Description

Under the general supervision of the Associate Dean for Academic Services, the Business Librarian serves as a strategic partner to align instructional support, research services, and collection decisions with Cal Poly’s "Learn by Doing" philosophy. A central responsibility of the position is sustained engagement as the primary liaison to the Orfalea College of Business (OCOB), where they support undergraduate and graduate programs across the San Luis Obispo, Solano, and community college 2+2 degree contexts. Additionally, the Business Librarian plays a lead liaison role for Agribusiness in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES), supporting hands-on, interdisciplinary programs that integrate quantitative analysis and industry engagement. In this capacity, the position will also support the growing portfolio of innovation and entrepreneurship at Cal Poly, ensuring strategic library alignment with campus-wide initiatives.

Because business-related research and instruction are highly interdisciplinary at Cal Poly, the role extends to several academic units including Marine Transportation, Wine and Viticulture, Industrial Manufacturing and Engineering, Graphic Communication, and the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. To meet evolving curricular priorities and accreditation requirements, the Business Librarian actively collaborates with library colleagues, students, faculty, and administrators. This work is executed through a strategic blend of shared services, internal capacity building, and leadership in research consultation and outreach to ensure a vibrant learning experience across all business-related disciplines at Cal Poly.

In addition to discipline-specific liaison responsibilities, the Business Librarian contributes to library-wide initiatives that advance institutional goals and learning outcomes. These include general reference, campus engagement, and service activities that strengthen the library’s role as an integrated academic partner.

Tenure-track librarians hold full faculty status and are expected to be prepared to meet the requirements for tenure and promotion. This includes supporting their practice through an active program of scholarship or creative work; participating in shared governance; and contributing service at the library, campus, and professional levels in alignment with the goals of the University Library, Cal Poly, and the California State University system.

Kennedy Library recognizes that candidates may have acquired relevant experience in a variety of ways.  We expect candidates to be stronger in some required qualifications than others.  We are committed to helping future colleagues expand their skills as well as learning from their areas of strength.

Professional Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary library liaison to the Orfalea College of Business and the Agricultural Business Department in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, actively integrating library programs, services, and resources into curricular and research activities.
• Provides specialized business reference and research services, including scheduled and unscheduled consultations via email, chat, phone, and in-person.
• Designs and delivers workshops, orientations, and instructional materials in both in-person and online environments.
• In collaboration with library colleagues, builds and maintains the Library’s collections in all formats to support business curricular and research needs at Cal Poly.
• Takes individual and collaborative measures to understand constituent needs, assess the reach and effectiveness of library services, and close the assessment loop by taking steps to ensure the Cal Poly goal of universal student success.
• Develops and assists with library outreach and collaborative initiatives, participates in campus events, and fosters community engagement for the mutual benefit of students and the region.
• Active and contributing member of the Academic Services team.

Professional Growth and Contribution

Leverages knowledge of users’ needs and trends in librarianship and business education to develop and maintain effective programs that support innovative teaching, learning, and productive research.
Maintains awareness of trends in scholarly communication, data management, and other emerging program areas, integrating these into outreach and instructional services for business-related programs and the university.
Engages in an active program of research and scholarship, including externally validated presentations and publications.
Contributes to the knowledge base of the profession, particularly within areas of specialized expertise.

Service and Other Activities

• Serves on select library, university, and system-wide committees, working groups, and special initiatives related to professional expertise and the needs of the library.
• Contributes to shared governance as an active member of the library and campus faculties.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree, or substantial subject experience, in business, economics, marketing, or a related field.
Ability to articulate trade-offs, advocate for resources in consortial decision-making, and incorporate diverse economic perspectives, global contexts, and nontraditional research outputs.
Familiarity with evidence synthesis practices and their implications for research support and collection strategy.
Familiarity or expertise with quantitative, statistical, or spatial analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, ArcGIS, or programming languages/environments such as R).
Skill in using instructional software and multimedia tools (such as Camtasia, Articulate, Powtoon, etc.), to create engaging learning experiences.
General public services experience in an academic or special library.
Professional competency in Spanish.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS 

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought. 

Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions require heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community. 

For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community. 

