Research Services and User Engagement Librarian

Research Services and User Engagement Librarian

Full Time

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At LSU Libraries Special Collections, the Research Services and User Engagement Librarian reports to the Head of Public and Research Services to support a wide range of user-centered services in the Hill Memorial Library Reading Room and across Special Collections. The librarian assists patrons onsite and remotely, facilitates access to collections, and helps maintain a welcoming, efficient research environment. They support staff training and contribute to service assessment to enhance the overall user experience.

This position is responsible for developing tools and resources that help researchers of all skill levels utilize Special Collections materials, finding aids, and services. The librarian engages with users to understand their needs, contributes to outreach and programming initiatives, and helps strengthen the visibility and impact of Special Collections. Additional responsibilities include fulfilling service requests, participating in departmental projects, and engaging in professional service activities.

This position is non-tenure track faculty.

LSU Libraries Special Collections seeks candidates with a strong service orientation and a genuine interest in working with researchers of varied backgrounds and experience levels. Position required to work some Saturdays and occasional evening shifts.

• 45% Reference: Leads several reference shifts in the Reading Room each week, including some Saturdays and occasional evenings. Monitors the reading room and front desk, coordinating with others in the Public and Research Services department to ensure a seamless user experience. Trains staff for Reading Room service shifts and provides instruction for staff use of platforms such as Aeon and Lib Answers.
  
  Contributes to ongoing training for staff engaged in public service duties. Reports metrics related to Reading Room use and reference queries. Provides consultations on archival and primary source research methods, conducting reference and research interviews with onsite and remote patrons.
• 30% User Engagement:
  Develops research support materials in a variety of formats (research guides, tutorials, videos, etc.) tailored to different audiences. Creates content that assists patrons and researchers of all skill levels in navigating Special Collections' holdings and access procedures. Engages with researchers to understand their needs. Tracks collections use and resulting publications or other secondary sources created utilizing Special Collections materials. With the Head of Research and Public Services, applies user experience research methods to collect and analyze data on researcher and visitor experiences.
• 15% Public and Research Services:
  Supports Special Collections' on-site and online presence. Contributes to Special Collections' social media and publicity efforts. Collaborates with others in Special Collections on special event planning, programming, and outreach activities within Special Collections and in the campus community. Assists with developing and leading tours of Hill Memorial Library. Assists in fulfilling duplication and interlibrary loan requests. Performs other departmental duties as assigned.
• 10% Service:
  Performs service to the libraries, university, and/or profession.

Master's in Library and Information Science or similar from an ALA-accredited institution; OR a related master's degree plus library or archive experience may substitute for an MLIS.

• Minimum of one year of experience in a library, archives, or special collections setting, including experience with public services, reference, and/or outreach.
• Subject knowledge in one or more of the LSU Libraries' Special Collections Library's primary collecting areas.
• Familiarity with User Experience Design in libraries (UX librarianship) and/or Universal Design.
• Experience promoting information literacy and critical engagement with primary sources.
• Experience using Spring Share applications and Aeon request management software.
• Demonstrated commitment to planning, implementing, and assessing user-centered services.

Please provide a cover letter, resume and three professional references including name, title, phone number and e-mail address. Attach pdf documents under the Resume/CV section of your application.

A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application. However, official transcripts are required prior to hire.

For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the Libraries Business Office at libadminsvs.

December 8, 2025

June 6, 2026

An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options;…