Digital Literacies & Ethics Librarian

The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) Libraries invites applications from collaborative and innovative candidates for the position of Digital Literacies & Ethics Librarian! 

 

Job Announcement

University of Colorado Boulder Libraries

Digital Literacies & Ethics Librarian

The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) Libraries invites applications from collaborative and innovative candidates for the position of Digital Literacies & Ethics Librarian! This tenure-track faculty position will focus on developing programming and educational opportunities, primarily for undergraduates, that encourage critical reflection on how we relate to and use emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. This position will advocate for responsible, explainable, and human-centered design and use of technologies, while seeking to protect the rights of users. The librarian will design synchronous and asynchronous learning content on critical literacies (including information, algorithmic, and digital literacies) that will be distributed in a variety of formats, such as libguides, self guided courses, workshops and workshop series, and credentials to be integrated into undergraduate curriculum. These learning materials and educational opportunities will promote the examination of emerging technologies to assess ethical considerations, to recognize inequalities and biases, and to measure the personal and societal implications and limitations of the tools.

This librarian will seek to cultivate digital confidence and agency in undergraduate students so they are best equipped to continuously navigate their relationship to technologies, recognizing that the process is complex and dependent on the individual and context. While the position will support all disciplines in collaboration with liaison librarians, this position may develop particular focus areas based on their expertise and team needs.

As a member of the University Libraries faculty, the Digital Literacies & Ethics 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. This position has the opportunity to work in a hybrid capacity. This tenure-track faculty position reports to the Head of the Learning & Engagement Team. A typical annual merit formula for tenure-track faculty is 40% librarianship, 40% research, and 20% service. The Learning & Engagement Team is part of the Success & Engagement Strategies Chapter. Please see the Libraries’ organizational chart.

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;
  • Demonstrated ability to develop partnerships, collaborate with and receive input from others;
  • Demonstrated ability to support a welcoming and inclusive environment;
  • Experience, knowledge, or coursework in current trends within the fields of critical literacies (including information, algorithmic, and digital literacies);
  • Experience or coursework designing and offering innovative, learner-centered educational opportunities;

What You Will Need

  • Potential for research, scholarly work, and professional service;
  • Demonstrated commitment to providing highly responsive teaching and learning practices;

What We Would Like You to Have

Evidence of any of the following will enhance a candidacy:

  • Record of professional service and scholarly or creative work;
  • Experience in an academic or research library;
  • Degree and/or professional experience in critical literacies (including information, algorithmic, and digital literacies) or related fields;
  • Familiarity with strategies for assessing the ethical use of technologies in higher education.

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

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. 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.

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 $73,000-$84,000. 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 $80,000-$90,000. 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 $95,000-$105,000.

Relocation assistance may be available within University Libraries guidelines.

Faculty receive limited professional development funds annually.

What You Should Know

This position is offered in a hybrid capacity. There will be an information session on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 from 1:00-1:45 pm. At this information session, the search committee will share information about theDigital Literacies & Ethics Librarian job search, working at CU Boulder, the tenure track, and answer attendee questions. A webinar link will be provided to registrants via email.

Application Process

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. It is recommended that applications be submitted by 11:59 pm on February 01, 2026, to receive full consideration. The application must be made online at CU Boulder Jobs (posting 69313) and must include the following:

  • 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.

Questions may be directed to George Karpoff, Search Coordinator, at George.Karpoff@Colorado.EDU.

Direct Link to Apply: https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/?jobId=69313

The candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin. The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and, when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history.

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 11 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 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.

Position Description

Digital Literacies & Ethics librarian

University of Colorado Boulder

The Digital Literacies & Ethics librarian is a tenure-track faculty position. This position will focus on developing programming and educational opportunities, primarily for undergraduates, that encourage critical reflection on how we relate to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. This position will advocate for responsible, explainable, and human-centered design and use of technologies, while seeking to protect the rights of users. The librarian will design synchronous and asynchronous learning content on critical literacies (including information, algorithmic, and AI literacies) that will be distributed in a variety of formats, such as libguides, self guided courses, workshops and workshop series, and credentials to be integrated into undergraduate curriculum. These learning materials and educational opportunities will promote the examination of emerging technologies to assess ethical considerations, to recognize inequalities and biases, and to measure the personal and societal implications and limitations of the tools.

This librarian will seek to cultivate digital confidence and agency in undergraduate students so they are best equipped to continuously navigate their relationship to technologies, recognizing that the process is complex and dependent on the individual and context. While the position will support all disciplines in collaboration with liaison librarians, this position may develop particular focus areas based on their expertise and team needs. The position will meet Success and Engagement Strategies service commitments, including staffing service points. Responsibilities include research and creative work and service in keeping with the tenure-track standards of the University of Colorado Boulder.

Responsibilities

  • Create learning opportunities that are hospitable, receptive, and welcoming to all campus learning communities;
  • Develop learning opportunities such as seminars, classes, digital materials, orientations and workshops on topics such as AI literacy, AI ethics, digital traces and identities, digital wellbeing, digital environmentalism, among others dependent on emerging needs;
  • Collaborate with various libraries’ units when goals align and complementary expertise can be leveraged, for example CRDDS, Research and Engagement Team, Branches and Services Team, Engaged Spaces Team, among others;
  • Participate in the University Libraries’ larger information literacy instruction programming;
  • Collaborate with faculty and staff, within and beyond the Libraries, to engage with issues related to teaching and learning, emerging technologies, and related literacies;
  • Engage in research and investigation to uncover campus and curricular needs as well as trends in higher education related to emerging technologies;
  • Investigate how we experience, participate, challenge, and mediate the digital-information spaces of our everyday lives;
  • Participate in programming that aligns with team priorities, ongoing student welcome activities, and community enrichment as appropriate;
  • Participate in special and collaborative projects as a member of the Learning and Engagement Team and perform duties as assigned by the section and team leads;
  • Provide services and research support in physical and virtual modalities as meets the needs of the team and Libraries;
  • Work closely with faculty and staff in other departments through various committees and groups to support the Libraries’ strategic direction and to engage with issues related to teaching, learning, and research.
  • Engage in research and service in keeping with the tenure standards of the University of Colorado Boulder.