{{ site.title }}

Indigenous Programs & Services Librarian

Indigenous Programs & Services Librarian

University of British Columbia Job Location: British Columbia Apply By: 01/05/2020 Date Created: 12-03-2019

Indigenous Programs & Services Librarian

UBC Library, Vancouver Campus

Full time, Ongoing

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:

In support of UBC Library's Strategic Framework and UBC's Indigenous Strategic Plan, the Indigenous Programs and Information Services Librarian will work to promote Indigenous scholarship, Indigenous information services, and Indigenous research collections across UBC and the broader community. This position will help implement the UBC Library's Indigenous engagement priorities through the Xwi7xwa Library and the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre's community engagement programming. The Indigenous Programs and Information Services Librarian will take innovative and creative approaches to the sustainability of existing services and programs and the development of innovative services and programs. This position will work closely with librarians and staff in the Xwi7xwa Library. Initiatives will be undertaken in consultation with the Xwi7xwa Head.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to the Head of Xwi7xwa Library. May hire, train and supervise graduate and other student assistants working in areas for which the librarian is responsible. Works closely with Indigenous students, faculty, staff, the wider campus community, First Nations and Indigenous communities and organizations, and the general public. Works collaboratively with librarians and other colleagues on a range of initiatives related to Indigenous education, research, and scholarship. Consults with the UBC Library Communications and Marketing team and the First Nations House of Learning communications team to ensure UBC brand guidelines and processes are adhered to.

DUTIES:

LIAISON, STUDENT OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Leads the implementation of external Indigenous community engagement programs prioritized by Xwi7xwa and IKBLC, especially in support of community-led, Indigenous information management capacity building training workshops (i.e. archives, libraries, records, digital preservation, and digitization). Serves as Program Manager of the Indigitization program, in collaboration with experts at the Museum of Anthropology, the iSchool, and the Northern B.C. Archives and Special Collections at the University of Northern British Columbia. Works with program partners in other UBC academic departments and external organizations to maximize program reach across B.C. Works with the Head, Xwi7xwa Library on engagement projects and programs in support of Musqueam Indian Band priorities and participates in related engagement meetings. Networks with the broader community of local, provincial, national, and international Indigenous libraries and information services. Leads the programming of an annual June exhibition in IKBLC by identifying prospective partners, supporting their content development, and coordinating the exhibit installation.

Liaises with assigned academic departments that deliver Indigenous content to enhance the value of the Library as a partner in research and scholarship. Works with UBC librarians and student services units that support Indigenous students and scholarship. Participates in campus and community engagement activities in support of the First Nations House of Learning and UBC Library. Develops outreach and engagement initiatives that bring mutual benefit to the University and communities involved.

COMMUNICATIONS

Works with UBC Library Communications and Marketing and the First Nations House of Learning communications team to create, update and distribute promotional and informational materials for the Xwi7xwa branch and specific programs, including social media, branch website, digital signage, and promotional and community outreach materials.

PUBLIC SERVICES

Participates in the delivery of public services, including reference, information services, orientation, and instruction. Participates in maintaining and developing Indigenous content for teaching and research, including the branch website, user guides, and collections in repositories such as cIRcle. Makes recommendations on the application of current and emerging technologies for scholarship and public services. Assists with the assessment of public services and programs at UBC Library.

COLLECTIONS DEVELOPMENT

Contributes to collection development work in the Xwi7xwa Library. Assists with the selection, assessment, and processing of gifts. Liaises with potential donors and contributors to the Library's institutional repository, cIRcle. Participates in community engagement work associated with Indigenous metadata to develop culturally appropriate representations of Indigenous scholarship. Contributes to the ongoing development of Indigenous collections policies for Indigenous library, archival and digital library collection.

OTHER

Serves on library and other committees where appropriate. Carries out other projects and assignments as determined by the Head, Xwi7xwa Library. Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required. May represent UBC Library at wider community events.

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
  • Strong information technology and digital literacy skills
  • Ability to effectively work independently and as a team member with strong interpersonal skills • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Strong organizational and program management skills
  • Cultural fluency for Indigenous contexts
  • A personal commitment to diversity and inclusion with particular emphasis on barrier identification and removal

Preferred

  • Experience within an academic library
  • Degree in First Nations and Indigenous Studies or a related discipline
  • Experience working with Aboriginal communities
  • Understanding of community engagement processes and strategies, in particular within the context of post-secondary education
  • Understanding of Indigenous advisory models, in particular within the context of post-secondary education
  • Experience writing for the web (especially using WordPress)
  • Experience using multiple social media platforms and experience extracting and interpreting analytics data
  • Experience working with informational and instructional content, including basic knowledge in using Adobe programs
  • Proficiency in an Indigenous language
  • Prior team dynamics training (e.g. conflict resolution, leadership, or appreciative inquiry)
  • Up to three years of experience as a professional librarian working in areas related to the above qualifications

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.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND SALARY

This position is a full-time, ongoing appointment.

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.

Learn More »

Affiliates