Instruction Librarian
University of British Columbia Job Location: British Columbia Apply By: september 19, 2020 Date Created: 08-10-2020
Instruction Librarian
UBC Library, Vancouver Campus
Full-time, ongoing position
Anticipated Start Date: November 1, 2020
UBC LIBRARY
The University of British Columbia Library is one of the largest academic libraries in Canada and consistently ranks among the top university research libraries in North America. UBC Library has 14 branches and divisions, two campuses (Vancouver and Kelowna), one off-site hospital library, and the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre - a multi-purpose teaching and learning facility.
The Library’s collection of over 7M items includes 1.4M ebooks, 229,020 electronic journals, 850,000 maps, audio, DVD/video and graphic materials, and 1,703 bibliographic and full text databases.
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 aspirational values visit UBC Library - Work with us.
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITY:
The Law Library provides reference, teaching, bibliographic, and circulation services in support of students and faculty of the Peter A. Allard School of Law and to others requiring the use of its collections and services.
The Instruction Librarian coordinates the Law Library’s instruction program which includes the first year legal research and writing program offered by the Peter A. Allard School of Law. Duties include developing and delivering both credit and non-credit courses, assisting with the recruitment of instructors, and delivering classes and workshops. In addition, the Instruction Librarian provides access to the collection and meets the information needs of Law Library clients by providing reference and research services as well as participating in collection development.
QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIRED:
• A graduate degree from an accredited school of Library, Archival and Information Science.
• Relevant professional experience appropriate to academic law librarianship and teaching legal research and writing courses, both in-person and online.
• A law degree from a common law jurisdiction.
• Familiarity with Canadian legal research tools and methods.
• Familiarity with effective teaching methodologies, computer technology, and a commitment to responsive and innovative information services.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
• Ability to recognize, respect and work effectively with individuals and groups with diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Takes initiative in learning about language and issues relating to equity and diversity.
• Models and demonstrates good communication through active listening and appreciative inquiry and open to providing and receiving timely, constructive feedback.
• Listens to, encourages and expresses creative and innovative ideas. Open to experimenting with and improvising new ways of approaching processes, tasks or problems.
PREFERRED:
• Collection development experience in an academic library.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
The Instruction Librarian reports jointly to the Head of the Law Library and the Dean (or designate) of the Peter A. Allard School of Law. The Instruction Librarian contacts and consults with colleagues in the Law Library and throughout the Library System on various issues relating to position responsibilities. As coordinator of the Peter A. Allard School of Law’s first year legal research and writing program, consults and works closely with members of the Allard Faculty. There are daily contacts with students, faculty members, and other Law Library users. Supervision of staff and student assistants may be required, as well as providing leadership to instructors in legal research courses and workshops.
DUTIES:
1. Provides strategic leadership, direction, and planning to the legal research and writing programs offered by the Law Library and the Peter A. Allard School of Law.
2. Works collaboratively to develop a cohesive program that strengthens legal research and writing skills across the Peter A. Allard School of Law’s first year curriculum, as well as in upper years.
3. Develops and coordinates Law Library instruction programs including a refresher series for upper year JD students and incoming graduate students, online research classes on major legal database platforms, as well as specialized workshops related to courses in both Law and other faculties.
4. Develops course content, teaches workshops and classes, and evaluates their success. Further, coordinates the work of other instructors in these activities, including developing assignments and exams.
5. Provides reference and research services to University of British Columbia students, staff and faculty members; members of the legal profession; and members of the public.
6. Participates in collection development activities.
7. Participates in professional, library system, and university-wide initiatives.
STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE:
Effective development of a comprehensive legal research and writing program. Effective teaching techniques. Excellent communication, coordination and collaboration skills. Competent, courteous and professional reference service to library clientele. Awareness and implementation of developments in relevant areas of librarianship, law, teaching methodology and assessment, and information technology.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND SALARY:
Salary will be commensurate with experience and academic/professional qualifications.
We are seeking applications from Librarians with up to 7 years of experience. However, all internal candidates will be considered regardless of years of experience and are encouraged to apply.
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.
Applications will include: 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; a detailed and current curriculum vitae.
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 on September 19, 2020.
