Simon Fraser University Library invites applications for a Research Commons Librarian. Reporting to the Head of the Research Commons and based at the W.A.C. Bennett Library, Burnaby campus, this full-time continuing position will support and partner with SFU faculty, graduate students, and other researchers across the three SFU campuses and beyond.

SETTING

We acknowledge the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (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 Samuel and Frances Belzberg Library is at 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 https://www.lib.sfu.ca.

SFU Library’s Research Commons fosters an empowered and transformative research culture that is collaborative, creative, and cross-disciplinary. Librarians and staff partner with faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows to build capacity, community, and expertise in diverse research areas. Of particular significance to this role is the opening of a new Research Commons location at the SFU Vancouver campus, anticipated in the Fall of 2021 as COVID restrictions allow.

The SFU Research Commons is the home of the SFU Library Graduate Peer Program, a paid employment, mentorship, and training opportunity for graduate students. The peer team is composed of graduate students at both the master’s and doctoral levels, from a range of disciplines. Peers provide consultations and instruction related to established and emerging research tools and practices for SFU’s research community.

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.

ASSIGNMENT

The Research Commons Librarian will work closely with many Library divisions and with other SFU units such as Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, the Office of Research Ethics, Career Services, and Health & Counseling. A key factor in the success of the SFU Library is collaboration and teamwork at every level.

• In collaboration with partners, develop, coordinate, promote, and assess Research Commons in-person and online programs and services targeted to the SFU research community at all three campus locations.
• Coordinate the assessment, procurement, implementation, and ongoing support of new and existing software for use in the Research Commons and by the general SFU community.
• Lead the Research Commons’ Graduate Peer Program, including the recruitment, training, and supervision of graduate peers.
• Lead the Library’s qualitative data analysis support program and coordinate support for other research software tools offered through the Research Commons.
• Provide instruction and assistance to researchers through instructional seminars, guides, and individual consultations.
• Liaise and work with library staff and university partners on project teams and committees.
• Ensure strong communication with library staff, university, and external partners.
• Foster a Research Commons community at the new Vancouver space.
• Develop professional knowledge and skills on a continuing basis.
• Advance the values and goals outlined in the Library’s Strategic Plan.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

A Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies from an ALA accredited program, or its equivalent, is a required qualification for this position.

• Ability to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion and to serve the cause of social justice at the Library and SFU.
• Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating programs, services, and projects.
• Experience assisting students, faculty, and staff from a variety of disciplines in a research environment.
• Experience developing and delivering instruction for individuals and groups from varied experiential and educational backgrounds.
• Excellent interpersonal and intercultural skills, including clear, effective communication (oral and written).
• Demonstrated success in consultative coordination, and in consultative decision-making.
• Experience working respectfully and effectively in a collegial team environment, with individuals and groups with diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
• Skills in leadership, advocacy, and community building.
• Analytical and problem solving skills with an attention to detail.
• General understanding of shared and distinctive research methods and technical support needs of researchers in a wide range of disciplines.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

This is a full-time continuing Librarian position, with an anticipated start date in August 2021.

Librarians are members of the SFU Faculty Association. The Faculty Association has a new collective agreement for the period July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2022 that includes provisions for librarian research activity. All of the terms, conditions and benefits of employment are outlined in the Collective Agreement: https://www.sfu.ca/faculty-relations/collectiveagreement.html

The successful applicant will be appointed at a salary level commensurate with their experience and qualifications. SFU Librarian salary scales can be viewed here: https://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/faculty-relations/collective-agreement/Salary_Scale_July1_2021.pdf

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 strongly encourages applications from qualified candidates of all genders, visible minorities, persons of First Nations, Inuit, or Métis heritage, persons with disabilities, and persons who identify as LGBTQ2SIA+.

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

Information about what to expect when you apply for a librarian position at SFU is available here: https://www.lib.sfu.ca/about/overview/employment/what-expect-librarian-position

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 9:00am PDT on May 17, 2021 to:
Susie Smith
Library Management Office
W.A.C. Bennett Library
Simon Fraser University
Phone: 778-782-4658
Fax: 778-782-3023
Email: library@sfu.ca