Humanities Librarian - (African American Studies and English Literature) Job at

Humanities Librarian – African American Studies & English Literature

Join to apply for the Humanities Librarian – (African American Studies and English Literature) role at University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Statement and EEO Statement: The University Library of the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign values diversity of thought, perspective, experience, and people, and is actively committed to a culture of inclusion and respect. We are dedicated to the practices of social justice, diversity, and equality, and we strive to overcome historical and divisive biases in our society and embrace diverse points of view as assets to the fabric of our community. All positions will be called on to contribute to building this environment in the Library and throughout the campus community, and we encourage candidates who share these values to apply. Additional information can be found on the Library’s DEIA webpage: https://www.library.illinois.edu/geninfo/deia/.

Position Summary: The University of Illinois at Urbana‑Champaign seeks a knowledgeable and dynamic individual to provide library services for African American Studies and global English Literatures and Language. The Humanities Librarian will be responsible for library collections and services in support of research, teaching, and learning, and for community outreach and engagement. The primary focus for African American Studies is Black history and culture in the United States, with a secondary focus on the broader western hemisphere African diaspora. For English Literatures and Language, the focus is on world literatures in English and translation, Creative Writing, and Writing Studies. As a subject specialist in the Arts and Humanities Division, the Humanities Librarian will report to the Head of the History, Philosophy, and Newspaper Library (HPNL) and work in close collaboration with the Literatures and Languages Library (LLL). The position will serve as the Library’s liaison to the Department of English and the Department of African American Studies, as well as to affiliated and interdisciplinary faculty and students. The Humanities Librarian will collaborate with colleagues in the Library’s Arts and Humanities Division, Special Collections Division, and International and Area Studies Division on collections and programming related to African American Studies and English Literature and will contribute subject expertise to library-wide DEIA initiatives such as changes to cataloging metadata. In collaboration with library colleagues in Teaching, Learning, and Academic Support (TLAS), the librarian will contribute to Library outreach and programming focused on student success to the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center.

The Humanities Librarian will also build and curate collections in all relevant formats to serve the research, teaching, and learning needs of the University community. The librarian will maintain a high level of expertise in their subject area(s) and work closely with related areas on collection development, exhibitions, and public programming, advocating the use of primary sources in the curriculum. As a land‑grant institution committed to community outreach and engagement, the Humanities Librarian will support initiatives that strengthen collaboration between the community and the University and promote community access to and engagement with the resources of the University Library.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serves as the University Library’s subject specialist for African American Studies.
• Serves as the University Library’s subject specialist for world literatures in English and in translation, Creative Writing, and Writing Studies.
• Serves as a liaison to the Department of African American Studies and the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center.
• Serves as a liaison to the Department of English and related interdisciplinary programs.
• Depending on qualifications and Library/unit needs, may serve as the Library’s liaison/subject specialist for an additional subject area in the humanities.
• Develops and manages collections in all formats in areas of responsibility, and works closely with faculty to establish collection priorities and develop collections in all formats relevant to the subject areas.
• Develops, promotes, and provides in‑depth, subject‑based reference, research, and instruction services to faculty and students in liaison areas, including office hours; integrates library instruction into the curriculum.
• Develops and maintains research guides, web sites, and instructional materials.
• Works with colleagues to develop both campus‑ and community‑focused programming related to African American Studies and other subject responsibilities.
• Keeps current with theoretical, methodological, and topical trends in subject areas of responsibilities.
• Contributes to the national and international reputation of the University Library through professional research, service, and collaboration with national colleagues, organizations, and consortia.

Qualifications

• ALA‑accredited MS‑LIS or equivalent, or a PhD in a relevant field (completed by start date) combined with at least two years of professional work experience in an academic library.
• Demonstrated knowledge of African American history and culture.
• Knowledge of trends, issues, and resources in humanities research.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively to manage multiple tasks effectively in a team environment.
• Experience working with a diverse community.
• Evidence of the ability to do research, publication, and service consonant with University standards for tenure and promotion.

Preferred

• Coursework in English literature.
• Experience with, or coursework in, collection development and management.
• Teaching experience or coursework in classroom instruction.

Environment: The University of Illinois is a predominantly residential university. Most employees, including both academic and classified personnel, are expected to maintain an onsite presence to meet institutional needs. The University Library is a leader in the delivery of user services and offers research, instruction, access, and scholarly services that support the campus community. The Library curates over 15‑million printed volumes and 23‑million manuscripts and other resources to students, faculty, and scholars on campus and across the State of Illinois. The Library is committed to maintaining the strongest collections and service programs possible, engaging in research, development, and scholarly practice to support the University’s missions of teaching, research, and public engagement.

Salary and Rank: The budgeted salary range for this open‑rank faculty position is $65,000 to $85,000 and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Terms of Appointment: Twelve‑month appointment; 24 annual vacation days; 11 annual paid holidays; 12 annual sick‑leave days (cumulative), plus an additional 13 sick‑leave days (non‑cumulative) available each year; health insurance requires a small co‑payment; participation in State Universities Retirement System; additional retirement plans available; newly‑hired employees receive Medicare coverage.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information: Apply through the official system. All required application materials must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on November 30, 2025. Submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names/email addresses of four professional references by the close date. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.

Contact: Search Coordinator Aneitre Johnson, 217‑265‑0244. For questions regarding the application process, contact 217‑333‑2137. The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process.

Requisition ID: 1033573