Simon Fraser University Library invites applications from creative and innovative individuals for the position of Head, Samuel and Frances Belzberg Library. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Learning & Research Services with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the SFU Vancouver Executive Director, and based at SFU’s downtown Vancouver campus, this full-time continuing position provides leadership for a dynamic library serving students, faculty, and members of the community working across disciplines.
SFU’s Vancouver campus is ideally positioned to further the Library’s and university’s goals around engagement, innovation, and cutting-edge, socially-engaged research and teaching. The incumbent will build a vision for the Belzberg Library that advances the priorities of the SFU Library’s 2017-2021 Strategic Plan, and will serve as a member of the Library-wide leadership team that develops future strategic priorities.
This position offers a leadership opportunity that will be attractive to candidates with excellent communication skills and a user-centered focus; those who are motivated to envision and develop services for a diverse body of faculty and students.
SETTING
We acknowledge the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam),
səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) peoples, on whose traditional territories Simon Fraser University’s three campuses stand. By recognizing the Unceded Traditional Coast Salish territories, we aspire to create space for reconciliation through dialogue and decolonizing practices.
Ranked by respected national surveys as one of Canada’s top three comprehensive universities for the past 20 years, Simon Fraser University has also been consistently named one of British Columbia’s Top Employers in recent years, as well as one of Canada’s Top 100 employers, and one of Canada’s top family-friendly employers. SFU offers more than 100 undergraduate major and joint major programs and more than 45 graduate offerings, spanning many disciplines in eight faculties, and has an international reputation for its innovative interdisciplinary and professional programs. The main, WAC Bennett Library is located on the Burnaby campus, while the Belzberg Library is on the Vancouver campus, and Fraser Library is at SFU Surrey.
The SFU Library is known for the development and implementation of innovative technology, leadership in Open Access, and excellent in-person and online user services. We serve an ethnically diverse student population, most of whom live off-campus and work part-time while attending university. SFU Library collaborates broadly with other institutions through membership in the Canadian Association of Research Libraries, the Association of Research Libraries, and regional consortia. For more information, see our web site at http://www.lib.sfu.ca/ .
The SFU Library commits to a continuous process of transformation to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion and to serve the cause of social justice. The Library’s Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion provides more information.
Established in 1989, SFU’s Vancouver campus includes facilities located in Harbour Centre, the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, the Segal Graduate School of Business, the Charles Chang Innovation Centre, the Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, and other academic and cultural facilities in the downtown area. With robust graduate, undergraduate, professional and non-credit programs in disciplines ranging from business to contemporary arts, students traveling among all three SFU campuses, and vibrant community events, it has been described as the “intellectual heart of the city.”
Belzberg Library provides access to library, learning, and research commons services for faculty, staff and students, as well as welcoming alumni and community members. The 8,500 square foot library offers study and consultation space for 142 together with 19 workstations. The collection comprises more than 31,400 monographs, 1,000 media items, and 100 print journal subscription. Circulation services include course reserves and a popular equipment lending service. Continuing staff include four librarians and three library assistants, as well as limited-term librarians and student assistants.
ASSIGNMENT
The Head of the Belzberg Library reports to the Associate Dean of Libraries, Learning and Research Services with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the SFU Vancouver Executive Director, and is part of the Vancouver Campus Management Group. The Head of Belzberg Library is responsible for the leadership and management of Belzberg Library, including finance, human resources and facilities, in collaboration with SFU Library and SFU Vancouver Administration. The Head will also work closely with many Library divisions, the SFU Vancouver leadership team, and with other SFU Vancouver campus managers, faculty and staff. A key factor in the success of the SFU Library is collaboration and teamwork at every level.
- Plan and deliver Library services at SFU Vancouver and collaborate with colleagues on the development and review of Library-wide service initiatives;
- Lead activities engaging the Belzberg Library with community partners including the City of Vancouver, and serve as an advocate for the Library in such activities planned at SFU Vancouver;
- Serve as an active member of Library and SFU Vancouver leadership teams and participate in planning and development activities for the Library and SFU Vancouver;
- Manage the daily operations of Belzberg Library;
- Forecast, manage, and administer the Belzberg Library operating budget of approximately $950,000, and serve as liaison with SFU Finance and Purchasing;
- Manage positions and salary administration for a total of 10.5 FTE continuing and temporary staff in three distinct employee groups;
- Recruit, hire, train, mentor, and develop staff, including conducting annual professional reviews;
- Liaise with Human Resources, Payroll, Budget Office, Faculty Relations and Library Management;
- Promote Library services and collections to SFU Vancouver faculty, staff and students;
- Steward Belzberg Library general collections, including identifying, selecting, and deselecting print and electronic materials in collaboration with colleagues;
- Assess needs, develop policies, and plan for future facilities, collections, services and staff;
- Participate in appropriate professional activities at the local, regional, or national level;
- Advance the values and goals outlined in the Library’s Strategic Plan.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have or demonstrate:
Master’s degree in Library or Information Studies from an ALA accredited program, or its equivalent;
- Minimum of 5 years professional library experience including supervisory or leadership experience;
- Success in mentoring and empowering staff, and fostering positive staff relationships;
- Commitment to consultative management and ability to build community and achieve consensus;
- Ability to collaborate with staff to provide innovative, user-focused services for a diverse user community, including nontraditional students;
- Ability to lead a collegial team to build successful partnerships in an urban community that includes vulnerable populations;
- Ability to lead staff successfully through professional and organizational change;
- Ability to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion and to serve the cause of social justice at the Library and SFU;
- Knowledge of trends in academic library environments and post-secondary education;
- Ability to work in a complex environment by establishing priorities and maintaining a balance between short and long-term goals;
- Experience working collaboratively in a professional setting;
- Experience with human resources, budget management and space planning;
- Evidence of ongoing professional development and contribution;
- Excellent interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, both oral and written.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
This is a full time continuing Library Division Head position beginning August 1, 2019.
Librarians and Division Heads are members of the SFU Faculty Association. Terms, conditions and benefits of employment are outlined in the Collective Agreement:
http://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/faculty-relations/home/CA.pdf
The successful applicant will be appointed at a Division Head salary level commensurate with their experience and qualifications. SFU Librarian salary scales can be viewed here:
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Simon Fraser University is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all genders, including visible minorities, persons of Aboriginal heritage, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ-identified persons.
Under the authority of the University Act, personal information that is required by the University for academic appointment competitions will be collected. For further details see:
http://www.sfu.ca/vpacademic/faculty_openings/Collection_Notice.html
TO APPLY
To be given assured consideration applications must be submitted by email in one consolidated PDF document with cover letter and curriculum vitae by 09:00 AM on Friday, April 26, 2019 to:
Susie Smith Phone: 778-782-4658
Library Management Office Fax: 778-782-3023
W.A.C. Bennett Library Email: library@sfu.ca
Simon Fraser University
ViMLoC: Visible Minority Librarians of Canada 