Queen’s University is searching for a new Associate University Librarian to oversee Digital Initiatives, Open Scholarship, and the Engineering and Science and Health Sciences Libraries.
The Organization
Queen’s University is situated on the territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek.
Ne Queen’s University e’tho nońwe nikanónhsote tsi nońwe ne Haudenosaunee tánon Anishinaabek tehatihsnónhsahere ne óhontsa.
Gimaakwe Gchi-gkinoomaagegamig atemagad Naadowe miinwaa Anishinaabe aking.
Queen’s University is highly ranked in Canada for student experience, taking an inclusive approach and offering learning beyond the classroom; this experience includes the most clubs per capita of any Canadian University as well as a robust international exchange program with more than 220 partners.
Queen’s research-intensive environment and interdisciplinary program offerings provide students with the comprehensive and nimble skills required in today’s competitive and evolving workforce. With many academic strengths including in physics, cancer research, geo-engineering, data analytics, the university sets graduates up for excellence across disciplines. Home to over 24,000 students, Queen’s boasts an undergraduate graduation rate of 93%, diverse learning opportunities, a broad range of students services and supports, unmistakable school spirit, and a tight-knit global network of 159,000 alumni in 153 countries. Ultimately, to graduate from Queen’s University is to join an international community of lifelong learners and accomplished leaders.
The campus has a fully integrated network of six library and archive locations and is home to several outstanding museums and arts facilities, including the Agnes Etherington Art Centre and The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts.
The Role
Reporting to the Vice Provost and University Librarian and working collaboratively as a member of the library’s senior administration, the Associate University Librarian provides leadership for planning, development, assessment of the information infrastructure of the library system; research data management and data services; open scholarship initiatives, including scholarly communications and copyright; and the Engineering and Science and Health Sciences libraries. Complimentary areas of responsibilities include system-wide information systems, web development, systems support, and digital initiatives, including facilitation of communication and collaborative priority-setting across all these functions, in coordination and consultation with other library departments. The incumbent in this position will have a demonstrated record of commitment to shaping effective and responsive services or initiatives, and a strong working knowledge of library information systems, including the ability to plan strategically, assess technical options, advise staff, and participate actively in systems projects.
Key areas of oversight and responsibility are:
- As a senior leader, provides input into planning, strategy, and vision and aligns decision-making.
- Accountability for digital initiatives including library information technology and systems, website, open scholarship initiatives, and research data management.
- Overseeing the Engineering & Science and Health Science libraries.
The Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be an experienced and strategic leader, with outstanding communication and interpersonal skills and a transparent and consultative management style. They are a compassionate, caring leader with integrity. They will have a track record of improving and innovating in Library settings, with a commitment to service for students, faculty and other constituents. Expertise in systems development, data analysis, managing staff within a complex and unionized environment, and knowledge of library technology are all required. They are a data-driven decision maker who has a record of building strong and effective relationships across administrative and faculty departments in a large university setting.
Qualifications and Experience
- An ALA accredited MLIS or equivalent degree with a strong academic background
- Ideally 7 years of experience in leadership in a complex unionized environment, preferably in an academic library setting.
- A keen interest and strong background in information and communications technologies, information resources management and access, library systems and technical services, digital initiatives, and user experience.
- Proven technical abilities and knowledge of information systems, technical options, systems project development and troubleshooting.
- Demonstrated understanding of teaching and learning in an academic environment.
- Demonstrated success in developing partnerships and strategic alliances.
Attributes
- Creativity, empathy, and curiosity.
- Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to be persuasive while speaking to different audiences.
- The ability to face challenges and to exercise integrity, flexibility, and wisdom.
- The ability to work collegially and effectively within a unionized environment, building trusting relationships both internally and externally.
- Decisiveness combined with a facilitative style and the ability to effectively explain decisions.
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen’s is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized/visible minority and Indigenous/Aboriginal people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons.
If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Debra Clinton at dclinton@kbrs.ca, Dr. Jennie Massey at jmassey@kbrs.ca, Kyle Steele at ksteele@kbrs.ca, or submit your full application package online at https://www.kbrs.ca/Career/16265.