Information Services Librarian

Information Services Librarian

UBC Library, Vancouver Campus

Full time, One-Year with Possibility of Extension

Anticipated Start Date: January 1, 2020

UBC LIBRARY

The University of British Columbia Library is one of the largest academic libraries in Canada providing access to a collection of over 7M items. UBC Library has 14 branches and divisions on two campuses (Vancouver and Kelowna), including one off-site hospital library and the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre - a multi-purpose teaching and learning facility.

More than 300 knowledgeable employees - librarians, management and professional staff, support staff and student staff - provide users with the excellent resources and services that they need to further their research, teaching and learning. The UBC Library Strategic Framework can be viewed at https://about.library.ubc.ca/about-us/strategic-framework/. To learn more about working with UBC Library and to explore our values visit UBC Library - Why work with us.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Provides reference and information services for Indigenous research topics to Indigenous students, members of the University community, and Indigenous people and organizations. Assumes responsibility for designated subject areas and liaison with assigned departments. Participates in the development of the Xwi7xwa library collection. Provides instruction and assistance in use of information resources. Plans and implements services that respond to the information needs of users in the Xwi7xwa Library. Participates in the development of library policy, procedures, and services. Assumes responsibility for coordination and management of staff, services and projects as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• A graduate degree from an accredited school of Library, Archival and Information Science
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Indigenous scholarship, Indigenous information services, and Canadian Aboriginal people's histories and cultures
• Experience working with Indigenous people
• Cultural fluency for Indigenous contexts
• A personal commitment to diversity and inclusion with particular emphasis on barrier identification and removal
• Strong information technology and digital literacy skills
• Enthusiasm and ability to teach classes and make presentations
• Strong oral and written communication skills with experience writing for online platforms
• Strong organizational and program management skills
• Ability to effectively work independently and as a team member with strong interpersonal skills

Preferred

• Experience within an academic library
• Degree in First Nations and Indigenous Studies or a related discipline
• Proficiency in an Indigenous language
• Prior team dynamics training (e.g. conflict resolution, leadership, or appreciative inquiry)
• Up to two years of experience as a professional librarian working in areas related to the above qualifications is preferred

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to the Head, Xwi7xwa Library. Consults with colleagues as required. Contributes to and participated in the UBC First Nations Longhouse community. Works with faculty, staff, students and the public. Supervises work of library assistants. Assigns and supervises work of public services student assistants. Reports on student work to the Head, Xwi7xwa Library.

DUTIES:

1. Provides training and supervision of students providing information and reference services.
2. Oversees the provision of reference and information services, including the triaging of questions, and responds to questions escalated due to complex or comprehensive nature.
3. Organizes and provides of instruction in research strategies and the use of information sources. Develops and maintains library web resources in designated areas of subject responsibility. Prepares guides and handouts in appropriate formats.
4. Selects collections materials in all formats for assigned subject areas. Assists in development of collection policies.
5. Initiates and maintains contact with faculty in assigned departments. Informs faculty of resources and services available. Discusses collection needs with faculty.
6. Keeps up with the literature and research developments in areas of specialization. Maintains expertise in electronic information resources and technologies. Keeps current with changing professional expectations, services requirements, and developments in academic libraries.
7. Other duties as required.

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE:

Courteous and effective provision of reference and instruction services. Timely, well organized communications, including written reports and promotion materials. Effective training and supervision of student assistants. Stays informed about current developments in the field, including emergent technologies, and shares this knowledge with colleagues and users. Knowledge of Aboriginal collections, services, relationships and protocols, especially as they relate to B.C. Knowledge of Indigenous scholarship, histories, and cultures. Commitment to and competence in culturally safe engagement and program delivery with Indigenous peoples. Effective instruction and teaching. Current and comprehensive knowledge of the range of interdisciplinary Indigenous subject areas. Effective use of electronic information and technologies. Effective development of collections to support the needs of users. Innovative and creative approach to ongoing development of services. Responsiveness to needs of faculty, students, and other users.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND SALARY

This position is a full-time, term appointment for one year with a possibility of extension. We are seeking applications from Librarians with up to 3 years of experience. However, all internal candidates will be considered regardless of years of experience and are encouraged to apply. Salary will be commensurate with experience and academic/professional qualifications.

Applications will include: a detailed and current curriculum vitae; and a letter of application that includes a statement of citizenship/immigration status and indicates the candidate's education, training and work experience in the areas listed above.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

To view the complete job description and to submit an application, please visit the UBC Careers page at http://www.hr.ubc.ca/careers-postings/faculty.php by midnight January 4, 2020.  

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