Coordinator, Social Science Collections

DEPARTMENT: Collection Development

DATE REQUIRED: Immediately

Are you looking for challenging, meaningful work in a supportive and diverse environment? Are you looking for a career at one of Canada's top employers? Work where the world comes to think, discover and learn. Consider a career at the University of Toronto.

About the University of Toronto Libraries

The University of Toronto Libraries (UTL) system is the largest academic library in Canada and is consistently ranked in the top ten among academic research libraries in North America. The system consists of 40 libraries located on three university campuses: St. George, Mississauga, and Scarborough. This array of college libraries, special collections, and specialized libraries and information centres supports the teaching and research requirements of over 300 graduate programs, more than 70 professional programs, and about 700 undergraduate degree programs. In addition to more than 12 million volumes in 341 languages, the library system currently provides access to millions of electronic resources in various forms and over 31,000 linear metres of archival material. More than 150,000 new print volumes are acquired each year. The Libraries' data centre houses more than 600 servers with a storage capacity of 1.5 petabytes.

The Opportunity

The University of Toronto Libraries seeks an innovative, enthusiastic, collaborative, and knowledgeable professional to help shape the future of collections developed in support of the social sciences at the University of Toronto. Reporting to the Associate Chief Librarian for Collections and Materials Management, the Coordinator, Social Sciences Collections will develop a sustained, coordinated approach to collection development and management activities for social science collections for the central libraries with an emphasis on advancing collaborative collection projects. As part of a team of collections coordinators, the Coordinator, Social Sciences Collections will advocate for and advance the values of inclusivity, diversity and accessibility in the acquisition of collections for UTL, focus on improving access to data, and work with colleagues across the University to plan, implement, and oversee collaborative collections initiatives to support research and teaching in a large and complex landscape.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement best practices, priorities, and policies for collections in alignment with the university and library strategic plans and shared collection initiatives

• Ensure the continued development and expansion of diverse collections and collection practice

• Help train and support librarians to use tools and best practices in building and managing collections including coordinating and planning regular collections assessment and evaluation projects, managing budgets, and maintaining approval plans

• Collaborate with colleagues to negotiate product licenses and renewals and communicate with vendors

• Collaborate with colleagues in the Scholarly Communication & Copyright Office to lead initiatives within the evolving publishing and copyright landscape

• Work with the collections team, data librarians, liaison librarians and libraries/units with a focus on social sciences to understand the needs and trends in social sciences research and teaching at the University of Toronto and provide proactive outreach to faculty and students

• Support requests for analytical tools and analytical software

• Work with colleagues across units and campuses at the University of Toronto by participating on relevant working groups and committees

• Work with colleagues outside of the University of Toronto by participating in shared collection projects, professional organizations, at workshops, forums, interest groups etc. as appropriate

This search aligns with the University's commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities to apply.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A degree from an accredited Master's level program in library and information studies

• Demonstrated commitment to the values of inclusivity, diversity, equity, anti-racism and accessibility

• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage collections including working with consortia

• Demonstrated understanding of collaborative collection building, the scholarly publishing landscape, license agreements, acquiring data, and negotiating with vendors

• Demonstrated ability to plan, design, and implement collection assessment projects

• Experience working with analytical software and knowledge of research impact metrics and computational methods of analysis

• Ability to develop and training workshops and teach and present effectively in person and online

• Track record of successful collaboration and consensus building

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills

• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth

• Compelling evidence of a growth mindset: a librarian who embraces change, demonstrates flexibility, creativity, resilience, and a commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Understanding of common social sciences research methodologies including data analysis techniques and tools

• Understanding of issues regarding best practices of reproducible research and the research data lifecycle

• Awareness and understanding of implications of AI in libraries

• Understanding of languages other than English

Salary and Terms of Appointment: This is a permanent status stream position.

It is anticipated that this position will be filled at the Librarian III level, subject to review and experience. Minimum salary: LIB III: $102,023 (Salary is dependent on rank at hire and qualifications).

Benefits: We offer generous benefits packages to all employees. Additional information is available at:

Additional information

Librarians at the University of Toronto are members of the University of Toronto Faculty Association.

How to Apply

Application Materials Required: A cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references of which at least two have supervised your work. Please send a single electronic file (MS Word or pdf) with a file name convention of [Surname,FirstName. SocialScience] to Library Human Resources at ; or to Room 1140, 130 St. George Street, University of Toronto Libraries, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A5; by November 19, 2023

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

Diversity Statements

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

University of Toronto Libraries' Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Statement:

University of Toronto Libraries' Anti-Racism Statement:

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact

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