Engineering Librarian for Data and Collections

Stanford University; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanford University Libraries seeks an innovative Engineering Librarian to provide research, instruction and collection services to the School of Engineering and allied programs. The role sits in the Science and Engineering Resource Group and reports to the Head of Terman Engineering Library.

You will assess and manage engineering collections, support data lifecycle management, collaborate with faculty and researchers, and contribute to digital initiatives and donor engagement.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in engineering, information science, library science, or related discipline.
• Graduate‑level coursework or relevant work experience in an engineering discipline or related field preferred.
• Two or more years of experience in a research library or similar expertise dealing with information mediation (Librarian 2).
• Five or more years of experience in a research library or similar expertise dealing with information mediation (Librarian 3).

Responsibilities

• Evaluates engineering resources for inclusion in the Engineering Library collection.
• Manages the Engineering materials budget and monitoring expenditures.
• Licensing for electronic engineering resources.
• Provides reference and research support for engineering patrons.
• Supports donor engagement and outreach for Engineering collections.

Skills

Engineering literature

AI tools in research

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Project management

Markup languages

Programming basics

Education

Advanced degree in engineering or information science

Graduate coursework in engineering

Tools

Compendex

Inspec

LaTeX

Job description

Stanford University Libraries seeks an innovative, collaborative, dynamic, outgoing and service-oriented Engineering Librarian to provide outstanding research, instruction, and collection services to the School of Engineering and other allied Programs and Departments.

The Libraries values are rooted in a commitment of mutual respect, the idea that every member of the staff has something to contribute, and that learning is constant. We seek a team member who is ready to share their skills and perspectives in a highly collaborative environment. We value colleagues who perform effectively in and contribute successfully to a diverse, multicultural workplace environment. As a member of the Terman Engineering Library team, the Engineering Librarian will take a team approach to engaging with faculty, staff and students to develop and provide innovative research services, and will report to the Head of Terman Engineering Library.

About Stanford University Libraries

Stanford University Libraries is a network of over 15 libraries with over 400 employees. We are committed to fueling the teaching, learning and research across Stanford by acquiring, stewarding, and making available a robust collection, currently in excess of 12 million items. Everyone in the organization plays a vital role in fulfilling that objective. Our dedication to discoverability and information management also has us engaged in dynamic global partnerships. We are constantly building and strengthening our organization, and we recognize striving for excellence is a marathon and not a sprint. We are constantly trying to strike the right pace, and admit there are times when we find ourselves at a fast jog. While we hope to always find candidates who fit within our organization, what we truly seek is someone who will add to our culture, our profession as well as the greater academic arena. We are invested in the success of our teams and the individuals who represent Stanford University Libraries.

About the Position

The Stanford University School of Engineering, along with its Departments and Institutes, Labs and Centers, is currently ranked as the #2 engineering school in the United States. As a member of a team of science and engineering librarians in the Science and Engineering Resource Group (SERG), the Engineering Librarian for Data and Collections will impact the future of library services for the Stanford engineering community.

This position is responsible for assessing, acquiring, and managing collections for the Engineering Library to support research and instruction in this highly interdisciplinary and fast‑paced environment. This position will also work with researchers to identify, curate, manage, and make accessible data that is relevant to engineering research in all its stages. Librarians with interest and/or experience in engineering/scientific information, collection development, scholarly communication, and research data management are especially encouraged to apply.

The Engineering Librarian for Data and Collections reports to the Head of Terman Engineering Library. This academic staff career‑track position is posted at Librarian 1–3. We welcome candidates across a range of experience levels; rank at hire will be commensurate with experience. A resume and cover letter are required for consideration. This position is hybrid in accordance with Stanford University's workplace policies.

Core Duties

• Evaluates engineering resources for inclusion in the collection of the Engineering Library, utilizing specialized expertise in engineering fields alongside an understanding of the present and future activities of the faculty and students of the School of Engineering.
• Provides assessment and analytics for the Library Information Budget for the Engineering Library.
• Works with the Assistant University Librarian for Collections and Public Services, Sciences & Engineering (AUL), and the Head of Terman to plan and oversee the Engineering materials budget ($900K in FY'26). Monitors expenditures for the base and endowment funds, ensuring sound fiscal management of the budget.
• Manages licensing agreements for electronic engineering resources.
• Conducts assessments of existing Engineering materials collections, ensuring they remain up to date in accordance with the needs of the School of Engineering and allied programs.
• Develops innovative ways to integrate digital information resources into library services and products.
• Identifies and proposes digitisation, web‑archiving, and gift opportunities.
• Evaluates new resources for possible purchase or digital capture.
• Supports interdisciplinary work through close coordination of collection development efforts with other bibliographers.
• Works with the School of Engineering to provide support for management of research‑related data through all lifecycle stages.
• Identifies relevant datasets for use in research and teaching; works with Acquisitions and Research Data Services (RDS) to acquire applicable datasets.
• Assists with preparation of data management plans, data curation, and data deposits.
• Promotes contribution to the Stanford Digital Repository (SDR) and provides assistance.
• Provides reference and research support.
• Acts as principal liaison with engineering donors and works with Library Development to expand donor support for Engineering.
• Assists in the provision of outreach services, especially in regard to collection issues.
• Participates in instructional activities.

*Other duties may also be assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience

Librarian 1 rank: Advanced degree in engineering, information science, library science, or a related discipline with demonstrated understanding of academic libraries or a combination of education and relevant experience. Graduate‑level coursework or relevant work experience in an engineering discipline or related field preferred.

Librarian 2 rank, additional experience required: Two or more years of experience in a research library or similar expertise dealing with information mediation.

Librarian 3 rank, additional experience required: Five or more years of experience in a research library or similar expertise dealing with information mediation.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Librarian 1

• Practical knowledge of the literature and electronic resources in engineering including databases and software (e.g. Compendex, Inspec, technical standards, LaTeX).
• Understanding and exploring artificial intelligence tools for use in research and teaching contexts.
• Relevant aspects of library operations including understanding of contemporary library practices, trends and emerging technologies.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time‑management skills.
• Project management in a complex, changing environment with a positive, flexible, creative, and innovative attitude.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and ability to work effectively and collegially with faculty, students, and library staff.
• Contributing successfully to a diverse workplace environment.
• Markup and/or programming languages (e.g., XML, SQL, Python, R, etc.) are highly desired.

Librarian 2

Demonstrated Experience in addition to the Librarian 1 Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Collection development including budget management, collection evaluation. Strong experience with digital library materials. (Desired: experience with negotiating contracts for digital books or journals.)

• Utilizing institutional repositories, digitization and access projects, or data management/curation.
• Innovatively developing, implementing or promoting digital information systems or services.
• Integrating digital collections into library services.

Librarian 3

• Planning and/or managing a library unit, program, or budget.
• Professional contribution and achievement in ways that have contributed to improved library services or the advancement of the profession.
• Specialized knowledge in one or more core duties of the role, and/or expert managerial/supervisory skills.

The expected pay range for Librarian 1 level is up to $98,000 per annum.

The expected pay range for Librarian 2 level is up to $119,000 per annum.

The expected pay range for the Librarian 3 level is up to $135,000 per annum.