Guidelines for Faculty Ranks and Promotion
The criteria listed under each rank indicate the level of achievement candidates are
expected to meet or exceed in order to be promoted to that rank. Prior service as a
librarian/archivist or prior service in other professional activities qualifies for
consideration in meeting the criteria for length of service but is not automatically
applicable. The typical length of service is indicated for promotion to ranks II, III and
IV. These criteria exclude the year in which promotion would be considered.
Increasing levels of attainment for these criteria are expected as a librarian/archivist
moves sequentially through the ranks. The terminal degree typical for all librarian ranks
is an ALA-accredited master's degree in librarianship/information science or foreign
equivalent. Equivalency will be determined by the Libraries' Human Resources
Department in consultation with the University Librarian and Associate Provost. The
terminal degree appropriate for all archivist ranks is a master's degree in a subject area
related to archival work. Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA) certification is
necessary for continuing employment beyond 5 years and for rank advancement
beyond Archivist I for archivists. For documentation concerning the named criteria and
evidence of fulfillment see "Criteria for Appointment and Promotion."
Librarian I / Archivist I
Definition: Entry-level rank; used for persons with limited or no professional
experience.
Criteria:
- ALA-accredited master's degree in librarianship/information science or foreign
equivalent for librarians, or a relevant terminal degree; master's degree in a
subject area related to archival work for archivists.
- Exhibit the potential for successful overall performance as a librarian/archivist;
demonstrate the ability to meet the eligibility for ACA certification within 2 years
of employment and to fulfill the requirements of ACA certification by 4 years of
employment as an archivist. Employment will not exceed 5 years unless ACA
certification is met.
Librarian II / Archivist II
Definition: Lower intermediate rank.
Criteria:
- ALA-accredited master's degree in librarianship/information science or foreign
equivalent for librarians, or a relevant terminal degree; master's degree and
ACA certification for archivists.
- Successful job performance.
- Initial professional growth as evidenced by involvement in any of the following three areas;
- Service to the University/Libraries;
- Professional Activities; or,
- Research and other Creative Activities. Service to the community may be used as additional support.
Length of service:
Before meeting the criteria for promotion to Librarian II/Archivist II, an individual
appointed as a Librarian I/Archivist I will typically have completed 2 years of
professional experience by the promotion application deadline. Candidates may be
recommended for early promotion if they are especially meritorious.
Librarian III / Archivist III
Definition: Upper intermediate rank.
Criteria:
- ALA-accredited master's degree in librarianship/information science or foreign equivalent for librarians, or a relevant terminal degree; master's degree and current or previous ACA certification for archivists.
- Continued successful job performance. The candidate is expected to demonstrate the potential for:
a. performing or administering complex or highly specialized duties; or,
b. developing a high level of expertise in his/her specific area of librarianship/
archival work.
3. Continued professional growth since the candidate's last promotion as evidenced
by significant contributions selected from the following three areas:
a. Service to the University/Libraries;
b. Professional Activities; or,
c. Research and other Creative Activities. Service to the Community may be
used as additional support.
4. Demonstrated consistency and growth in the candidate's work and other
contributions along with a likelihood of continuing excellence.
Length of Service:
Before meeting the criteria for promotion to Librarian III/Archivist III, an individual
appointed or promoted to the rank of Librarian II/Archivist II will typically have
completed 5 years of professional experience by the promotion application deadline.
Candidates may be recommended for early promotion if they are especially meritorious.
Librarian IV / Archivist IV
Definition: Highest rank.
Criteria:
- ALA-accredited master's degree in librarianship/information science or foreign equivalent for librarians, or a relevant terminal degree; master's degree and ACA certification for archivists.
- Consistently successful job performance. The candidate is expected to:
a. perform or administer complex or highly specialized duties; or,
b. have developed and maintained a high level of expertise in his/her specific
area of librarianship/archival work.
- Recognized by his/her colleagues as being outstanding in at least one of the specific areas of librarianship/archival work.
- A record of sustained professional growth since the candidate's last promotion as evidenced by extensive contributions selected from the following three areas:
a. Service to the University/Libraries;
b. Professional Activities; or,
c. Research and other Creative Activities. Service to the Community may be
used as additional support.
Length of Service:
Before meeting the criteria for promotion to Librarian IV/Archivist IV, an individual
appointed or promoted to the rank of Librarian III/Archivist III will typically have
completed 10 years of cumulative professional experience by the promotion application
deadline. Candidates may be recommended for early promotion if they are especially
meritorious.