What are the responsibilities and job description for the History Librarian position at University of Colorado?
Requisition Number:
75532
Location:
Boulder, Colorado
City
Boulder
State
Colorado
Employment Type:
Faculty
Schedule:
Full-Time
Posting Close Date:
15-Nov-2026
Date Posted:
19-Oct-2026
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Job Summary
The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder Libraries) is seeking collaborative, innovative, and user-centered candidates for the position of History Librarian! This tenure-track faculty position will partner with the Department of History to support teaching, learning, and research through developing collections, delivering instruction, and providing research support that advances the study of history across the university.
The History Librarian contributes to undergraduate and graduate education through information literacy instruction and other learning opportunities that foster critical engagement with information, evidence, and the historical record. Working collaboratively with faculty and library colleagues, the position supports the integration of library resources and expertise into the curriculum and helps students develop the research skills necessary for academic success and lifelong learning. The History Librarian also supports evolving approaches to teaching and scholarship by engaging with emerging technologies and their impact on research, learning, and the creation of knowledge. Through collaboration across the Libraries and the university, the position promotes equitable access to collections including primary sources, services, and learning opportunities while contributing to an inclusive environment that supports the success of all learners and researchers.
As a member of the University Libraries faculty, the History Librarian will be expected to maintain a record of scholarly research/creative work, participate in professional service activities, and actively engage in faculty governance, in keeping with the tenure standards of the University of Colorado Boulder. A typical annual merit formula for tenure-track faculty is 40% librarianship, 40% research, and 20% service.
This position has the opportunity to work in a hybrid capacity and reports to the Head of the Collections Engagement Unit. The Collections Engagement Unit is part of the Researcher & Collections Engagement Department, which is part of the Success and Engagement Strategies Division. Please see the Libraries' organizational chart.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
Mission
We are a knowledge catalyst. We fuel inquiry, discovery, collaboration, creation, and the dissemination of knowledge. We welcome everyone, wherever they are on their educational journey.
Vision
An information-empowered world.
Values
Include * Empower * Connect * Learn * Inspire
Our values define our interactions within the Libraries and radiate outwardly. This means that we develop a culture that compassionately and authentically embodies our values in all aspects of our work.
The University Libraries encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that person may be one who comes from a less traditional background. As you review the qualifications, please think about how your qualifications are transferable if (at first) they do not seem directly related. Share how your skills translate in your cover letter. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every preferred qualification.
About the University and the Libraries
As the flagship University of a multi-campus system in the State of Colorado, CU Boulder is a dynamic community of scholars and learners situated on one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country. As one of 35 U.S. public institutions belonging to the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) we have a proud tradition of academic excellence, with five Nobel laureates and more than 50 members of prestigious academic academies.
The University is committed to Colorado communities through collaborative research, innovation and entrepreneurship. Our faculty, staff and students work with the broader community to establish unique connections that have lasting outcomes-both across Colorado and around the world. Today, with our sights set on becoming the standard for the outstanding comprehensive public research universities of the new century, we strive to serve the people of Colorado and to engage with the world through excellence in our teaching, research, creative work, and service. The CU Systemwide Lands Recognition Statement, arrived at after connecting with Native American groups on all CU campuses, chancellors and system leadership, is available at https://president.cu.edu/statements/cu-systemwide-lands-recognition-statement.
The University Libraries faculty and staff are dedicated, and hardworking people from a variety of backgrounds who share this vision and mission. Librarians participate at all levels of the campus and hold full faculty status and rank. Our organization employs professionals of various academic tracks and ranks as well as university and classified staff, and all work is valued and appreciated regardless of position type. The Libraries are a member of the Association of Research Libraries and hold the largest collection in the Rocky Mountain region with over 9 million books, periodicals, government publications, audiovisual materials, microforms, maps, manuscripts, papers, and computer-based resources. The Libraries are a long-standing member of the Program for Cooperative Cataloging Program. The Libraries faculty and staff collaborate internally, with colleagues beyond the campus and with our clients to advance information literacy, intellectual freedom, lifelong learning, the disciplinary growth of information, and the amplification of knowledge.
