Interim Librarian, Humanities and Social Sciences Division
UBC Library
Fixed term opportunity from date of hire to March 31 2012
Overview of this position:
The UBC Library is seeking a UBC Librarian to fill a fixed term opportunity as Librarian in the Humanities and Social Sciences Division. The division provides reference, instruction, collection development and related public services in the areas of humanities and social sciences.
Within the context of a changing environment, and in collaboration with division staff, the successful candidate will undertake liaison, reference, and collection development activities with a focus in the areas of Anthropology and Linguistics. In addition other subject liaison and collection development responsibilities may be added to the position during the term. A full job description for the HSSD position is appended to this document.
For more information about UBC Library, please visit www.library.ubc.ca and for more information on Humanities and Social Sciences Division, please visit http://www.hss.library.ubc.ca.
Minimum Qualifications and Requirements:
A graduate degree from an accredited program in Library Science. In addition, an undergraduate degree in the humanities or social sciences or equivalent knowledge gained through professional experience in these subject areas is required.
The ideal candidate possesses relevant professional librarian experience, familiarity with bibliography, faculty-library liaison, electronic services, collection development, library instruction, an appreciation of the need for responsive and innovative information services, excellent interpersonal and written communication skills. Knowledge of one or more Slavic languages is highly desirable. The successful candidate may be assigned other responsibilities and may be required to work evening and weekends as required.
Term of appointment:
This is a fixed term opportunity from the date of hire to March 31 2012.
Application procedures:
Applications for this exciting opportunity are to be submitted by e-mail in one consolidated file (PDF or Microsoft word format) and will include: a letter of application, including a statement of citizenship/immigration status, indicating the candidate’s education, training, and work experience in the areas listed above; a detailed and current curriculum vitae; and the names of three referees with their email addresses. Please forward this material to:
Human Resources – UBC Library
2nd Floor, Koerner Library
1958 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC
V6T 1Z2
Fax: (604) 822-8565
Email: library.hr@ubc.ca
Closing date for this competition: 5 pm PST on Friday June 24 2011.
UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. However, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.
UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA LIBRARY
POSITION DESCRIPTION | DIVISION AND SECTION: | HSSD, Reference & Instruction | REVISED: December 1, 2005 |
| LIBRARY POSTION #: | 686 | Employee: __________________ |
| CLASSIFICATION: | (FACULTY) Librarian | Supervisor: __________________ |
| LIBRARY POSITION TITLE: | Reference Librarian | Human Resources:________________ |
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITY:
Provides reference and information services in the humanities and social sciences, including government publications, maps, and data files, to faculty, students, and other users. Assumes responsibility for designated subject areas and liaison with assigned departments. Participates in the development of the library collections, and may assume responsibility as bibliographer for designated subjects, formats, jurisdictions, or languages. Provides web-based and classroom instruction and assistance in use of information resources. Plans and implements services that respond to needs of humanities and social sciences users. Participates in the development of library policy, procedures, and services; and assumes responsibility for coordination and management of staff, services and projects as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
A graduate degree from an accredited programme in Library Science is required. An academic background in the humanities or social sciences is highly desirable. Excellent written and oral communication skills, and the enthusiasm and ability to teach classes and make presentations and carry out projects, both independently and as a member of a team. A strong service commitment and flexibility and willingness to assume a variety of assignments are required. A working knowledge of a foreign language is highly desirable.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
Reports to the Head of the Division. Consults with colleagues as required. Works with faculty, staff, students and the public. May supervise work of library assistants and manage the provision of services or development of collections.
Reference
Provides reference and information services to faculty, students, and other users at the reference desk and by appointment. As the librarian responsible for particular subjects, advises and assists in difficult or extensive searches in these areas. Employs the full range of Internet, electronic and print sources.
Instruction
Organizes and participates in the provision of instruction in research strategies and the use of information sources. Undertakes specialized instructional programs. Develops and maintains library web resources in designated areas of subject responsibility. Prepares guides and handouts in appropriate formats.
Collections Development
Selects reference material, both print and electronic, and cooperates with HSS bibliographers in selection of material for HSS stacks. Suggests new periodical titles, both print and electronic, based upon faculty needs and, with other subject librarians, monitors and evaluates the HSS periodical collection. Assists in development of collection policies.
If a bibliographer for a designated area, selects and manages the acquisition of titles according to collection development policies and within assigned budgets. Prepares collection policy statements and consults with faculty. Administers approval plans, including monitoring their performance and communicating with vendors. Ensures that encumbrances and expenditures stay within the assigned fund allocations.
Liaison
Initiates and maintains contact with faculty in assigned departments. Attends departmental meetings as needed. Informs faculty of services and instruction offered. Discusses collection needs of faculty.
Supervision Management
In consultation with the Head, plans and implements services for users, processing tasks in the Division, or other activities as assigned. May include supervisory responsibilities. Initiates and participates in needs assessment, design, implementation, and evaluation for the provision of information services for the Library. Undertakes, or assists with, special projects, committee work, or other temporary assignments as required.
Current Awareness
Keeps up with new literature and research developments in areas of specialization through scanning of journal literature, monitoring of electronic sources, etc. Maintains expertise in electronic information resources and technologies. Keeps current with changing professional expectations, services requirements, and developments in academic libraries.
STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE:
Provision of competent and professional reference service. Effective instruction and teaching. Current and comprehensive knowledge of specialized subject areas. Effective use of electronic information and technologies. Effective development of collections to support need of users. Innovative and creative approach to improvement of services. Responsiveness to needs of faculty, students, and other users. Good working relations with staff and users. Effective supervision of services and staff. Familiarity with the Library’s policies, procedures, and operations.
