Discovery Systems and Services Librarian

Discovery Systems and Services Librarian

Technology, Discovery, and User Experience (TDUX), UBC Library | Vancouver Campus

Full-time, Confirmation-track Librarian

Anticipated Start Date: February 1, 2023

 

UBC LIBRARY:
As one of the world’s leading universities, the University of British Columbia creates an exceptional learning environment that fosters global citizenship, advances a civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada and the world.

 

We honour, celebrate and thank the xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam) and Syilx Okanagan peoples on whose territories the main campuses of the University of British Columbia have the privilege to be situated.

 

The University of British Columbia Library is one of the largest academic libraries in Canada and consistently ranks among the top university research libraries in North America. UBC Library has 14 branches and divisions across two campuses (Vancouver and Kelowna), including an off-site hospital library; a multi-purpose teaching and learning facility, the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre; and the Xwi7xwa Library, a centre for academic and community Indigenous scholarship. Over 300 knowledgeable employees – librarians, management and professional staff, support staff and student staff – provide users with the excellent resources and services that they need to further their research, teaching and learning.

 

The UBC Library is committed to being a respectful, healthy environment that encourages leadership, collegiality, diversity, individual growth and opportunity. Explore our aspirational values that we strive to uphold and actively incorporate into all aspects of our organization. We are committed to eliminating institutional and structural systems of oppression and power (such as colonialism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, ableism, and white supremacy).

 

Learn more about the UBC Library Strategic Framework and about working with us.

 

POSITION OVERVIEW:

As a member of the Technology, Discovery, and User Experience Unit (TDUX), the Discovery Systems and Services Librarian plans and implements services that respond to the changing needs of UBC’s user communities. In support of UBC Library’s Strategic Framework, the Discovery Systems and Services Librarian is primarily responsible for coordinating the usage, development, support, and maintenance of the Library’s discovery and applications infrastructure, including the current Integrated Library System (ILS), the future Library Management Platform (LMP), electronic resources discovery, other search and discovery interfaces, and their supporting back-end technologies. Coordinates an integrated and holistic approach to discovery services that includes search and discovery functions, delivery of metadata to local and third-party services, and provision of access to open and licensed resources via the Library’s discovery services. Works with other members of TDUX, members of Collections Services, and across the Library to ensure user-centric discovery of and access to the Library’s collections. Provides leadership, training, mentorship, and supervision to Library employees with discovery responsibilities. The Discovery Systems and Services Librarian works in an environment of iterative and consultative decision-making. Participates in the development of library policy, procedures, and services.

 

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

This position works in the Technology, Discovery, and User Experience Unit to engage from a discovery perspective the many facets of technology management, including metadata architecture, identity management, privacy, accessibility, and the user experience, contribute to process development and priority setting within TDUX, and participate in Library technology professional development activities.

The Discovery Systems and Services Librarian specifically works with colleagues in Collections Services, Digital Initiatives, and Rare Books and Special Collections to ensure licensed, open, and locally-produced content is discoverable in the many interfaces and services the Library engages in; also works with colleagues across the Library system in various facets related to discovery services, including planning, requirements gathering, and implementation for new discovery-related services, developing documentation, and troubleshooting problems as they arise with discovery services. Works with colleagues on internal and external committees and working groups and, where appropriate, works and consults with external individuals and organizations on discovery related topics and initiatives.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED

·         Masters-level degree from an accredited program of library, or information science, or equivalent internationally accredited program.

·         Ability to build relationships and work collegially in a diverse, proactive, and team-oriented environment, in keeping with the UBC Respectful Environment Statement.

·         Demonstrated knowledge of library discovery services that support the operations and strategic initiatives of academic libraries.

·         Demonstrated knowledge of library application development processes, including requirements gathering, data modelling, quality assurance, usability testing, and release management.

·         Demonstrated ability to initiate, plan and carry out projects, both independently and as a member of a team.

·         Demonstrated ability to consult with others, incorporate learned technical knowledge, and make independent decisions.

·         Evidence of strong professional communication skills, including: written and verbal, in-person and digital, active listening, responding to constructive feedback.

 

 

PREFERRED

·         Experience or knowledge related to incorporating equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into overall professional practice.

·         Ability to recognize, respect, and work effectively with individuals and groups with diverse perspectives and backgrounds; takes initiative in learning about language and issues relating to equity and diversity.

·         Experience working in an academic library.

·         Familiarity with metadata and other relevant library technology standards.

·         Knowledge of current and recent industry trends in library search, discovery, metadata delivery, and application lifecycle management.

·         Interest in leadership as related to committee and project work.
·         Supervisory experience.

 

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND SALARY:

Appointment: This is a full-time confirmation-track appointment with an anticipated start date of 1 February 2023. The successful candidate will hold an initial three-year appointment, normally followed by an ongoing confirmed appointment. In most cases confirmation-track appointments are reviewed following the second year of appointment, and a recommendation is made at that time to grant or not to grant an ongoing confirmed appointment.

The successful candidate will be a member of The University of British Columbia Faculty Association and the terms and conditions of appointment are governed by the Collective Agreement between UBC and the UBC Faculty Association (https://hr.ubc.ca/working-ubc/faculty-collective-agreement-and-policies).

Eligibility: We are only considering applications from librarians with a maximum of 10 years of professional library experience. However, all internal candidates will be considered regardless of years of experience and are encouraged to apply.

Salary: Starting salary will be commensurate with experience and academic/professional qualifications, and will meet or exceed the minimum salaries outlined in the Collective Agreement. Information about salary increases can be found in the Collective Agreement: https://hr.ubc.ca/working-ubc/faculty-collective-agreement-and-policies

Benefits: Librarians and their dependents are eligible for an extensive benefits package including extended health care coverage, dental coverage, Employee and Family Assistance Program, life insurance, pension and travel benefits. To support families, UBC provides a top-up for eligible employees on maternity or parental leave. Tuition assistance is also available for qualifying employees and dependent children. In addition, librarians/archivists are eligible for professional development funding to support career growth at the university, as well as study leave. Details are available in the Collective Agreement, and for more information see UBC Human Resources: https://hr.ubc.ca/benefits/eligibility-enrolment/employee-groups

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

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

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applications will include: a detailed and current curriculum vitae; and a letter of application that includes a statement of citizenship/immigration status, and indicates the candidate’s education, training and work experience in the areas listed above. One consolidated PDF is preferred.

Please visit the UBC careers website to view the full position description and on how to apply. The application deadline will be at 11:59pm on December 29, 2022.