Faculty Positions

Position Title / Rank: Associate University Librarian

College: Library

Department: Library

Date Posted: September 30, 2020

Deadline: October 30, 2020
Please reference AD #20-34

Position Description:

The McLaughlin Library, University of Guelph invites applications for an Associate University Librarian (AUL). Given the evolving landscape in libraries today, we are taking a different approach with this recruitment and will designate a portfolio subsequent to the hiring of a successful candidate.

Reporting to the University Librarian, the Associate University Librarian (AUL), works collaboratively as a member of the senior leadership of the library, along with one other AUL, and a Director, Administrative Services, (Library Executive), and with members of Library Management Team (LMT), as well as campus, provincial and national partners. The organization strives to embody a team-based management philosophy as it reflects our belief in shared leadership practices, innovation, personal leadership, open communication, and collaboration. The AUL promotes the centrality of the library within the University Community, providing leadership, vision, and advocacy for the development of user-focused services, resources, technologies, and strategies in support of research, teaching and learning.

We are seeking applicants with progressive management and leadership experience, as well as expertise in a few of the following representing the libraries strategic and functional areas that will ultimately determine AUL portfolios:

  • Access Services
  • Archival & Special Collections
  • Collections & Content
  • Digital Strategy & Technology
  • Learning & Curriculum Support
  • Research & Scholarship
  • Communications
  • Assessment

Having portfolios that evolve along with organizational needs and strategies, allows us to leverage expertise to ensure that all areas of the organization benefit from administrative leadership, support, and guidance. The successful candidate will work with the University Librarian to create balanced portfolios that best support the library and the institution.

The incumbent will directly oversee two to three library teams; providing staff oversight, mentorship, leadership, and strategic direction. Teams include a mix of librarians, professionals, paraprofessionals, and students.

Required Qualifications

  • An ALA accredited MLIS or equivalent degree with a strong academic background.
  • A minimum of eight to twelve years of demonstrated progressive responsibility in formal leadership and management roles.
  • Significant and relevant professional experience relative to a minimum of two of the portfolios and functional areas noted above.
  • Demonstrated success managing people, services, projects, and budgets using evidence-based methods.
  • Established user-centered service philosophy and exceptional ability in building partnerships with colleagues, users, and partners on campus and beyond.
  • Demonstrated commitment to collaboration and the ability to articulate priorities and values across a diverse constituency.
  • Experience leading and mentoring staff and developing a collaborative and supportive culture with a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • Demonstrated excellence in the following communication skills: listening, verbal and written, interpersonal.
  • Strong background in strategic planning, including stakeholder engagement, aligning initiatives with broader organizational and institutional objectives.
  • Ability to manage effectively in a complex unionized environment.
  • Broad understanding of university governance and related legislation.
  • Well-established, active participation in professional and scholarly associations, and a record of scholarly activity sufficient for appointment at the level of an AUL.
  • Proven success as a change agent, and effective at mobilizing, motivating, and leading through change.

    • Together with the other members of Library Executive, the incumbent shares responsibility for the strategic direction and management of the library, consisting of a $20+ million budget and a large staff complement that includes approximately 105 FTEs and more than 60 part-time employees. The AUL contributes to regular updates to the library's strategic objectives and goals. The incumbent may represent the University Librarian in their absence and is called upon to serve internally on University committees, where the incumbent will contribute based on their areas of expertise and responsibility.

    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 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

    Assessment of applications will begin on October 30, 2020. Interested applicants should submit the following materials: (1) a statement of interest and vision for the position demonstrating how their qualifications and experience relate to the responsibilities, duties, and require qualifications of the position; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) names and contact information for six references, including two direct supervisors, two peers/collaborators, and two direct reports; all from either most recent or immediately prior positions.

    Please submit applications as a single PDF to libhire@uoguelph.ca by October 30, 2020.

    The Associate University Librarian role is a five-year (renewable once) administrative appointment (renewable) and is excluded from the University of Guelph Faculty Association. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, and a comprehensive benefits package is provided.

    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 resides on the ancestral lands of the Attawandaron people and the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit and we 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.