Academic Liaison and Information Resources Librarian, Social Sciences and Media Studies

University of Guelph-Humber

February 26th, 2010

Position Description:

The University of Guelph-Humber Academic Liaison Librarian for the Social Sciences and Media Studies position will provide information services and literacy programs as well as develop information collections for the areas of Media Studies, Family and Community Social Services, Psychology and General Electives. The candidate will be adaptable in a variety of professional contexts within a collaborative environment, and will assume responsibility for the development and provision of a variety of service and projects related to areas such as: liaison with academic departments and programs, reference service, promotion of library services, web content development, and provision of library instruction to support teaching and learning at the University of Guelph-Humber. The incumbent will also be responsible for providing reference services in a variety of settings including “AskON”, a collaborative online reference service.

The position will participate in the development of strategies and materials to promote the curriculum and academic goals of the University of Guelph Humber.  The incumbent will also join the Humber/Guelph-Humber Library Marketing Committee as a regular member, developing policies and coordinating activities to promote library services and enhance the user experience.

This position will report to the Manager, Library Services and Learning Commons at the University of Guelph-Humber and will work collaboratively with Guelph-Humber staff and faculty, with the University of Guelph Library and with the Humber College Library to ensure the provision of superior library services.  The incumbent will play an advocacy role between the Guelph-Humber campus and the University of Guelph Library.

This is an academic appointment, and the successful candidate will be expected to participate in appropriate research and professional and scholarly activities.

Enviornment:

The University of Guelph partnership with Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning in Toronto, Canada’s largest and most diverse city, offers specialized programs that provide both a University of Guelph honours degree and a college diploma in four years of study. Currently, the University of Guelph-Humber offers eight undergraduate diploma-degree programs in purpose-built facilities in the Greater Toronto Area at Humber's north campus to more than 2,500 students. The successful candidate will spend most of his/her time at the University of Guelph-Humber, which is located at Humber College’s North Campus in Toronto, and will also participate in professional activities at the University of Guelph.  Further information on the University of Guelph-Humber is available at www.guelphhumber.ca.

The University of Guelph-Humber’s user-centred library services are offered jointly by the Humber College Library and the University of Guelph Library.  Both libraries value service, responsiveness to information needs and accountability to our user community.  Our team approach stresses shared goals, participatory decision-making, and positive collaboration with Humber College, the TriUniversity Group of Libraries and our other academic partners.

Librarians work within the terms and conditions of employment as governed by the “Collective Agreement between the University of Guelph and the University of Guelph Faculty Association.” All Librarians 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.

Qualifications and Salary:

An ALA-accredited M.L.S. degree is required. The successful candidate will have experience providing library services including promotion, instruction, reference, and collection development, preferably in an academic library setting. Qualifications for this entry level position include: strong oral and written communications skills; strong organizational skills; creative thinking and problem-solving abilities; strong interpersonal skills; a commitment to working in a collaborative team environment; the ability to multi-task a variety of responsibilities and projects and to be flexible and adaptable in a variety of professional situations. In addition, experience or knowledge of the research process in an academic environment would prove valuable in working with faculty and students.  Significant experience promoting library services online, as well as proficiency with web design is required. Current knowledge of information technologies and their application in libraries is an asset. Background education or experience in Media Studies is also preferable.

The position will be filled at the Assistant Librarian level; salary will depend on qualifications and experience (minimum $61,639 per annum).  A comprehensive benefit package is also included.

Application Procedure:

Please submit a résumé, the names of at least three referees and a broad statement of interest in the position by February 26th, 2010 to:

Sandra Shore
Personnel and Administration
Organizational Services
McLaughlin Library
University of Guelph
50 Stone Road E., Guelph, ON  N1G 2W1
Telephone:  (519) 824-4120, ext. 52307
Fax:  (519) 824-6931
Email:  sshore@uoguelph.ca

All candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.