DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Limited term Subject Liaison and Alma Support Librarian 

Dalhousie University Libraries (Dal Libraries) seeks a collaborative, flexible, innovative, and service oriented professional librarian for a 12-month limited-term position. This position will commence September 1, 2023 (or as soon as possible thereafter). Appointed to the Sexton Design & Technology Library and reporting to the Dean of Libraries through the Acting Associate Dean Resources and Head, Sexton Design & Technology Library (Associate Dean and Head) the incumbent will assist in the provision of a range of liaison librarian services to support teaching, learning, research and outreach in the Faculties of Engineering and Architecture & Planning, and provide support to Dal Libraries’ staff in the use of Ex Libris’ Alma, Dalhousie’s shared library services platform provided through Novanet, a consortia of twelve Nova Scotian post-secondary institutions. 

About Dalhousie University Libraries 

Dalhousie University sits on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq. Dalhousie Libraries play a critical role in the stewardship of research resources that support scholarship, knowledge transfer, and innovation. The Dalhousie Libraries system includes: the Killam Memorial Library (Arts and Social Sciences, Science, Management, Computer Science, Graduate Studies, and Open Learning & Career Development); the W.K. Kellogg Health Sciences Library (Medicine, Dentistry and Health); the Sexton Design & Technology Library (Engineering, Architecture and Planning); the MacRae Library (Agriculture); the Sir James Dunn Law Library (which is an integral part of the Dalhousie Libraries but reports directly to the Dean of Law); and the University Archives (located in the Killam Library) including the Agricultural Campus Archives, Special Collections and Museum holdings located in the MacRae Library. As a cohesive library system with a team comprising over 30 professional librarians and 90 staff, we celebrate the unique discipline-based needs of our users and support their shared goals to achieve excellence in teaching, learning, and research. 

The Dalhousie Libraries is a member of Novanet, a consortium of Nova Scotia academic libraries sharing a common library management system (Alma), the Council of Atlantic Academic Libraries (CAAL-CBPA), and the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL), among other collaborative initiatives. Additional information is available at http://libraries.dal.ca, http://www.novanet.ns.ca, http://caul-cbua.ca/and http://carl-abrc.ca. 

The Role 

As a subject liaison librarian for Engineering, Architecture, and Planning, the incumbent provides a range of liaison services including collections development, library instruction in a variety of formats, and research assistance, working closely with colleagues from all libraries in the Dalhousie Libraries system. Instructional and research assistance sessions may be in-person, hybrid or online. 

As an Alma support librarian, the incumbent will provide support to Dal Libraries’ staff in the use of Ex Libris’ Alma, including aiding library staff in their use of Alma and providing expertise for improving workflows across the entire life cycle of acquiring, describing, and providing access to print and digital information resources in all formats. 

Main Areas of Responsibility 

· Serve as the liaison librarian for departments and programs in the Faculties of Engineering and Architecture & Planning 

· Provide reference and information services including reference & research consultations to students, faculty, and researchers 

· Develop and deliver information research instruction in in-person, hybrid, and online settings by applying active learning methods as well as innovative educational technologies

· Collaborate with colleagues to ensure collection, research needs, and learning outcomes are met

· Complete course and program collection assessments as needed 

· Plan and create digital learning objects including tutorials, learning modules, and instructional materials for the use of students and faculty 

· Seek opportunities to engage faculty to increase their awareness of information literacy opportunities and benefits 

· Instruct and assist clients on site and remotely to effectively discover, access, and use the full range of library and information resources available to meet teaching, learning, and research needs

· Provide application support to Dal Libraries’ staff in the use of Ex Libris’ Alma, Dal Libraries’ library services platform (LSP), in consultation and coordination with Novanet consortia partners

· Identify and promote the application of best practices for managing LSP workflows related to the acquisition, description, and access to information resources, promoting Novanet consortia-wide approaches where possible 

· Perform data clean-up and migration tasks to support data management and automation of workflows within the LSP 

· Prepare and distribute LSP-related documentation; contribute to the development and delivery of training programs 

· Participate in troubleshooting issues with Dal Libraries’ staff use of the LSP and Dalhousie faculty and student access to resources using the LSP 

· Create, run, and export analytical reports within the LSP 

· Provide instruction and consultation to Libraries’ staff on custom reports and improving workflows in Alma 

· Act as a liaison between Libraries Resources Management Team and Libraries’ staff to report on problems and new initiatives 

· Actively engage in continuing education/professional development 

· Participate in Dal Libraries and other committees and working groups as necessary 

Required Qualifications 

· MLIS or MI degree from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent 

· Minimum 1 year relevant experience in an academic, special, or research library

· A strong commitment to public service and excellent communication and interpersonal skills · Demonstrated knowledge of academic library resources, preferably in, but not limited to, one or more of the following disciplines: engineering, architecture, and planning 

· Knowledge of current trends and best practices in technical services or resource management, such as electronic resource management, discovery platform systems, serials management and vendor licensing 

· Demonstrated commitment to collaboration and promotion of respect and inclusion with a wide variety of stakeholders 

Preferred Qualifications 

· Education in engineering, architecture, or planning or equivalent experience providing liaison services in engineering, architecture and planning in an academic, special, or research library

· Experience presenting online or in-person library instructional material in a clear and well-designed manner 

· Awareness of professional themes and current trends in research and instruction

· Experience providing research support or reference in an academic, special, or research library

· Previous experience with a library services platform (LSP), preferably Ex Libris’ Alma

· Ability to collaboratively develop and/or support workflows in the Libraries’ use of the LSP

· Experience managing multiple projects in a hybrid environment, setting and meeting deadlines and adapting to new and changing situations, priorities, and technologies 

Salary and Benefits 

Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience and is subject to the terms of the Dalhousie Faculty Association Collective Agreement. The position will not be filled at a rank higher than Librarian II. 

Compensation: $67,389 annually (minimum) 

Availability of the Position 

The position has a proposed starting date of September 1, 2023 

Deadline for Applications 

July 5, 2023 

Application Instructions 

Submit the following information via Dalhousie University’s PeopleAdmin (https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/13424): 

· a cover letter outlining qualifications for the position 

· a curriculum vitae 

· contact information for at least three referees with knowledge of your work and/or recognized expertise in your discipline 

Letters of reference will be solicited by the Search Committee for short-listed candidates and should not be sent with the initial application.
 

Assessment of applications will begin after the closing date and continue until a suitable candidate is found. The appointment will be effective 1 September 2023 or as negotiated. 

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. 

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, and persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. For more information, please visit http://www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity.