Head, Collections & Content

The McLaughlin Library at the University of Guelph invites applications for a dynamic, creative, collaborative librarian to fill the position of head, Collections & Content. This senior leadership position reports to the Associate University Librarian, Academic, and is a member of the library’s management team. This position provides strategic leadership and oversight for the staff and operations of the C&C unit, including collection development (open and paywalled); organization, maintenance and preservation of collections; oversight of shared print stewardship initiatives locally, provincially and nationally; acquisitions; metadata strategy and management; e-learning and reserves; budget management; workflow coordination and human resources management. The incumbent will promote the vision of the library as being central to the University community as a valued facilitator, partner, and catalyst on campus. The core values that drive our vision are learning, service, stewardship, access, innovation, communication, intellectual freedom, and integrity. At the McLaughlin Library, we have recently implemented a new management framework to provide clarity around the expectations of library managers and to develop a shared understanding of library management practices. RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

• Provide leadership, expertise and guidance for the C&C team of approximately 25, including professional librarians, paraprofessionals, support staff, and student staff
• Manage the budget of $8.3M (acquisitions, ILL and e-learning/reserves) in alignment with the University’s teaching and research mission and goals
• Implement effective collections strategies based on local needs and broader innovations in academic library collections
• Contribute to the transformation of the scholarly communication environment to one that is more equitable and accessible
• Initiate and drive change in line with team, library, and institutional goals
• Foster a collegial culture by seeking different points of view, asking questions, exploring options and soliciting feedback
• Identify problems and solutions within an atmosphere of continuous change
• As a member of Library Management Team, participate in the collaborative management of the library, including strategic planning, administrative coordination that includes policy development, alignment of services and programs with strategic objectives, assessment, and organizational culture and development
• Play a critical leadership role on campus, actively participating in both internal and external organizations such as OCUL, CARL, CKRN, and ARL
• Evaluate and assess programs, services, and resources in support of the University’s academic mission
• Collaborate and consult with colleagues to achieve shared goals in support of teaching, learning, and research at the University of Guelph
• Foster effective, collaborative working relationships with library colleagues, faculty, staff, students, and other key stakeholders
• Communicate clearly and effectively
• Represent the library in university business
• Maintain current awareness of best practices and emerging services in research libraries, with a particular focus on collections
• Stay abreast of changes in relevant policy and legislation, and professional issues in higher education

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• An ALA accredited MLIS or equivalent degree
• Minimum of seven years of experience as a professional librarian in an academic setting, with increasing levels of responsibility (e.g. managing staff, projects, resources, budget)
• Experience envisioning, establishing, and implementing high-level collections strategies in support of research, teaching, and learning
• Evidence of substantial professional experience with collection development (open and paywalled), management and assessment
• Evidence of experience with integrated library systems/library services platforms and technologies for resource discovery, learning management and reserves
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing complex projects
• Experience supervising and mentoring a diverse group of staff and developing a collaborative and supportive and team culture
• Demonstrated user-centered service philosophy and client focus, with exceptional ability to build partnerships with colleagues, users and partners on campus and beyond
• Exceptional leadership skills with a demonstrated commitment to collaboration and the ability to articulate priorities and values across a diverse constituency
• Experience with vendor relations and consortial purchasing
• Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication
• Evidence of participation in professional activities and a well-established record of scholarship

All librarians at the University of Guelph are expected to engage in professional practice; scholarship, which includes research, study, professional development and scholarly and creative activities; and, University service and academic or professional service. The University of Guelph is the second largest employer in Guelph, a city of approximately 130,000 people, located about an hour drive west of Toronto, Ontario. University of Guelph is a top-ranked comprehensive university in Canada with an enrolment of about 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across over 40 academic units. The University is known for its commitment to student learning, innovative research, and collaboration with world-class partners. It is a unique place, with transformative research and teaching and a distinctive campus culture. People who learn and work here are shaped and inspired by a shared purpose: To Improve Life. Reflecting that shared purpose in every experience connected to our university positions enables us to create positive change, here and around the world. Our University community shares a profound sense of social responsibility, a drive for international development, and an obligation to address global issues. APPLICATION PROCESS Interested applicants should submit the following materials:

• A statement of interest in and vision for the position demonstrating how qualifications and experience relate to the responsibilities, duties, and required qualifications of the position,
• A curriculum vitae, and
• Names of at least three references, including one direct supervisor, one peer/collaborator, and one direct report; all for either most recent or immediately prior position.

Please submit applications as a single PDF to libhire@uoguelph.ca by 4:00pm on Friday, February 14, 2020. The position is a Continuing Appointment position that will be filled at the Associate Librarian level. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and a comprehensive benefits package is provided. The head, Collections & Content role is a five-year administrative appointment (renewable once) with a stipend at the Administrative Librarian III level. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. The University recognizes that applicants may have had obligations outside of work that have negatively impacted their record of achievements (e.g., parental, elder care, and/or medical). You are not required to disclose these obligations in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, the University will ensure that these obligations do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position. The University of Guelph acknowledges the Attawandaron people on whose traditional territory the University of Guelph resides and offer our respect to our Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Métis neighbours as we strive to strengthen our relationships with them. At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion (https://uoguel.ph/ox2p9) is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution. If you require a medical accommodation during the recruitment or selection process, please contact Occupational Health and Wellness at 519-824-4120 x52674.

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