Technology invites applications for an experienced and industrious Digital Humanities and Social Sciences Librarian to support the nation’s first Digital Humanities and Social Sciences (DHSS) Bachelor Degree program and to cultivate the University’s growing digital humanities/social sciences efforts.

The DHSS Librarian will advise and collaborate with students, staff, and faculty to develop digital projects spanning the disciplines of anthropology, art, communication, history, literature, linguistics, philosophy, political science, sociology and numerous interdisciplinary fields. By identifying and applying new technologies, practices, tools, trends, and innovative approaches to digital and physical resources, the DHSS Librarian will foster dynamic projects that showcase the wealth of new discoveries possible for practitioners within these fields and move these disciplines forward and in potentially new directions. The DHSS librarian will demonstrate knowledge of the area by developing and offering relevant training classes on useful technologies and by promoting potential and realized successes the field possesses. Additionally, the DHSS Librarian will assist in identifying and applying for grants that provide for and enhance the equipment within the TWC Digitization Lab and expand the resources that support advancement in digital research, teaching, and learning for the entire campus.

This professional position reports to the Manager of Digital Initiatives and Metadata Services, and is a member of the RIT Libraries staff.

Position Requirements:

• ALA-accredited M.L.S or M.S. in Library and Information Science, M.I.S. or Master’s degree in a related field.
• Demonstrated successful experience of at least one year in a profession position, working on DHSS projects and associated technologies in an academic setting or in a similar cultural institution.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical expertise in DHSS-related applications and lead the evaluation and implementation of these applications providing training and outreach to the RIT community on associated technologies and resources. Formulate procedures and guides for the use and application of these technologies and resources.
• Represent and support DHSS technology interests and initiatives across the library and the campus.  Assist in providing training and outreach to the campus community on these technologies and associated resources.
• Engage with and stay current on the ever-changing DHSS trends, technologies, and standards to provide direction and leadership for the Wallace Center (TWC.)
• Provides individual consultations for faculty and students on digital humanities scholarship research, projects, and standard DHSS practices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Broad understanding of DHSS.
• Broad understanding of DHSS scholarship.
• Experience with one or more of the following DHSS methodologies: text encoding (TEI,) data visualization, platforms such as Omeka, etc.
• Knowledge of copyright and permissions issues as they relate to digital works.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of image, audio, video and multimedia digital file formats and software.
• Familiarity with research methodologies in the humanities and social science disciplines.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities successfully.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Education, Experience or Skills:

• Two or more years of professional experience in successfully working in digital humanities and/or social sciences using associated technologies in an academic setting or in a similar cultural institution.
• Completion of a second advanced degree in the humanities or social sciences.
• Experience in creating and maintaining websites using current platforms and software.
• Experience identifying and writing grant proposals.

To apply for this position, go to http://careers.rit.edu/staff, search Openings, and then search by requisition Number 2864BR.  Please submit your cover letter, resume and the names of three references.

RIT does not discriminate. RIT is an equal opportunity employer that promotes and values diversity within its workforce and provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status, or disability. For more information, please visit RIT/TitleIX   https://www.rit.edu/fa/compliance/content/rittitleix.

About The Wallace Center

The Wallace Center consists of RIT Libraries, Faculty Career Development and the RIT Press. TPGETHER, we enrich the academic experience by advancing information discovery, scholarship, and community engagement at RIT. We partner with students and faculty in their development as consumers, creators, and disseminators of knowledge. Our expert staff fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, honoring traditions while also integrating emerging models of scholarship and learning. Ultimately, we seek to inspire curiosity, creativity, and learning in a cross-cultural interdisciplinary environment. For more information about The Wallace Center, visit http://wallacecenter.rit.edu/.

About the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a national leader in professional and career-oriented education. Talented, ambitious, and creative students of diverse backgrounds from all 50 states and more than 100 countries have chosen to attend RIT.  Founded in 1829, RIT is a private, coeducational university with nine colleges emphasizing experiential learning, with over 15,000 undergraduates and over 3,000 graduate students, RIT is one of the largest private universities in the nation and has been reclassified as a doctoral university this year.  RIT offers a rich array of degree programs in engineering, science, business, and the arts, and is home to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf.  For more information about RIT, visit http://www.rit.edu/.

Situated between Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes region, Rochester is the third largest city in New York State. Home to nearly 1.1 million people, the Greater Rochester region is rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, with a population comprised of approximately 16% African and Latin Americans and another 3% of international origin. It is also home to one of the largest Deaf communities per capita in the U.S.  Rochester has the vibrant arts and cultural amenities of a big city with the ease and comfort of a small town. It is one of the least congested cities in the U.S., with an average commute of under 20 minutes and more than 12,000 acres of parkland for residents to explore. Learn more about Rochester at http://www.visitrochester.com/.