Assistant Librarian

Overview

The Utah State University Libraries seeks a collaborative, innovative and user-centered candidate for the position of Scholarly Communication Librarian to join a team supporting our communities in discovering, creating, and sharing knowledge. The Scholarly Communication Librarian provides expertise in open science as well as research impact, integrity, and reproducibility, delivering timely education and outreach services relevant to the evolving research ecosystem.

We view open research as a vital component of USU’s land-and space-grant mission and the university’s continued success as a Carnegie R1 Research Institution. The Scholarly Communication Librarian will be a critical position to the Libraries’ strategic growth and help envision exciting new initiatives at USU Libraries.

Working with a team of librarians, the Scholarly Communication Librarian engages with students and faculty to support emerging open knowledge and scholarly communication initiatives in all fields. Collaborating with library colleagues and groups across campus, including the Office of Research, this position will also help develop strategic initiatives and partnerships by conducting outreach and providing education on topics such as open science and researcher identity and impact. The Scholarly Communication Librarian also engages with students and faculty as a member of the STEM liaison team.

Reporting to the head of Research Strategy and Innovation, the position is a 12-month, tenure-track faculty appointment. Support and mentorship are built into the tenure process. The estimated start date for the position is January 2026. Early career librarians are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Develop the expertise needed to support initiatives in the areas of open science, research impact, and research integrity.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the library and across USU to develop robust, sustainable, and targeted research tools and programs for all faculty, students, and staff.
• Provide expertise and instruction on resources and tools that enhance engagement in every stage of the research lifecycle.
• Contribute to the planning, development, and implementation of the Libraries’ scholarly communication initiatives.
• Maintain awareness of emerging trends, tools and resources related to scholarly communication services.
• Provide research support through consultations and instruction as part of the STEM liaison team.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• ALA-accredited MLS, or international equivalent by December 2025
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Knowledge of or interest in current practices and emerging trends in scholarly communication
• Interest in engaging with and supporting STEM researchers
• Commitment to responding flexibly and effectively to the shifting needs and priorities of the Libraries and Libraries' constituents.
• Interest and ability to engage in ongoing professional development, research, and service activity, to achieve promotion and tenure

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in academic libraries
• Experience supporting open initiatives
• Experience with instruction, including classroom, online or one-on-one

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

ADA

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

College/Department Highlights

Review will begin on October 1st and continue until the position is filled.

Salary is minimum of $55,000, plus excellent benefits including a 14.2% (starting at $7,810) annual retirement contribution. Utah State University offers a competitive benefits package which includes medical and dental, and 22 days/year vacation. USU Libraries provides generous support for professional development and travel. The Libraries support a flexible work environment with opportunities for hybrid positions. Relocation assistance is available.

Applicants are invited to attend an informational webinar to learn more about the open position, the campus, and the USU Libraries. Register for full details or to receive a recording of the webinar if you are not able to join at the scheduled time: September 17th, 5-6PM (MDT): https://usu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_E9hT8ra8Qk6owWftZPXZiA

The attendee list will be hidden to ensure confidentiality. Attendance is not required to apply or be considered for this position. Live captioning will be provided via Zoom Live Transcript.

Inquiries and nominations may be directed to Britt Fagerheim, Associate Dean for Public Services ([email protected].)

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or [email protected]. 

*updated 09/2025

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Matthew Pinner

Executive Director

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

[email protected]

435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 401D

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

Cody Carmichael

Title IX Coordinator

[email protected]

435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 402D

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| [email protected]

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  [email protected]

*updated 10/2025