Research Librarian - Temporary Pool

About Commonwealth University

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education unites Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities as Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. We are boldly transforming higher education in our region by honoring our history, investing in today's challenges, and building a powerful tomorrow. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive, accessible, and high-quality college experience that serves as a pillar for our communities while meeting the economic and workforce development needs of Pennsylvania and beyond.

About the Role

The Temporary Research Librarian operates under the authority of the Director of the Commonwealth University Libraries. This role is designed to support the intellectual and personal growth of students and faculty by assisting undergraduate, graduate, and faculty researchers in locating relevant information. The position is integral to the Library's Information Literacy Instruction program and involves participating in assigned liaison responsibilities with academic departments.

As a team member, you will cooperate with other librarians and staff to perform professional duties as directed. You are expected to stay informed about current events in the Library profession that are pertinent to your responsibilities. This temporary pool position allows for flexibility, with assignments to one of the campus locations (Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, or Mansfield) based on university needs. Start dates vary, with appointments anticipated to arise between now and spring 2026, contingent upon student enrollment and available funding.

Hiring Process

To apply for the Temporary Research Librarian pool, candidates must submit a letter of application, resume, transcripts (official or unofficial), and the names and contact information for three professional references. Questions regarding the application should be directed to Michael Coffta, Business Research Librarian and Chair of the CU Libraries' Temporary Pool Committee, at mcoffta@commonwealthu.edu.

The application deadline for this pool is March 1, 2026. Finalists must demonstrate strong communication skills and successfully complete an interview process, which may include a teaching demonstration as judged by the department faculty. A recommendation for hiring is required from a majority of the regular, full-time department faculty.

Offers of employment are conditional upon the successful completion of background clearances mandated by Act 153 of 2014 and Board of Governors Policy 2014-01-A. Applicants must complete the Applicant Acknowledgement Consent Form, Provisional Hire Form, Pennsylvania State Police, and Justifacts portions prior to the start date. Remaining PA Child Abuse History and FBI Clearances must be completed within the first 90 days of employment.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Commonwealth University, we recognize our responsibility to continuously support a living, learning, and working environment that values the diverse contributions from all members of our campus community. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) enriches our campus and is instrumental to our institutional success. We strive to cultivate a climate that allows all members to embrace DEI as we achieve success in the classroom, in our work responsibilities, and in our professional lives.

We actively support and promote the intellectual and personal growth of our students, providing workshops, trainings, and programs designed to broaden the knowledge and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our campus community. We ensure that all learning and living environments throughout our campus are welcoming and capable of serving all individuals.

Commonwealth University prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital or family status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability. We comply with federal, state, and local non-discrimination and equal opportunity laws, including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.

For inquiries regarding Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crimes Statistics Act, please contact the Title IX Coordinator or the University Police Department.