Associate Chief Librarian for Science Research and Information

Posted to IASSIST on: 2014-09-08

Employer: The University of Toronto

Employer URL: http://www.utoronto.ca/

Description

Reporting to the Chief Librarian of the University of Toronto Libraries, the Associate Chief Librarian for Science Research and Information leads efforts to provide world class collections and services to the science and health science disciplines at the University.  As a member of the Chief Librarian’s Executive Leadership Council, s/he also plays a key role in advancing the overall strategic goals of the Libraries.  UTL seeks an innovative, experienced and knowledgeable library leader to serve in this key position.

The Associate Chief Librarian for Science Research and Information has leadership, management, policy, planning and implementation responsibilities for the public services of the science and health science libraries in the central libraries system, and responsibilities for coordination with all UTL libraries in these subject areas. S/he acts as Director of the Gerstein Science Information Centre, and has full management responsibilities for the library.  S/he is also responsible for the operations of the Noranda Earth Sciences Library, the Engineering & Computer Science Library, the Mathematical Sciences Library and the Harry R. Abbott Dentistry Library and collaborates with the respective library heads to ensure excellent collections and information services.  Additionally, the incumbent manages the UTL relationship with the Health Science Information Consortium of Toronto and the partnership with the MaRS Discovery District.  S/he also has a dotted line responsibility, providing guidance and support to the Aerospace Resource Centre, the Astronomy & Astrophysics Library, the A. D. Allen Chemistry Library, the Family & Community Medicine Library and the Physics Library.

Required:

1. A graduate degree in library or information science from an ALA-accredited institution with the capacity to understand the information and service needs of the science and health science disciplines, as well as other subject areas. 

2. Ten years of professional library experience, with significant management experience.

3. Demonstrated leadership abilities, particularly in creating a common vision and bringing together science libraries and libraries staff to offer excellent collections and services for the benefit of a broad research community.  Mentorship ability and an interest in staff development. Team building skills.

4. Excellent speaking, writing and interpersonal skills.  

5. Demonstrated ability to work collegially and effectively in a diverse academic environment to advance knowledge creation and dissemination and to support teaching, learning, and research, especially in the sciences and health sciences. 

6. Demonstrated deep understanding of research, teaching, learning and information priorities in the sciences and health science libraries.  Knowledge of best practices and emerging developments in service delivery.  Record of effective collaboration involving diverse faculty, library staff, students and other campus stakeholders. Capacity to thrive in an environment of change and to nurture that capacity in others.

7. Expertise with collections and service offerings in science and health science libraries, and an understanding of how technology will impact scholarly communications in the near and longer term. Familiarity with scientific developments in industry, and how those advances will impact research, teaching and learning in science and health science related fields. Passionate about expanding access to research findings through traditional and emerging technologies, and through partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

8. Demonstrated understanding of the evolving scholarly communications environment and open access initiatives.  Awareness of emerging technologies to support digital research and demonstrated understanding of the role of libraries in collecting and preserving non-traditional scholarship for future generations.

9. Responsive and action oriented with a focus on positively impacting research and teaching at the institution.  Demonstrated planning, decision making and problem solving skills.  Flexible and able to manage multiple competing priorities in a timely fashion.

10. Proven ability to cultivate positive partnerships with the science, health and broader libraries communities.  Evidence of deep engagement with the larger science and health science library communities and a commitment to contribute to the vibrancy of those communities. 

 

Preferred:

1. An undergraduate degree in the sciences or health sciences and/or an advanced subject degree in a relevant subject area.

2. Relevant research experience and expertise.  Publication, teaching or other significant contributions to the profession that demonstrates substantial subject mastery.

3. Significant experience in relevant professional associations.

4. Successful record of fundraising. 

5. Experience working in a unionized environment.

6. Experience with planning capital projects and library renovations.

7. At least seven years of direct management experience.

 

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. The University of Toronto Libraries thank all applicants for their interest, however, will only be contacting those applicants selected for an interview.

Archived on: 2014-09-09