We invite applications for a full-time, three-year term (non-tenure track) librarian position with the University Library. This position does not include a research component but is in scope of the University of Saskatchewan Faculty Association. This position actively participates in metadata creation and leads the planning of cataloguing operations by establishing projects, priorities, policies, and procedures. The ideal candidate will bring high-level knowledge of metadata standards and a demonstrated understanding of systems related to cataloguing/metadata services.
We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, and flexible individual with the appropriate skills and qualifications to work collaboratively to support the discovery, access, sharing, management, and preservation of library collections, and to contribute to library-wide projects and priorities.
Reporting to the Dean through the Collections and Discovery Division, the successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Cultivating a forward-thinking, collaborative approach to achieving goals; establishing procedures to integrate, enhance, and assess discoverability of the collections in all formats in accordance with library priorities
- Serving as a resource expert and working closely with library technicians responsible for cataloguing to enhance skill development and create collaborative practices to support success, including evaluating new and emerging strategies and technologies to improve the efficiency and quality of cataloguing processes
- Maintaining awareness of current and emerging trends, standards, and best practices in cataloguing and metadata
- Leading projects to advance the development and implementation of emerging services that require cataloguing expertise
- Providing expertise for ensuring high quality metadata in library systems
- Original cataloguing, including the creation and maintenance of authority records, subject analysis, classification, holdings maintenance, and other cataloguing duties
- Fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion through cataloguing and metadata practices
About the University Library
As one of Canada’s leading research libraries, the University Library serves as the intellectual hub of the University of Saskatchewan, providing resources, services, and spaces that facilitate inquiry, discovery, and knowledge creation. Our Strategic Framework focuses on building scholars and decolonizing the library. The University Library is committed to developing welcoming, responsive, and accessible services and resources to support our diverse clientele, with a strategic focus on Indigenous peoples.
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 into four functional divisions: Collections and Discovery, Learning & Curriculum Support, Research Support Services, University Archives and Special Collections. For more information visit the University Library website.
About the University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and offers programs and courses in a variety of locations across the province and online. The University has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and scholarly activities and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to a student population of over 25,000.
About Saskatoon
Saskatoon is a city with a diverse and thriving economic base, a vibrant arts community, and a full range of leisure opportunities. The city’s arts and cultural scene includes the Remai Modern Art Gallery, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, two independent movie theatres (Broadway Theatre and Roxy Theatre), Persephone Theatre, the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, and Wanuskewin Heritage Park. The city has an array of restaurants, including two that were on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list in 2022, and several local breweries and distilleries. Our city also offers a variety of recreational opportunities such as classes, recreational leagues, and semi-professional sporting events. Residents of Saskatoon enjoy nearby opportunities for camping and fishing in Northern Saskatchewan, which is world-class, as well as public walking/biking trails all along the South Saskatchewan River. Saskatoon has short commute times as well as apartment rental and house prices that are lower than many other places in the country.
Qualifications
An ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science degree or international equivalent is required for this appointment. Minimum of 2 years of experience cataloguing various formats, and experience in an academic environment coordinating metadata projects (N.B. candidates can include internship or other placement experience).
We are seeking candidates who demonstrate
- A record of recognizing, respecting, and working effectively with individuals and groups from diverse perspectives and backgrounds, encouraging change, and engaging staff in collaborative planning and user-centered services
- Interest in or knowledge of reparative description, for example decolonizing metadata
- Sound knowledge of and experience with original cataloguing, subject analysis, classification, and authority control
- Working knowledge of current cataloguing standards, including MARC, RDA, AACR2, LCSH, LCC, and DDC, as well as an understanding of emerging standards, including BIBFRAME and linked data
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, the ability to oversee complex, detail-oriented work, and an aptitude for applying creative solutions, often under time pressure
- Experience in developing, maintaining, and growing effective professional relationships and contributing to a collegial team
- Strong commitment to user-centered library service and the ability to work flexibly and creatively in a changing and fast-paced environment with a culturally diverse population
- Commitment to continued professional development and demonstrated awareness of current and emerging trends in librarianship
- Commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
The qualifications listed below are desired but not required. The Search Committee welcomes applications from candidates who do not have experience or knowledge in these areas.
- Experience with tools that assist in metadata creation, management, and remediation (e., OCLC Worldshare Record Manager, MarcEdit, OpenRefine)
- Experience creating and editing authority records (NACO work) as well as theoretical knowledge of other PCC programs (e.g., BIBCO, CONSER, and SACO)
- Knowledge of the linked data environment and the semantic web, including emerging library initiatives (e.g., BIBFRAME, data modeling in RDF)
- Working knowledge of languages other than English and/or experience working with non-Latin data
- Experience with cataloguing rare books and manuscripts, music, or other specialized formats.
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+.
It is anticipated that this position will be filled at the assistant or associate rank. Starting salary will be calculated from the base salary with consideration given for previous librarian experience. Salary bands for the 2022-2023 academic year are as follows:
- Assistant Librarian: $83,150 to $99,945
- Associate Librarian: $99,945 to $120,099
This position comes with 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.
This position is located on-site in Saskatoon, but faculty are eligible for hybrid work under the terms of University of Saskatchewan’s Alternative Workspace Guidelines.
Interested candidates must submit, via email, a cover letter highlighting qualifications and accomplishments, as well as a detailed curriculum vitae to:
Melissa Just, EdD, MLIS
Dean, University Library
University of Saskatchewan
156 Murray Building, 3 Campus Drive
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A4
Email: [email protected]
Due to federal immigration requirements, we also 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 October 16, 2023; however, applications will be accepted and evaluated until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is January 2024.
Status: Term
Employment Group: USFA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Posted Date: 9/5/2023
Closing Date: Until Filled
The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the
deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.
