Western University
Term Appointment
for a
Collections & Content Strategies Librarian

Role Description
Western Libraries invites applications for a 2 year Term Librarian to start Fall 2023 within the Collections & Content Strategies (CCS) team. Reporting to the Head, Collections & Content Strategies, the CCS Librarian will be a member of the Content Management, Discovery & Access (CMDA) Unit. 

The CCS Librarian works collaboratively in their team to develop and enact strategy that ensures Western faculty, students, and scholars have access to world-class content and collections licensed, acquired, or created locally in all formats. This includes implementation of a system-wide content strategy which guides strategic, user-informed development, management, and evaluation of content in support of research, scholarship, and instruction. This work is informed by a deep understanding of the current information needs of our users, how access to information resources is likely to change in the future, the need to ensure preservation for future scholars, and knowledge of how users interact with our resources. The CCS Librarian will liaise between Western Libraries and the Faculties of Science and Engineering. This role within the CCS team will focus on data analysis for collection assessment. 

Duties

• Perform collection development duties for both monographs and serial resources, including collection evaluation, selection and deselection, and approval plan maintenance
• Participate in development of strategic policies informed by user needs to guide how Western Libraries collections and content are accessed, developed and maintained
• Provide strategic direction for management of the physical collection for all Western Libraries locations
• Remain up-to-date with emerging trends in content development and management (e.g. collaborative collection building, shared preservation, Open Access) and adjust strategies when appropriate
• Implement and manage new acquisitions programs (e.g. Evidence Based Acquisitions (EBA), streaming video, etc.) in response to emerging developments in acquisitions and working closely with the Acquisitions team
• Act as local expert for Library staff and Western’s faculty regarding content acquisition or access
• Communicate, consult, and collaborate on collections issues in a timely manner with Acquisitions, and Discovery, Description and Metadata teams, as well as librarians and staff at Affiliated University College Libraries in order to manage collections effectively
• Provide leadership and expertise in resource analysis and assessment
• Assist with management of the acquisitions budget to ensure responsible expenditure
• Represent Western Libraries at campus events and professional meetings and conferences

As Leader of the STEM disciplinary Community of Practice (Science and Engineering):

• Organize and chair regular meetings for the STEM disciplinary Community of Practice, in order to make connections and facilitate knowledge sharing among team members from all core user functions (Teaching and Learning, Research and Scholarly Communication, User Services and Student Engagement, Archives and Special Collections)
• Act as the primary strategic point of contact between Western Libraries and STEM, connecting Engineering and Science faculties to Western Libraries experts, programs, and services that enhance student learning, support teaching excellence, and foster recognized research
• Collaborate with colleagues across the core user functions and through the disciplinary Community of Practice. This could include coordination and contribution to disciplinary initiatives, activities, and projects as appropriate
• Attend Faculty Council meetings, sharing information about Western Libraries’ strategic and operational priorities as well as programs and services available to support Faculty and Departmental directions
• Keep abreast of Faculty priorities through Faculty meetings, contacts, communications and planning documents
• Coordinate various accreditation and/or review processes associated with a Faculty, facilitating the delivery of appropriate written documentation and arranging meetings between reviewers and Library personnel

Qualifications and Experience 

Required: 

• Master’s degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association (ALA), or equivalent degree, or a PhD degree in library and information science, or equivalent degree 
• Aptitude for data analysis with demonstrated experience using software relevant to collections assessment
• Knowledge of collection development or collection management practices  
• Ability to work independently and as a team member respecting equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, decolonization and Indigenization
• Attention to detail  
• Ability to apply critical thinking when planning, prioritizing, and organizing work activities  
• Work with multiple assignments and timelines

Preferred: 

• A relevant degree or work experience in a STEM discipline
• Familiarity with or experience using Alma Library Services Platform and/or Alma Analytics

Environment

Western Libraries, one of Canada’s leading research libraries, is committed to excellence: anticipating information and service needs related to the University’s goals for research and scholarship, teaching and learning, and service to our university community and key partners.  Our Strategic Plan 2022-2028, Forward Together, aligns with the University’s strategic plan, Towards Western at 150, which has three main themes: Greater Impact; People, Community, and Culture; and Western’s Place in the World. 

Western Libraries is a member of the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL), the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL), the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Center for Research Libraries (CRL), the Canadian Research Knowledge Network (CRKN), and a partner in the OCUL Collaborative Futures Project. Recognized for the quality of its staff, the access and services provided, and its outstanding print and digital collections, Western Libraries supports the University’s mission to create, disseminate, and apply knowledge for the benefit of society through excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship.

Librarians at Western are Members of the Librarians and Archivists Bargaining Unit represented by The University of Western Ontario Faculty Association. Librarians and Archivists have responsibilities related to Professional Practice, Academic Activity, and Service to the academy and profession.  Terms and conditions of employment, including salary and benefits, are governed by the Librarians and Archivists Collective Agreement. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.  The 2022-23 annual salary minimum for each rank is as follows: General Librarian – $62,255; Assistant Librarian – $68,515; Associate Librarian – $79,326; Senior Librarian – $95,257.  Western offers a comprehensive benefit package including, but not limited to, extended health, dental, vision and pension. 

Learn more about Western University  
Learn more about Western Libraries
Learn more about the Librarians and Archivists Collective Agreement
Learn more about the University of Western Ontario Faculty Association 

Application Procedures:

Applicants are required to submit a covering letter, a curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for three professional references, by August 18, 2023 to: 

Office of the Vice-Provost & Chief Librarian
Western University
Email:  libarc@uwo.ca 

Only applications received by email will be considered.
Please submit your application package as a single electronic file (MS Word or pdf).
Please quote in the subject line reference # CCSTERM022023  

Please ensure that the form available at https://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/pdf/full-time-application-lib-archs.pdf is completed and included in your application submission. 

Business Address:
Western University, 1151 Richmond Street N., London, ON N6A 5B8 

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent communication skills in English. The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.  

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.  

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact libarc@uwo.ca 

Posted on Faculty Relations website July 17, 2023.