William & Mary Libraries is seeking proposals for the next W&M Libraries Faculty Scholar. This position, created in 2016, supports a tenured W&M faculty member working full-time to advance an open educational resource (open textbook, digital exhibit, multimedia, oral history project, etc.) while furthering library and institutional priorities. While we welcome projects of any type, we especially encourage projects that work with materials owned by W&M Libraries Special Collections Research Center.
This position will work closely with library staff to advance new or existing research and make it accessible. Additionally, the Scholar will support the Dean of University Libraries to advance faculty-librarian partnerships, enhance collections, expand alumni relationships, and promote W&M Libraries to multiple constituencies.
The period of the award is up to three academic years, beginning in January 2027. W&M Libraries funds a replacement instructor in the department while the Scholar is on assignment in the Library.
The foundational expectations for the William & Mary Libraries Faculty Scholar are:
- Develop a research project that adheres to open access principles, and is strengthened by the presence of librarians, archivists, and other library staff members.
- Explore grants and other external funding to advance the project, especially as it relates to continued funding and preservation beyond the term of the position.
- Identify materials to add to the library’s general and special collections, as appropriate, and in collaboration with librarians and archivists
- Be an informed advocate for issues related to library priorities (e.g. open educational resources, institutional repository, etc.).
- Assist William & Mary Libraries to identify alumni and supporters who will relish an opportunity to invest in digital projects and library priorities.
- Evaluate and refine the William & Mary Libraries Scholar program for future faculty.
- Obtain consent and copyright permissions, in concert with W&M Libraries, to ensure the project meets requirements to make it available for open access.
- Participate in library initiatives (example: serve as a faculty judge for the W&M Libraries’ annual Undergraduate Research Awards).
What does the library provide for the Faculty Scholar?
- Dedicated time to pursue your research/project
- Office space within Swem Library
- Support for professional development (funding provided to attend the Digital Humanities Summer Institute)
- Funding to hire one student assistant
- Software licenses, as needed
- Support for special guest speakers/events related to the project
Anticipated timeline for Scholar:
- First year: research and planning
- Second year: development of the project
- Third year: implementation of the project
Read more about former W&M Libraries Faculty Scholars and their related projects.
Contact:
Faculty interested in this position are encouraged to schedule a discussion with their assigned library liaison to flesh out ideas and brainstorm collaboratively.
Application and Review Process:
Interested candidates should complete the online application, which includes the following questions, and submit a C.V.
- What specific research/project would you have planned for the year?
- What is the project’s significance to your research agenda?
- How will the project complement, challenge, or expand existing work in the field?
- What are your expected outcomes?
- How will you partner with the library on the project?
Proposals are due Friday, April 3.
Applications will be reviewed by a committee of library staff, faculty, and administrators. Award decisions are based on the promise of the project, its scope, and the ability of the library to address the project’s needs.
Virtual Information Session: Feb. 25
Interested in becoming the next Faculty Scholar? Attend our virtual information session on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. to hear from library leadership and former faculty scholars and to ask questions. Register to receive the Zoom link.