Head Law Librarian

**Library - Office Dean of Lib.**:

- Posted:

- February 19, 2025
- Deadline to Apply:

- Thursday, March 20, 2025

**The opportunity**:
Reporting to the Dean of Libraries, and liaising with the Dean of Law and Law School faculty, the Head Law Librarian will be responsible for the academic leadership, administrative planning and creative oversight of the Law Library services and contribute to the overall strategic directions and operations of the University Libraries. The Lincoln Alexander School of Law’s legal education approach emphasizes technology, diversity, and access to justice, which will inform the Library’s vision. Additionally, the Law Library will support the Law Practice Program, the Legal Innovation Zone, and various campus initiatives that require legal resources and research expertise.

**Working with the TMU Libraries**:
The Head Law Librarian will collaborate closely with the Associate Dean of Libraries (ADL) for Teaching and Learning to ensure alignment of the department’s strategic goals and the Library’s broader vision. The incumbent will support the development of the Library’s Strategic Plan, actively contribute to the success of this plan, and will effectively communicate with the various groups within the department. The Head will foster a collegial and inclusive working environment within the Law Library.

Working within TMU’s University Libraries, the Head Law Librarian will work closely with other Department Heads and other Leadership Team members, liaison librarians, and expert staff, to provide vision, strategic direction, and planning that will position the Law Library service as a vital resource for scholarship, teaching, education and innovation.

Other priority areas for TMU Libraries**in which the Head will participate over the next few years include responding to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report and working closely with key colleagues to continually improve workflows and processes.

The Head Law Librarian will represent the Library on issues relevant to the portfolio and will be actively engaged with aligned organizations in the wider community. The Head Law Librarian will actively contribute to academic law librarianship through scholarly, research, and creativities, and with professional affiliations, and collegial networks.

**Law Library Responsibilities**:
The Head is responsible for developing collections and services that support the wide range of teaching, scholarship and community engagement at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law, including the oversight of an annual Law Library acquisitions budget. The Head works with law librarian colleagues to help develop and deliver integrated and customized instructional programs tailored to build the legal research and digital technology skills of law students. The Head has primary responsibility for managing the Law Library’s staff including working with individual team members on their development plans, coaching for effective performance, and assisting the team with navigating change with a focus on operational requirements and employee wellbeing.

**Law School Responsibilities**:
Working with the Law School, the Head Law Librarian will have the opportunity to collaborate with the leadership team of the Lincoln Alexander School of Law and the Library’s leadership team to plan for a new home for the Law School that will include a new Law Library space.

The Head Law Librarian is an _ex officio_ member of Faculty of Law Council and the Law School's Research Committee. Other administrative responsibilities include participating in the annual reporting process with the Federation of Law Societies of Canada, supporting new courses and plans for a Graduate Program and strategic planning.

**Key Responsibilities & Duties**:

- Provides leadership for the Law Library and work of the department.
- Provides leadership in developing, evaluating and assessing the Law Library?s collections to support the University?s research, teaching and learning needs.
- Oversees the implementation of University equity, diversity, inclusion and access initiatives within the unit.
- Keeps abreast of trends, issues, and best practices in law librarianship.
- Communicates and reports on departmental activities as appropriate (e.g., reporting on activities related to strategic plan goals).
- Oversight of the annual Law Library acquisitions budget.
- Participates in Library and University committees and task groups.
- Oversees human resources matters within the department including training and coaching, proactive performance management of all Law Library OPSEU employees, contract positions, student interns and co-op placements.
- Creates an environment that supports staff professional development, encourages staff growth and advocates for resources as needed to position the team for success.
- Fosters good communication and effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and other library users.
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