Assistant Dean, Collections and Discovery/Collections Strategy Librarian

The University Library invites applications for a full-time, tenure track Collections Strategy Librarian position, with a five-year renewable appointment to the role of Assistant Dean, Collections and Discovery Division. This position includes a research component and is in scope of the University of Saskatchewan Faculty Association. As Assistant Dean, the incumbent works as part of the library’s senior leadership team to progress the University Library’s strategic framework within the context of the University’s strategic plan and institutional priorities. As Collections Strategy Librarian, they will lead the development of an overall vision for library collections in all formats, including strategic and operational management of the collections budget. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic, flexible, and innovative leader able to work collaboratively to support divisional and library-wide priorities; they will also bring high-level knowledge of collections strategy in an academic library environment, and experience in collections and discovery.

Reporting to the Dean through the Associate Dean, Research and Collections, the successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Providing leadership and oversight of the Collections and Discovery Division and advancing the division's goals.
• Promoting an environment that inspires collegiality, respect, and collaboration among all members of the division including faculty and staff.
• Serving as a conduit between the library’s senior leadership and members of the division.
• Cultivating a forward thinking and collaborative approach to setting and achieving goals in the division.
• Leading the development and implementation of an overall vision for library collections in all formats.
• Overseeing the management of the collections budget.
• Working closely with collections librarians and collaborating with subject specialists and other stakeholders to plan, develop, interpret, and implement system-wide policies and procedures for supporting the scholarly resources lifecycle.
• Leading ongoing systematic collection assessment and analysis to respond to shifting budgets and changing priorities.
• Maintaining and applying awareness of current and emerging trends, standards, and sound practices in collection management and scholarly communications.
• Responding to and upholding the imperatives of decolonization and Indigenization within the library’s collections strategy.
• Fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion through collection management strategy.
• Engaging in research and scholarly activity.

Qualifications

An ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science degree or international equivalent is required for this appointment. Related professional experience and experience in an academic environment coordinating and leading projects are also required.

The Search Committee welcomes applications from candidates who demonstrate knowledge and experience in some, but not all, of the areas listed below. Candidates who are excited about this role are encouraged to apply.

We are seeking candidates who demonstrate:

• Leadership experience with progressively increasing responsibility.
• Evidence of advanced current knowledge of strategic collection management, including standards, practices, procedures, policies, and technologies.
• Ability to assess and lead a response to the rapidly changing environments of higher education, research libraries, and scholarly communications.
• The ability to foster a collaborative environment and drive performance to meet organizational commitments.
• Knowledge of current and evolving models of scholarly communication and open publishing.
• Experience applying the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, decolonization or Indigenization in a collections or leadership context.
• A record of contributing to scholarship and knowledge creation, and the ability to develop and sustain a formal program of research.
• Excellent workplace communication skills, including active listening and openness to feedback.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in relation to collection management.
• Ability to successfully lead projects from inception to completion.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and to engage with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and with diverse perspectives.
• Experience developing and maintaining effective professional relationships in a collegial and unionized environment.
• Strong commitment to user-centred library service.
• Aptitude for learning technologies, including software applications to manage, analyze, and present data (e.g., Excel, OpenRefine, Tableau).
• The ability to balance multiple priorities, deadlines, and changing project parameters.

About Saskatoon

Saskatoon is situated along the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. Saskatoon is a vibrant, livable city known for its natural beauty, friendly community, and diverse cultural and leisure offerings. Although Saskatoon is the largest urban centre in the province with a population of over 300,000 its residents enjoy short commute times and some of the lowest apartment rental and housing prices in the country.

The University Library has a robust digital library and is physically distributed across six locations on campus to support the learning, teaching, and research communities. We are structured in four functional divisions: Collections and Discovery, Learning and Curriculum Support, Research Support Services, University Archives and Special Collections.

The University Library values a diverse employee complement in the broadest sense and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. To correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, the University Library encourages applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Salary bands for the 2024-2025 academic year are as follows:

• Assistant Librarian: $89,982 to $107,322
• Associate Librarian: $107,322 to $128,130
• Librarian: $128,130 to $155,874

It is anticipated this tenure-track position will be filled at the rank of Associate Librarian. The Assistant Dean appointment will be for a term of up to 5 years with the possibility of renewal. Starting salary will be calculated from the base salary for the rank with consideration given for previous librarian experience and will include a stipend for the Assistant Dean appointment.

This position includes a comprehensive benefits package which includes a dental, health, and extended vision care plan; pension plan, life insurance (compulsory and voluntary), academic long-term disability, sick leave, travel insurance, death benefits, an employee assistance program, a professional expense allowance, and a flexible health and wellness spending program.

Interested candidates must submit, via email and preferably as a single PDF, a cover letter highlighting qualifications, accomplishments, and a detailed curriculum vitae to:

Charlene Sorensen
Interim Dean, University Library
University of Saskatchewan
Email: library.jobs@usask.ca

Due to federal immigration requirements, we ask candidates to indicate whether they are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or are otherwise already authorized to work at this position for the duration of the appointment, with an explanation if this last category is indicated.

Review of applications will begin November 13, 2024; however, applications will be accepted and evaluated until the positions are filled. The anticipated start date is April 1, 2025.

Status: Tenure Track
Employment Group: USFA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Posted Date: 9/27/2024
Closing Date: Until Filled