About the History Department
The CU Boulder History Department has an energetic group of excellent and award-winning faculty who specialize in premodern and modern history in regions across the globe, including China, Japan, India, the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Europe, and the United States of America. The History Department's faculty also pursue multiple historical methodologies and approaches, including cultural, diplomatic, demographic, economic, environmental, ethnic, gender, intellectual, legal, political, religious, social and transnational history.
About Boulder, Colorado
Boulder and the surrounding area are known as one of the best places to live because of the spectacular setting, acres of open space, and vibrant atmosphere. At 5,430 feet above sea level, acres of vast open space entwine into Boulder's cityscape nestled into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Home to approximately 106,000 residents, Boulder has a mild, dry climate with more than 300 days of sunshine per year! Boulder offers activities for every interest.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Collection Development: leverages their subject expertise, relationships, and interactions to inform building inclusive history collections that are responsive to community needs, both within the department and across the many disciplines that rely on the history collection.
- Instruction: builds information literacy teaching and learning into the University curriculum related to History specific areas, competencies, and techniques. Engages with digital and information literacy through attention to emerging AIrelated issues in research and teaching, including critical assessment of generative AI tools and examination of AI in historical contexts.
- Relationship Building: builds bridges between the libraries and the university community while partnering with internal collaborators to connect people to the full range of the libraries' resources and services.
- Reference/Consultation: advises and guides users conducting history research to enable learning and connect them to library resources and services.
- Subject Expertise: Understands subject and disciplinary needs and how those relate to the curricular, programmatic, research, and teaching needs of the faculty and students within History and other assigned subject areas depending upon interest, expertise, and the needs of the Libraries.
- Advocacy: leverages their subject expertise and area relationships to translate and advocate for library priorities to their liaison areas.
- Collaboration: participates in Libraries project groups, steering groups, and communities of practice as appropriate; participates actively in the chapter's public service mission by providing coverage at Libraries' service points. Actively collaborates with liaisons across disciplines to support historical research happening across campus.
- Maintain a sustained record of substantive scholarship and creative work, and demonstrate a continued commitment to leadership and service.
What You Should Know
This position is offered in a hybrid capacity. There will be an information session on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 from 11:00-11:45 am MT. At this information session, the search committee will share information about the History Librarian job search, working at CU Boulder, the tenure track, and answer attendee questions. A webinar link will be provided to registrants via email.
What We Can Offer
- The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit, and an ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment.
- The successful candidate will be appointed as a full-time (12-month) tenure track faculty member at the Assistant Professor rank. The starting salary range for Assistant Professor is $75,000-$90,000. A candidate that meets the University and Libraries criteria for hire with tenure may be eligible for the rank of Associate Professor with a starting salary range of $83,000-$110,000. A candidate with a career of excellence and significant growth, development, and accomplishment post-tenure may be eligible for the rank of Full Professor with a starting salary range of $97,000-$130,000.
- Relocation assistance may be available within University Libraries guidelines.
- Faculty receive limited professional development funds annually and pre-tenure assistant professors may be eligible for additional start-up funding.
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.
What We Require
Please address each of these qualifications in your application materials:
- Master's Degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution; or a terminal degree in a related field, such as a PhD in History, with one year of relevant professional experience in a library or cultural heritage institution;
- Demonstrated ability to develop partnerships and collaborations as well as actively seek and incorporate input from others while supporting a welcoming and inclusive environment;
- Knowledge of teaching, research, reference, and collection development issues and trends within the field of history librarianship;
- Experience or coursework developing innovative, user-centered learning opportunities to enhance research or teaching.
What You Will Need
- Potential for research, scholarly work, and professional service;
- Familiarity with academic research and scholarly communication methods in the field of History and ability to keep up to date with new and emerging research trends.
What We Would Like You to Have
Evidence of any of the following will enhance a candidacy:
- Educational background in a related field (such as History) or professional experience in a history-related field;
- Experience developing or managing collections in support of academic programs or research needs;
- Experience designing or delivering information literacy instruction.
- Experience providing research assistance, consultations, instruction, or other user-centered services in an academic, research, cultural heritage, or educational setting.
- Familiarity with emerging technologies and their application to teaching, learning, or research in History.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- A cover letter of application specifically addressing qualifications for the position
- CV/Resume
References will be requested at a later stage in the search process.
Review of applications will begin immediately. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm on November 15, 2026, to receive full consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Salary : $83,000 - $110,000