Washington and Lee University: University Library
Location: Lexington, VA
Open Date: Aug 12, 2026
Deadline:
Description
Washington and Lee University Library welcomes applications from collaborative, user-focused, and inclusive early career librarians to join the Research Services team as Research and Instruction Librarian for the Social Sciences.
Reporting to the Head of Research Services, the Research and Instruction Librarian for the Social Sciences will: serve as the primary liaison to disciplines in or related to the social sciences; contribute to general reference and instruction, collection management, and outreach activities in collaboration with the Research Services team; and participate in service and scholarship activities as a member of the University Library and College faculties.
The Research and Instruction Librarian for the Social Sciences will be a 12-month, non-tenure track faculty member at the Assistant Professor rank. The appointment begins on or after January 1, 2027.
About the University and the Library
Washington and Lee University is a nationally ranked, private liberal arts institution located in Lexington, Virginia. W&L integrates the rigorous inquiry and critical thinking of a liberal arts curriculum with nationally accredited undergraduate programs in business and journalism, and a graduate School of Law. Our academic units are strengthened by meaningful collaborations, all in the service of the university's mission. With an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 1,860, our small size enables students to find mentors and develop personal relationships across campus. W&L is committed to institutional citizenship. We regard liberal arts education as an important public good, of value not only to our students and alumni, but also to the larger communities in which we live.
Washington and Lee University promotes a dynamic and welcoming environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in teaching and for rigorous scholarship. We welcome applications from candidates that would contribute to the University's mission and strategic plan.
The University Library serves W&L's central mission of teaching, learning, and research in the liberal arts through close engagement with undergraduate and campus communities. We steward approximately 1.6M physical and digital items in 100,000+ square feet of public space with a total faculty/staff of 23. The University Library is the home of W&L's Digital Culture and Information (DCI) minor program. Library faculty serve as initial and minor program advisors for undergraduates, may teach courses in DCI and other disciplines, and participate in faculty governance, service, and scholarship opportunities.
Essential and Related Functions
- Serves as the library's primary liaison to academic departments in or related to the social sciences for the purposes of supporting disciplinary teaching and research and facilitating communication between the library and departments. This may include information literacy instruction, subject-based reference and consultative services, and departmental and individual outreach.