Description of Work The University of North Carolina at Charlotte recognizes the differentiation of mission, goals, and objectives inherent in the diversity of disciplines represented by its colleges and departments. Thus, the job responsibilities and essential functions for library faculty should be interpreted in the context of the Library’s strategic plan.
Library faculty engage in service to the University, community, and profession. We create physical and digital environments that encourage learning and innovation, build and preserve collections, support research, and advance scholarship. We provide access to and promote the discovery of information. We help our communities become proficient information users and lifelong learners.
Library faculty serve current and future UNC Charlotte students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the Greater Charlotte and global community by sustaining the intellectual and creative life, and facilitating lifelong learning, discovery, and engagement.
Library faculty are expected to collaborate within the Library and beyond in the performance of professional duties that may include, but are not limited to: selecting, organizing, preserving, and facilitating access to materials; supporting teaching, learning, and research; providing outreach to the campus and community; and developing and maintaining digital and technological innovations.
Library faculty participate in scholarly research, creative endeavors, and professional activities to serve the Library, the University, and the information professions. Library faculty are strongly encouraged to pursue external funding for library-related initiatives.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities This position is responsible for planning and conducting oral history project activities, and managing oral history recordings deposited in J. Murrey Atkins Special Collections and University Archives. These activities include identifying potential interviewees, conducting interviews, creating descriptive metadata using professional standards, training campus partners and community members in oral history interview procedures, and managing interview data. This position works closely with archivists within the Special Collections and University Archives unit for oral history project planning, instruction, outreach, description, and digital preservation. This position also provides reference public services for the department.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Leads efforts to conduct outreach and coordinate oral history projects on topics relating to the university and the Charlotte region
Coordinates oral history project logistics including conducting background research, scheduling interviews, securing equipment, and preparing interviewees
Conducts oral history interviews in accordance with Oral History Association best practices
Ensures accurate documentation of interviews, including summaries, descriptive metadata, and transcripts (where appropriate)
Collaborates with colleagues on community engagement, instruction, and outreach efforts
Collaborates with colleagues on developing policies, procedures, and workflows related to the arrangement, description, and preservation of oral history recordings and related materials
Develops relationships with University and community partners, organizations, and other potential interviewees
Carries out arrangement, description, and preservation activities for oral history interviews
Trains community and campus partners in oral history interview procedures
May supervise student workers and interns
Participates in providing reference services
Engages in professional service and scholarship
Participates in library and university faculty governance
Performs other duties as assigned
Minimum Experience/Education The minimum academic credential required for applicants for faculty positions in Atkins Library is completion of a master’s degree in the field of library and information science from a program accredited by the American Library Association by time of application.
Graduation with master’s degree in a specialized area directly relevant to the position description may be an acceptable substitute in certain situations if approved by the Dean. A second masters in another discipline or an earned doctorate is highly desirable.
Preferred Education, Skills and Experience
Minimum of two years of experience working with and conducting oral histories (including internships, student and volunteer work, community archives, etc.)
Demonstrated experience with oral history programs, historical research, interview techniques, and audiovisual equipment
Familiarity with the history and culture of Charlotte, the Carolinas, or the American South
Knowledge of archival principles, metadata standards, and digital preservation practices related to managing oral history recordings
Demonstrated experience teaching or training others to conduct oral histories
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently
Knowledge of ethical practices in oral history, including informed consent and confidentiality
Excellent written, public speaking, and interpersonal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a diverse community setting
Demonstrated ability to work with others on the formation of policies, procedures, and long-range plans
Proficiency in relevant software applications for audio editing, digital asset management, and archival databases
Commitment to fostering an environment of mutual respect and inclusion
Project management experience
Participation in relevant professional organizations.
Necessary Licenses/Certifications The minimum academic credential required for applicants for faculty positions in Atkins Library is completion of a master’s degree in the field of library and information science from a program accredited by the American Library Association by time of application.
Graduation with a master’s degree in a specialized area directly relevant to the position description may be an acceptable substitute in certain situations if approved by the Dean. A second master’s degree in another discipline or an earned doctorate is highly desirable.
The following Application Materials must be attached to your electronic submission:
Cover letter
Resume/CV
Names (including titles and company/institutions), addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least 3 professional references.
The Search Committee will not contact references before verifying permission with the candidate.
The review of applications will begin February 15, 2025. Anticipated start date is April 2025. Applicants with degrees in Public History or other relevant disciplines are encouraged to apply.
The candidate chosen for this position will be subject to a criminal background check.
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