Library faculty hold the ranks of Librarian I-IV. Each rank requires a master’s
degree from an American Library Association accredited program or a graduate
degree in another field where appropriate. The master’s degree is considered
the terminal degree. Click here to see University policy on this position.
Permanent status is an institutional commitment to permanent and continuous
employment to be terminated only for adequate cause (for example, professional
or scholarly misconduct; incompetence; moral turpitude; or willful neglect
of duty) and only after due process in accordance with relevant USM and
campus policies. Permanent status is available for
library faculty holding the rank of Librarian III and Librarian IV. Those
candidates without permanent status applying for the rank of Librarian
III and Librarian IV shall be considered concurrently for permanent status.
Click the title to show or hide policy information.
Librarian I
This is an entry level rank, assigned to librarians with little or no professional library experience. This rank does not carry permanent status.
Librarian II
Librarians at this rank have demonstrated professional development evidenced
by achievement of a specialization in a subject, service, technical, administrative,
or other area of value to the library. The rank normally leads to review for permanent status
and promotion.
Librarian III
Librarians at this rank have a high level of
competence in performing professional duties requiring specialized knowledge
or experience. They shall have served the Libraries, the campus, or the
community in some significant way; have shown evidence of creative or scholarly
contribution; and have been involved in mentoring and providing developmental
opportunities for their colleagues. They shall have shown promise of continued
productivity in librarianship, service, and scholarship or creativity.
Promotion to this rank from within the Libraries confers permanent status;
appointment to this rank from outside the Libraries may confer permanent
status.
Librarian IV
Librarians at this rank show evidence of superior
performance at the highest levels of specialized work and professional
responsibility. They have shown evidence of and demonstrate promise for
continued contribution in valuable service and significant creative or
scholarly contribution. Such achievement must include leadership roles
and have resulted in the attainment of Libraries, campus, state, regional,
national, or international recognition. This rank carries permanent status.