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The National Gallery of Canada Library and Archives houses the most extensive collection of visual arts literature in Canada. Canadiana are collected comprehensively; other notable strengths are the history of the Western art from the late Middle Ages to the present, with particular emphasis on painting, sculpture and the graphic arts of Great Britain, France, Italy and the United States, and the history and technology of photography. In addition to the historical records of the National Gallery of Canada, the Archives collects, preserves and makes accessible the fonds of artists, art dealers, art historians, collectors, artist-run centres, and others. The Archives are of national importance as witness to the development of the visual arts in Canada since the founding of the National Gallery in 1880 to the present.

Job Summary

Provides knowledge of and access to the Library’s collections and related external resources by planning, implementing, delivering and monitoring all aspects of those public service programs designed to meet the research and reference requirements of National Gallery of Canada staff and external clientele. Participates in the development of the Library collections and research resources, including the main collection, the rare book collection, the artists’ books and multiples collection, and the documentation collection. Supervises circulation, interlibrary loan, stack maintenance and photocopying and scanning services.

MAIN DUTIES:
The Head of Reference Services is responsible for all aspects of public services programming for the main Library collections. Working in consultation with the Chief, Library, Archives and Research Fellowship Program, the Head of Reference Services:

- Provides general and advanced reference services and orientation to National Gallery of Canada curatorial and research staff, visiting research fellows, external researchers and scholars, and the general public;
- Plans, implements, and administers policies and procedures for reference activities including circulation and interlibrary loan services;
- Develops and promotes online services and resources;
- Supervises the Reference staff and supports and encourages their professional development;
- Represents and promotes the collections and services of the Library and Archives through outreach activities including: participation in the Library and Archives exhibition program, the publication program (Occasional Papers series), and in professional organizations at local, national and international venues;
- Develops the reference collection and participates in the development of the Library and Archives’ collections and resources, including the main collection, the rare book collection, the artists’ books and multiples collection, and the documentation collection, in accordance with the Library’s mandate and acquisition policy;
- Ensures the preservation and security of Library collections during their storage and use.

Requirements

·         Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) degree from an ALA-accredited program.

·         Master’s or undergraduate degree in Art History or a related discipline is preferred.

·         Five years of professional experience working as a public service or reference librarian in an academic or research library, preferably an art library.

·         Familiarity with the major bibliographic tools (print and electronic) and research methods for Art History.

·         Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and interpersonal skills to work effectively with a wide range of staff and patrons.

·         Excellent presentation and public speaking skills.

·         Strong commitment to public service.

·         Familiarity with library standards, best-practice, library applications, computer systems, online databases, digital imaging technology, user access and image delivery technology.

·         Experience working with websites.

·         Supervisory experience is preferred.

·         Knowledge of preservation and conservation practices and techniques to ensure that collections are well housed, stored, and handled.

·         Flexibility and ability to react quickly and positively to change and the ability to accept challenges and create new opportunities.

·         Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.

 

For full posting and application details, please visit our website.