Head, Education Library
University of British Columbia Job Location: British Columbia Apply By: September 20, 2020 Date Created: 08-20-2020
Head, Education Library
UBC Library | Vancouver Campus
Full-time, ongoing General Librarian position with 5 year renewable Head term
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 fulltext 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 Education Library provides reference, information, instruction, bibliographic and circulation services in support of undergraduates, graduate students and faculty of the Faculty of Education and to others requiring the use of the collection. The Head is responsible for providing strategic leadership necessary to develop facilities, collections, and programs including organization, administration, and operation of services. Within the context of a changing environment, the Head will facilitate the planning for and implementation of a service model which focuses on meeting user needs. The nature and scope of responsibilities for this and other library positions are expected to change as the Library organization evolves.
QUALIFICATIONS:
A graduate degree from an accredited program in Library, Archival and Information Science. An academic background in education or equivalent knowledge gained through professional experience working in the educational sector. A B.Ed. degree is preferred. Relevant professional experience appropriate to academic education librarianship. Familiarity with effective teaching methodologies, computer technology, and commitment to responsive and innovative information services. Strong leadership, administrative and management skills, including the development and monitoring of budgets. Supervisory experience. Demonstrated ability to develop, assess and refine library services and facilities. Effectiveness in collaborating and building relationships. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with staff and colleagues, inspire innovation, and experience developing and motivating teams and individuals. Ability to contribute to the Library's sense of community and achievement of common goals through cooperation across units and encouragement of equitable and balanced involvement in decision making. Dedicated to cultivating an inclusive environment that recognizes barriers faced by people and encourages and incorporates contributions from diverse groups and individuals.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
The Head of the Education Library works under the general direction of and reports to an Associate University Librarian (AUL). The Head interacts and consults with relevant individuals relating to collection development and budgeting, finance, information technology, facilities and human resources. The Head cooperates with other Heads and AULs in the provision of services and ensures that relevant issues are discussed with the Dean of Education, Associate Deans, or other administrators within the Faculty. The Head also works with relevant external organizations and community partners.
DUTIES:
- Provides vision and leadership for the Education Library operations and services. Develops and implements goals and objectives that support the strategic directions of the Library, the Faculty of Education, and the University.
- Assesses needs of library users and opportunities for new services by consulting with students and faculty, reviewing curriculum changes and program development and new areas of research, and maintaining strong relationships with faculty and participating in departmental and faculty meetings.
- Evaluates existing services and adjusts priorities. Plans and implements new services, obtaining the necessary associated resources and technology required to support these.
- Evaluates space needs and plans new spaces to meet new and evolving user needs.
- Allocates and monitors resources by setting unit priorities, allocating funds, human resources and time, and controlling expenditures.
- Participates in the development and delivery of reference, research and instructional services in the Education Library.
- Assists in the management of the UBC Library by participating in Library-wide planning, budgeting and monitoring of activities. Sets unit goals that are related to the missions of the Library and the University.
- Provides leadership for the librarians and staff in the Education Library. Participates in the recruitment and selection of librarians and staff. Manages organizational planning, conducts annual reviews, assesses and recommends training and learning opportunities, makes merit recommendations and engages with librarians and staff through open dialogue.
- Enables an environment that is collegial, based on mutual trust and respect, is open and supportive, and that creates a positive and effective work environment for employees and patrons. This environment will be built on appreciation, recognition, learning and professional growth, where everyone is able to listen, contribute and engage with colleagues and ideas and provide and receive timely, constructive feedback.
- Coordinates the development of collections in the Education Library. Ensures that faculty are consulted about collection development. In consultation with librarians and staff, develops criteria for the selection of material for purchase, for the transfer of materials to storage, and for weeding decisions.
- Supports the University Librarian in fund raising initiatives, as requested, and participates in the preparation of grant requests and administration of grants.
- Participates in professional and university wide initiatives.
STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE:
Effective development of collections and services in the Education Library. Administrative efficiency and effectiveness. Excellent public, interlibrary and staff communications. Collegial, respectful and collaborative working relationships with staff and librarians. Familiarity with the Library's organization of services and adherence to its policies and procedures. Awareness of developments in relevant areas of librarianship, disciplines supported by the Education Library, scholarly publishing, and information technology. Imaginative, innovative and analytical approaches to service delivery. Effective supervision, leadership and team building. Effective development, delivery and assessment of instructional programs.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND SALARY:
This position will be filled as a full-time, ongoing General Librarian position with a five year renewable administrative term as Head, Education Library. If eligible and qualified, the successful applicant may be appointed with a confirmed appointment. Otherwise, there will be an initial three-year probationary appointment. Normally, such an appointment is reviewed by the end of the second year of the appointment, and a recommendation is made at that time to grant or not to grant a confirmed appointment.
Salary will be commensurate with experience and academic/professional qualifications.
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 20, 2020.
