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In Public Humanities Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

... the public library field.FUNCTIONS AND DUTIESProvides reference services and reader's advisory ... A four-year degree from an accredited college or university in the social sciences, humanities, or ...

In Public Humanities information

What is public humanities?

Public humanities refer to the practice of making the study and interpretation of history, culture, literature, and other humanities subjects accessible and relevant to the general public. Professionals in this field engage communities through museums, cultural organizations, digital projects, oral histories, and public programs. The goal is to foster dialogue, preserve cultural heritage, and connect academic research with everyday life. Public humanities practitioners often work in education, outreach, and advocacy roles to build bridges between academic scholarship and diverse communities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in public humanities?

To thrive in Public Humanities, you need a background in humanities disciplines, project management, and community engagement, often supported by relevant academic degrees or experience. Familiarity with digital tools for public outreach, archival research, and content creation, such as Omeka or WordPress, is common. Strong communication, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity are vital soft skills for building relationships with diverse communities. These skills ensure effective public engagement, the successful dissemination of humanities scholarship, and the creation of inclusive programs that have real social impact.

How does a professional in public humanities typically collaborate with community partners and stakeholders?

Professionals in Public Humanities regularly work with a variety of community groups, cultural organizations, and educational institutions to co-develop programs, exhibitions, or events. Successful collaboration often involves active listening, flexibility, and a commitment to shared authority, ensuring that community voices help shape the project's direction. These partnerships can present challenges such as balancing institutional goals with community needs and navigating differing expectations, but they are central to the field's impact and relevance. Building strong relationships and clear communication channels is key to fostering trust and achieving meaningful, mutually beneficial outcomes.

What is the difference between In Public Humanities vs Public History?

AspectIn Public HumanitiesPublic History
CredentialsMaster's degree in humanities, history, or related fieldsMaster's degree in history, public history, or related fields
Work EnvironmentMuseums, cultural organizations, educational institutionsMuseums, historic sites, archives, government agencies
Industry UsageAcademic, nonprofit, cultural sectorsHeritage sites, museums, government agencies
Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles involving community engagement and educationFocuses more on historical interpretation and preservation

In Public Humanities and Public History share overlapping skills and work environments, often involving community engagement and educational outreach. However, In Public Humanities tends to have a broader focus on cultural and societal issues, while Public History emphasizes historical interpretation, preservation, and working directly with historical sites and archives.

What careers can I do with in public humanities?

In public humanities, careers include roles such as museum curator, historic site manager, public historian, cultural program coordinator, and community outreach specialist. These positions often require skills in research, communication, and public engagement, and may involve working with archives, educational programs, or cultural institutions.

What are popular job titles related to In Public Humanities jobs in Utah?

For In Public Humanities jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Utah are hiring for In Public Humanities jobs?

Cities in Utah with the most In Public Humanities job openings:

BYU Library - Communications, Humanities, and Film Librarian, FT Faculty CFS Professional

Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Brigham Young University rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 89 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

339th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Title:

BYU Library - Communications, Humanities, and Film Librarian, FT Faculty CFS Professional

Posting End Date: October 17, 2026

*NOTE: Last day to apply is Friday October 16, 2026 @ 11:59 p.m. (MST)

Position Start Date:May 3, 2027

Required Degree:

MLS from an ALA-accredited program with an undergraduate degree, minor, or emphasis in communications, humanities, or film, or a related field;

OR

Advanced degree in communications, humanities, or film (candidates hired without an MLS must complete an ALA-accredited MLS within 44 months of hire).

Experience:

Experience working in a library, preferably an academic library.

Additional advanced degree and/or experience with the humanities, communications, film, or a related field in an academic environment preferred.

Duties/Expectations:

Mentoring:

All library faculty are expected to contribute significantly to an education that is spiritually strengthening, intellectually enlarging, and character-building and that leads to lifelong learning and service by mentoring students. This will take place through integration with citizenship and/or professional assignment.

