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Assistant University Librarian - OCAD University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Position Summary:

Reporting to the University Librarian, the Assistant University Librarian (AUL), supports the implementation of the Library’s strategic plan, in alignment with University’s academic plan, including reconfiguration and implementation of collections and related services, and represents the Library in matters relevant to collections. The AUL supports the University Librarian in the administration of the Library by creating and coordinating processes for assessing library collections, services, and spaces, and aligning content in a user-focused and evidenced-based manner.  The AUL establishes policies and best practices for managing the full lifecycle of dynamic and complex content. The AUL articulates a vision and strategic direction for the ongoing preservation and accessibility of digital and analogue content, including digitized special collections, data, streaming and analogue video, reformatted content, licensed collections, copyright management services, and institutional repository content. The AUL assumes overall responsibility for technical services, collection management and development, access services, and library collections’ assessment and leads the Library’s participation in the development of initiatives that encourage and enable faculty to manage their own copyright and to improve the economics of and access to published research, in accordance with University policy. Additionally, the AUL actively builds collaborative and strategic partnerships with campus-wide units and programs in support of key library initiatives that enhance the research enterprise, bolster preservation, and promote student success.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Working closely with the University Librarian and other library stakeholders, collaborate with library staff on the implementation of the strategic and academic plans
• Provide strategic leadership and stewardship to the realization of the vision of the Library, and portfolio goals
• Lead and supervise teams responsible for acquisition, cataloging and metadata production, serials, bindery, digital collections, scanning, e-reserves, licensing, materials library, streaming video, and e-resource management, including hiring and orientation, setting goals and objectives, monitoring progress, evaluating employee performance, coaching, and supporting professional development
• In consultation with the University Librarian, determine the skills needed for staff development, training and work to enable a highly supportive work environment
• In consultation with the University Librarian, participate in the management of Library budget and make recommendations to the University Librarian on budget reallocations, opportunities for efficiencies, and cost reduction opportunities
• Support the University Librarian in the securing of grants, foundation support, industry partnerships, and philanthropy
• Work with the University Librarian to assess, review and identify funding sources for new services, new programs and changes in the delivery of existing services to the Library’s communities of users
• In consultation with the University Librarian, develop strategic recommendations and library-wide policies related to the operation and development of the Library and its services
• In consultation with the University Librarian, participate in the assessment of Library programs, collections, and services as they relate to the evolving needs of students and faculty
• Lead the creation of Library-wide policy and programs focused on collections, including acquisition, collection development and management, intellectual access, discovery and integration, assessment, bibliometrics, curation and long-term stewardship
• In collaboration with the University Librarian, initiate and support programs that enable transformational, digitally- intensive research at scale, working with Library, campus, and external partners
• Provide oversight for the development of print and electronic collections and resources that support research, learning and scholarship, bibliometrics and research impact, program assessment, as well as development and support for emerging areas of digitally-intensive research and knowledge dissemination
• Provide the leadership necessary to develop programs within the portfolio and keep portfolio informed of the Library’s policies, plans, and priorities, and foster understanding of and support for these, while providing portfolio development updates to the University Librarian
• With input from librarians, and library staff, prepare budget requests, allocate and monitor resources to ensure portfolio priorities are met and expenditures are managed and controlled
• Ensure that the needs of library users and opportunities for new programs, systems and services are assessed regularly through consultation with the University Librarian, and with students, staff, faculty, and other stakeholders
• Ensure that curriculum changes and program developments affecting the portfolio are reviewed
• Lead and participate in projects, working groups and committees related to areas of responsibility
• Maintain good working relationships with Deans, Associate Deans, senior administrators, community groups, and others to support the work of the Library and portfolio
• Work with the University Librarian and Campus Planning & Projects and Facilities & Studio Services staff to ensure that the University provides appropriate space and ensure that the spaces are appropriate for an evolving service model
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of developments affecting academic librarianship
• Participate on relevant University committees/working groups and external associations and networks as required
• Act as designate for the University Librarian, including providing back up for operational leadership and representation at Senate and other University committees, as needed
• Assist the University Librarian with special projects and initiatives, as well as related functions contributing to the successful operation of the University Library

Qualifications:

• ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS degree, or equivalent
• Additional graduate degree in History of Art, History of Design, Computer Science, or similar preferred
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience developing and leading programs in one or more of the following areas: technical services, library systems/technology, collections management and assessment
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in library management and/or leadership positions with proven administrative, public relations, and managerial skills; supervisory and management experience in a unionized environment, preferred
• Experience with organizational change and change management best practices with an ability to develop and implement strategic change enablement plans considered an asset
• A creative approach to finding new solutions, developing processes and reconfiguring services
• Proven planning, budgeting, and project management skills
• Working knowledge of cataloging and metadata schemas and standards, such as MARC21, RDA, AACR2, LCSH, EAD, MODS, Dublin Core, and emerging linked data standards, preferred
• Demonstrated proficiency with systems and technologies for digital collection management and working experience with rights management systems
• Knowledge of HTML/XML, CSS/XLS, Microsoft Excel, content management systems, visualization tools, web design
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to function effectively as a member of a management team working within a collegial environment and experience in building and managing relationships at all levels of the organization
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills, and proven research abilities
• Demonstrated familiarity with developments in higher education and the issues facing research libraries, especially in North America, and an understanding of academic and scholarly processes
• A proven commitment to service excellence and a vision of research library services in the 21st century and the skills to advocate for and communicate that vision
• Ability to exercise a high level of diplomacy, tact and discretion when working with information of a confidential and/or sensitive nature and in dealing with various levels of senior administration and external agencies
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the Library’s sense of community and achievement of common goals through cooperation across units/groups and encouragement of equitable and balanced involvement in decision making
• Experience promoting and fostering a supportive environment built on appreciation, recognition, learning, and professional growth
• Ability to create an environment that embraces curiosity, ideas, creativity and innovation and provides opportunities and flexibility to explore new initiatives
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and diversity and experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, staff and faculty

Compensation: Commensurate with experience

Hours of Work: Total of 35 hours per week. Due to the COVID-19, the University is operating under a work from home program. At this time, the plan is to continue the work from home program until August 13, 2021, and as such the incumbent in this role will be working remotely during this time.

Application Deadline: Interested applicants are invited to submit an updated resume, with a cover letter on the OCAD University Employment Opportunities page, no later than Thursday, June 17, 2021.

As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

We encourage members of designated equity-seeking groups to self-identify within the voluntary Applicant Questionnaire.

In order to alleviate the under-representation of racialized and Indigenous administrators, priority in hiring will be given to qualified racialized and Indigenous persons who self-identify as such in the application process. This initiative is a special program under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

OCAD University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact Human Resources for more information or refer to OCAD U’s Policy of Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities

All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.