Diversity Librarian Residency Program

March 26, 2007

Come be a part of The University of Tennessee Libraries’ Diversity Librarian Residency Program.  The UT Libraries is seeking candidates for a two-year program beginning fall 2007.  The purpose of the program is to attract recent library school graduates from underrepresented groups to a challenging and rewarding career in academic librarianship.  Successful candidates will serve as residents for two years and may be eligible for permanent employment as faculty upon completion of the program.  Residents will work closely with librarians to develop skills and career plans, develop collegial relationships with university faculty, participate in library committees, and become involved with professional associations.  Residents will work in several areas of the library and take part in a variety of initiatives and projects.

Environment:

The University of Tennessee is a Carnegie Research Level One institution and enrolls approximately 26,000 students from all over the United States and over 100 foreign countries.  The institution welcomes and honors people of all races, creeds, cultures and sexual orientation, and values intellectual curiosity, pursuit of knowledge, and academic freedom and integrity.  The UT Libraries, with an annual budget exceeding $13 million, holds 2.5 million volumes and employs 300 people including 50 librarians.  The university is located in Knoxville, the largest city in East Tennessee.  Founded in 1791 and located in a valley between the Cumberland Plateau to the northwest and Great Smoky Mountains to the southeast, Knoxville has affordable housing, a low crime rate, and a pleasant climate.  There is no income tax in the state of Tennessee.

Qualifications:

Required: A recent graduate degree from an ALA accredited masterR17;s program; from an historically underrepresented group; must have authorization to work in the U.S. for duration of program (2 years); ability to work effectively in a team environment; excellent oral and written communication skills; demonstrated interest in scholarship and professional growth, strong service orientation; knowledge of issues and trends in academic libraries.

Salary and Benefits: Two-year appointment as non-tenure track Research Assistant Professor at a minimum salary of $40,000.  There is financial support for attending conferences, seminars, and workshops.  Relocation assistance will be provided.  Excellent benefits include 24 annual leave days; choice of state retirement plan or TIAA/CREF with nonrefundable contributions paid for the employee by the University; optional group

health and life insurance plans.  Tuition remission is available for all university employees and partial undergraduate tuition remission is available to dependent children and spouses of UT employees. 

Mentoring: After orientation, residents will be asked to select one or more mentors.  Candidates will receive guidance from a mentor with the goal of completing a specialized project during the second year of their residency.

Application Procedure: Send letter of application, a current résumé, and the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three recent references to: Thura Mack, University of Tennessee Libraries, 1015 Volunteer Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37996-1000.  The review process will begin May 15 and continue until candidates are recommended for appointment with a start day of September 1, 2007.  Finalists will be brought to Knoxville for interviews.  Qualified spring and summer semester 2007 graduates are encouraged to apply.

To find out more about the program and the libraries’ commitment to diversity, please visit:  www.lib.utk.edu/diversity/activities/residency  Candidates are also welcome to contact the current residents at utk.edu">residentsutk.edu to learn more about the program.

The University of Tennessee welcomes and honors people of all races, genders, creeds, cultures, and sexual orientations, and values intellectual curiosity, pursuit of  knowledge, and academic freedom and integrity.

The University of Tennessee does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability or veteran status in provision of educational programs and services or employment opportunities and benefits.  This policy extends to both employment by and admission to the University.

The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in the education programs and activities pursuant to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.

Inquiries and charges of violation concerning Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, ADA or the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) or any of the other above referenced policies should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, telephone 865/974-2498 (V/TTY available).  Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Human Resources Management, 600 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN 37996-4125.