Technical Services & Systems Librarian

Department: Libraries and Archives
Opportunity type: Academic (full-time)
Position title: Technical Services & Systems Librarian
Classification: Assistant librarian
Supervisor’s title: Dean of Libraries & Archives
Posted date: April 17, 2023
Closing date: May 8, 2023
Anticipated start date: July 1, 2023

Position description

Mount Allison University Libraries & Archives invites applications from qualified candidates for a half-time, Technical Services & Systems Librarian. This position covers a sabbatical leave and the duration will be for twelve months, beginning July 1, 2023.

The Mount Allison University Libraries & Archives is comprised of the Ralph Pickard Bell Library, the Alfred Whitehead Music Library, and the University Archives. Together, the Libraries and Archives offer services, research resources, and collections designed to help support the curriculum and meet the scholarly requirements of faculty members and students. The Libraries & Archives are a member of Novanet and share an Integrated Library System (ILS) and public catalogue with 11 other libraries in the Atlantic Region.

Duties
Reporting to the Dean of Libraries & Archives, the incumbent will provide leadership in Technical Services, working with staff in Acquisitions, Cataloguing, and Serials. The incumbent will lead a department of six paraprofessional staff. Duties include:

Work closely with collections librarians to support collection development in all formats;
Serve as a member of Library Council and as Chair of Collection Committee; may chair or serve as a member of other committees as needed
Work with acquisitions staff to review and negotiate e-resource and data license agreements with publishers/vendors to reach favourable pricing and licensing terms; Serve as primary contact for collections-related consortia (e.g., CAAL & Novanet)
Work with acquisitions staff and collections librarians to identify, assess the financial feasibility of, and assist with the acquisition of content licensed through consortia agreements
Lead and advise library technicians in metadata and cataloguing services and standards
Maintain accurate information about e-resource access and holdings in the library’s e-resource management systems, ILS, on the website, and within vendor administration tools
Work with Acquisitions staff to manage the library acquisitions budget and ensure timely ordering and renewals of print and electronic subscription resources.
With support from TS Staff, University Finance, and other stakeholders, ensures accurate and timely closing of the fiscal cycle; generates reports, rolls funds, and sets up new allocations for the upcoming year.
Serve as the key support person in maintaining access and troubleshooting Mt. Allison’s e-resources; this includes just-in-time resolution of broken links or other access issues
Run collections and usage statistical reports for all resources and systems on a routine and as-needed basis
Participate in e-resource reviews and assessment
Participate in the development and maintenance of collection development strategies and procedures
Perform liaison and collection development duties as assigned
Participate in the delivery of reference services and information literacy
Serve on library and university committees and working groups as necessary

Applicants should have demonstrated knowledge of current and developing trends in the theory and practice of acquisitions, serials, cataloguing, metadata and information retrieval.

Qualifications/skills

ALA-accredited MLS or equivalent degree; technical services experience in an academic library will be an asset
Evidence of successful collaboration and leadership responsibilities
Experience with national and international cataloguing standards, including RDA, LC classification, and MARC21 format; a basic knowledge of BIBFRAME and MODS will be an asset
Knowledge of trends in the practice and scholarship of resource management, acquisitions, metadata and cataloguing, and digital libraries with the ability to effectively communicate new developments in the field to library and non-library staff
Knowledge of SUSHI, COUNTER 4 and COUNTER 5, and experience using analytical tools and manipulating statistics
Ability to multitask and work in a complex and detailed environment
Demonstrated skills in project development and implementation
Strong oral and written communication and critical thinking skills
Knowledge of existing ILS systems and emerging library technologies; experience with Alma will be an asset

This position is represented by the Mount Allison Faculty Association and includes opportunities for participation and involvement in scholarship, teaching, and service. This position requires primarily in-person service, with some remote work possible. The appointment will be made at the rank of General or Assistant Librarian. Salary will be within the established range and commensurate with qualifications and experience. In 2022-2023, the base salary for Assistant Librarian is $79,350.

Review of applications will begin Monday, May 8, 2023. A letter of application and curriculum vitae should be formatted in MS Word or as a PDF and sent by email to:

Anne LePage, Chair of the Search Committee
Mount Allison University Libraries and Archives
49 York Street
Sackville, NB E4L 1C6
alepage@mta.ca

Mount Allison University, located in Sackville, NB, is a leader in providing quality liberal education to undergraduate students in arts, sciences, social sciences, fine arts and music. Mount Allison’s intimate educational environment extends learning beyond the classroom, encouraging the growth of the whole person through a full range of experiences in the campus and community.

The Mount Allison University Libraries and Archives is committed to working with students and faculty in order to meet their academic and research needs. Mount Allison Libraries & Archives includes the Ralph Pickard Bell Library which is the main library, the Alfred Whitehead Music Library, and the University Archives. We invite you to look at our website for more information about the Libraries & Archives and about the University at www.mta.ca.

Mount Allison acknowledges, honours, and respects that the land named Sackville, NB is part of the unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People who are the historic inhabitants, custodians, and dwellers on the land where our University is built and confirms its commitment to strengthening relationships with all Indigenous people.
Mount Allison is committed to diversity and inclusiveness. We encourage applications from members of racialized communities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual and gender identities. We seek candidates with qualifications and knowledge to contribute specifically to the further diversification of our campus community.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents are given priority. Canadians and permanent residents should indicate their citizenship status in their application.