POSITION: Research and Instruction Librarian for the Social Sciences, Washington & Lee University
LOCATION: Lexington, VA
SALARY: $68,000 - $75,000
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin September 14, 2026, and continue until position is filled

Research and Instruction Librarian for the Social Sciences

 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. 
  • As a member of the Research Services team, provides general outreach and expert research advice to students, faculty, staff, administrators, and community visitors.  
  • Collaborates with colleagues across the library to recommend selection and deselection of research and teaching resources for the library’s collection.  

  • Serves as a faculty member of the College.  

    • Participates in teaching activities of the library, which may include advising students and/or teaching credit bearing courses, among other opportunities.  
    • Engages in pertinent ongoing service, research, scholarship, and/or creative activity as defined by the library’s Departmental Faculty Development Document.  
    • Participates in professional development activities as appropriate to meet personal and departmental goals and objectives.  
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the University Librarian or Head of Research Services. 

Compensation

The expected salary for this position is between $68,000 - $75,000. Offers are based on factors such as relevant education, experience, internal equity, and market and organizational considerations.

Washington and Lee University offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of employees and their families, as well as substantial support for faculty development through professional development funding and a strong culture of mentorship. To learn more about working at W&L, employee benefits, and life in the Shenandoah Valley, visit jobs.wlu.edu.

Qualifications

  • ALA-accredited MLS or equivalent relevant terminal degree. Holding a terminal degree in a relevant field is a requirement of faculty status. 
  • Any combination of experience and coursework in the fundamentals of subject-based research support, such as information literacy, reference, instruction, and collection management. This may include pre-degree experience. 
  • Demonstrated interest in one or more of the following social science fields taught at Washington and Lee: sociology, anthropology, journalism, mass communication, education, or women and gender studies. 

Application Instructions

Review of applications will begin September 14, 2026, and continue until position is filled.  

Candidates should submit:  

  • A letter of application describing interest in the position and addressing the qualifications.  
  • A complete professional CV.  

Names and contact information for three professional or academic references will be requested from finalists.  

All materials should be submitted via Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/191078.

University Librarian K.T. Vaughan is eager to speak with potential candidates who have questions before applying. Please contact her at [email protected].  

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Washington and Lee is an Equal Opportunity Employer seeking candidates committed to high standards of scholarship, performance, professionalism, and to a welcoming campus community. Job description requirements are representative, but not all‐inclusive of the knowledge, skill, and abilities needed to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.