Special Collections Librarian (Assistant Professor) - Murphy Library

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Flexible health insurance

Paid holidays and sick days

Retirement plan

Job summary

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse’s Murphy Library invites applications for a Special Collections Librarian (Assistant Professor) for a 9-month tenure-track appointment starting 1/7/2027. The successful candidate will co-manage the Special Collections unit, developing the collection and overseeing archival processing.

We seek expertise in Special Collections Librarianship and strong communication skills, with commitment to information literacy, teaching, and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Masters in an ALA-accredited Library Science program at time of application.
• Evidence of clear and effective communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Co-manage the Special Collections unit.
• Lead collection development and donor relations.
• Support information literacy, reference, and instruction activities.

Skills

MLIS degree (ALA-accredited)

Communication skills

Education

Master's in Library Science

Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Position Title

Special Collections Librarian (Assistant Professor) - Murphy Library

Job Category

Faculty

Employment Type

Regular

Job Profile

Assistant Professor

Job Duties

The Library Department at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse is seeking applicants for a 9-month tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor with the start date of 1/7/2027. We encourage applications from candidates with expertise in Special Collections Librarianship. Come join a community of teacher/scholars committed to student success.
Applications received prior to the first review date will receive full consideration, and the search will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Under general supervision of the department chair, the successful candidate will co-manage the Special Collections unit. This includes leading the unit’s collection development activities; managing the unit’s archival appraisal and acquisitions efforts; processing new and backlogged archival materials and collections; cultivating and maintaining donor relations to acquire new materials; overseeing materials that fall under the local classification for university institutional documents; serving as the point of contact and manager for the library's participation in the Federal and State government document programs; leading efforts to organize, maintain, and promote the library's extensive collection of topographic maps; contributing to unit and departmental information literacy efforts, including Special Collections reference and instruction activities; collaborating with cataloging Special Collections materials in a variety of schemas; and performing conservation activities as necessary.
The successful candidate is expected to maintain an active, on-going program of scholarship appropriate to their discipline. In addition, faculty provide service to the department, college, university, community, and/or professional organizations. Other duties may be assigned by the chair or director.
As faculty in a student-centered teaching library, Library Department members strive to ensure that UWL students graduate as information literate citizens with the ability to recognize when information is needed, and with the ability to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively and ethically. Department members help provide many services and access to information resources that support and promote excellence in academic study and research, success in teaching and learning, and intellectual and cultural exploration. Murphy Library additionally serves the greater community as a regional information center.
The review of applications starts on October 22, 2026. Applications received on or before October 22nd are prioritized and review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually, with shortlisted candidates invited to campus.

Key Job Responsibilities

Library Department

Required Qualifications

• Masters in an ALA accredited Library Science program at time of application.
• Evidence of clear and effective communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Post-MLS experience working within an academic library setting, specifically involving archives and/or special collections.
• Experience with the management of records within the archival lifecycle, including appraisal, accession, arrangement and description, collection management, conservation, and access.
• Experience working with a government documents and/or map collection.
• Experience in a public-facing role working with students, faculty, community members, and prospective donors.
• Experience delivering services related to Information Literacy, including both reference and instruction.

TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed ‘First Review Date’. Applications received after that date may be considered at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials

UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC & Reference Check Policy

All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.uwlax.edu/student-life/student-resources/annual-security-report/ or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000.

Information about your benefits

• Paid vacation for 12-month positions.
• Excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage.
• Paid holidays and paid sick days.
• After 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career.
• Benefits atUWLare highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation.

Benefit eligibility is determined at the point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.