Citizenship (5-10%):

All library faculty are expected to:

  • Support and further the mission of the university and the Aims of a BYU Education.
  • Adhere to the university's Church Educational System Honor Code and observe university policies.
  • Exhibit honor, integrity, collegiality, civility, respect, and concern for others.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to creating an atmosphere of unity and belonging at the university.
  • Attend department, division, and library meetings, and annual commencement.
  • Attend and encourage students to attend devotionals and forums.
  • Participate in the intellectual life of the department, library, and university.
  • Participate in citizenship (e.g., committee service), leadership (e.g., administrative service), and governance (e.g., participation in hiring and rank and status processes) activities within the department, library, and university.
  • Serve the profession, including holding offices and committee assignments in professional associations, organizing professional conferences and panels, editing journals or newsletters, serving on editorial boards, reviewing grant proposals, or serving as scholarly referees.

Professional Duties (70-75%)

Collection Development/Collection Management.

  • Develop and revise collection policy statements in assigned subjects.
  • Develop and manage print, electronic, and media collections in accordance with established policies and procedures in assigned subjects.
  • Evaluate collections regularly by conducting specific assessments with the purpose of identifying areas to improve or develop in support of faculty teaching and research.
  • Work with teaching faculty in assessing collections to support university curriculum.
  • Establish, maintain, and update standing order and approval profiles with vendors.
  • Monitor physical condition of general collections, making conservation and preservation decisions as needed.
  • Keep students, teaching faculty, and library colleagues informed about new acquisitions.
  • Manage gift acquisitions for general collections in assigned subject areas.
  • Coordinate purchase of appropriate reference sources for the collection.

Faculty Liaison/Promotion.

  • Meet and communicate regularly with the chair and teaching faculty in assigned academic departments.
  • Meet all new faculty in assigned departments each year.
  • Coordinate with other librarians and curators regarding related/joint liaison assignments.

Instruction/Information Literacy.

  • Analyze curriculum of assigned departments and identify and target critical courses (e.g., capstone courses, and other courses with a research component) for library instruction.
  • Develop and promote instructional programs for undergraduates, graduates, and teaching faculty.
  • Teach library instruction classes.
  • Provide individual library instruction in office.
  • Use assessment methods to evaluate student learning and improve instruction.
  • Promote faculty and student understanding of contemporary scholarly communication issues and practices.
  • Market library resources and services in the assigned subject area.
  • Teach courses in academic departments as requested and as appropriate.

Reference/Research Support.

  • Hold regular office hours for student and faculty consultations.
  • Answer phone, email, and other electronic inquiries from students, faculty, and the public.
  • Provide relevant online and print subject guides for faculty and students.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of help desk policy and procedure and train Humanities Reference staff and student employees in specific tools and strategies in assigned subject areas.
  • Employ emerging technologies as appropriate.

Technology/Digital Projects.

  • Promote and coordinate projects to digitize collections as appropriate.

Professional Development (5-10%)

  • Stay abreast of issues, trends, and scholarship in academic librarianship, higher education, scholarly communication, and in assigned subject areas.

Scholarship (10-15%)

Demonstrate consistent production of high-quality scholarship products that

  • Are a natural outgrowth of performance in the professional assignment.
  • Serve to strengthen the librarian's expertise in library science and/or fields appropriate to subject assignments
  • Involve students where possible.

Documents Required at the Time of Application: Please attach your updated curriculum vitae, cover letter and Mission Alignment Statement to the faculty application.

Note: Failure to attach the required documents may result in your application not being considered.

This position requires the successful candidate to relocate and/or reside in Utah for the duration of their employment.

MISSION ALIGNMENT STATEMENT INSTRUCTIONS

If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

BYU is committed to hiring faculty members who enthusiastically embrace and energetically advance its unique mission. To this end, please include a one-page mission alignment statement as part of your application that addresses how you might, as a BYU faculty member: (1) live a life of loyalty to Jesus Christ and His restored Church and align yourself with doctrine and teachings declared by living prophets, seers, and revelators; (2) demonstrate intentionality in building faith in Jesus Christ and testimony of His restored gospel among students and others in the BYU community; and (3) teach your subject matter with the Spirit of God and strive to keep it "bathed in the light and color of the restored gospel" (Spencer W. Kimball).

If you are not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

Applicants who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints include a one-page mission alignment statement that describes understanding of and commitment to the Mission of Brigham Young University and the AIMS of a BYU Education.


EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

All new employees who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be required to hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.

All faculty are required to abide by the university's Honor Code and Dress &Grooming Standards. Preference is given to qualified candidates who are members in good standing of the affiliated church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Successful candidates are expected to support and contribute to the academic and religious missions of the university within the context of the principles and doctrine of the affiliated church.


EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.


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