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California. It is also expected that tenure-line faculty will establish an on-campus presence to fulfill their responsibilities.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

 About the University

Founded in 1901 and located in San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly is a nationally ranked public university within the California State University (CSU) system. Consistently recognized as the best public master’s-level university in the West by U.S. News & World Report and a 5-star institution by Money magazine, Cal Poly is currently undergoing a historic evolution as it prepares for full integration with the former CSU Maritime on July 1, 2026.

The university is defined by its signature “Learn by Doing” philosophy, which empowers over 22,000 students in San Luis Obispo and 800 students at the Cal Poly Maritime Academy to solve complex, real-world problems. By taking learning beyond the classroom in disciplines ranging from business and engineering to agriculture and the humanities, Cal Poly ensures students are "Ready Day One" to lead and innovate. At the heart of this mission is a steadfast commitment to student success, fostered through small class sizes and close faculty mentorship that prepare graduates to impact their communities, California, and the world. 

Current Context

In October 2021, Cal Poly began transitioning from a quarter to a semester calendar system, set to take effect in the 2026–2027 academic year. This shift aims to enhance teaching and learning depth, balance faculty research and instruction, streamline transfer pathways, and align with the rest of the 22 campus California State University (CSU) system. Enrollment is projected to grow as part of CSU’s broader goals and financial incentives, with plans to reach about 25,000 students by 2035. Cal Poly also seeks designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). Starting in 2027–2028, the university plans a phased implementation of Year-Round Operations (YRO), enabling students to start in summer or spring terms and encouraging ongoing students to engage in high-impact experiences, such as internships and study abroad, during off-terms. Cal Poly Maritime Academy enrolls approximately 800 students and is strategically planning to expand enrollment to 1,300 students by 2030. Cal Poly is also selectively building 2+2 degree programs for specific majors with Cuesta Community College and Allan Hancock  Community College as academic partners.

The CSU system serves over 350,000 students and employs 53,000 faculty and staff. With a $7 billion annual budget, it is known for providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable education. Its Graduation Initiative 2025 (GI 2025) focuses on boosting graduation rates and closing opportunity and achievement gaps across all campuses.

HOW TO APPLY 
Please attach to your electronic application the following materials:   

1. Cover letter  
2. Current curriculum vita  
3. Universal Student Success Statement - Cal Poly is a public, student-centered university that serves the diverse constituents of the state of California and has a strong emphasis on the teacher-scholar model. Please detail your approach to teaching and learning at the collegiate level, including evidence of experience with inclusive, accessible, and intentional teaching, to a wide variety of students and a description of how you will continue to develop this expertise at Cal Poly. Service or scholarship related to skills developed in these areas might also be included here. For librarian applicants, evidence of inclusive and intentional teaching may encompass support for information literacy , the provision of accessible tools for learning or discovery, or of research services that empower a diverse student body in their academic pursuits, etc.
4. Unofficial transcripts showing highest degree earned. Official sealed transcript showing highest degree earned will be required prior to appointment. 
   Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the application. Cal Poly will directly solicit letters from the individuals listed by applicants.

This position is open until filled.   

Projected Start Date: July 31, 2026 

Review Begin Date: March 23,2026.  Applicants with complete files by the Review Begin Date will be given full consideration.  Applications received after this date may be considered.

Requirements

• ALA-accredited Master’s Degree in Library and Information Sciences, or comparable experience with a relevant advanced degree, at the time of appointment.
• Three years of relevant experience.
• Skill in using business information resources, including economic, financial, legal, management, competitive intelligence, and marketing data sources.
• Familiarity with content, licensing, and functionality considerations for core academic and/or commercial business information products.
• Awareness of equity-related issues in business and economics, such as sustainability, inclusive entrepreneurship, and structural dynamics affecting leadership, education, and labor.
• Experience providing instruction and/or reference support for entrepreneurship, company/industry research, labor relations, operations and supply chain management, or intellectual property information needs.
• Ability to design and deliver effective, accessible learning experiences in in-person, virtual, and asynchronous environments.
• Experience or demonstrated ability communicating and promoting library services to varied audiences.
• Experience participating in collections planning, assessment, or prioritization.
• Ability to work at both tactical and strategic levels, translating disciplinary needs into sustainable research support and collections approaches.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, with and in support of culturally diverse faculty, students, and staff.
• Excellent oral and written communication, collaboration, and project management skills.