SPECIAL PROJECTS LIBRARIAN, COLLECTION ASSESSMENT

FULL-TIME, TERM

Simon Fraser University Library invites applications for a full-time term appointed (18 months) Special Projects Librarian from December 1, 2023, to April 30, 2025. Reporting to the Associate Dean of Libraries, Collections & Content Strategy, this term position will support collections projects related to the renovation of the W.A.C. Bennett Library 5^th Floor. These will include collection assessment activities to inform evidence-based selection and retention decisions in alignment with the strategic plan, keeping the collection vibrant, relevant, and usable. Leading a team of student library assistants, the incumbent will also coordinate the movement of relevant library materials. The Special Projects Librarian will be part of the collection management team (based at the W.A.C. Bennett Library), will work closely with Liaison Librarians, and will also consult and collaborate with other Library colleagues such as those in Resource Acquisition, Management & Metadata (RAMM) and Access Services Divisions.

This position will appeal to an analytical, collaborative and innovative individual with excellent project management and communication skills and a user-centered focus. The ability to plan and adapt to tight and changing deadlines will be essential to be successful in this position.

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 75 graduate offerings, spanning many disciplines in eight faculties, and has an international reputation for its innovative interdisciplinary and professional programs. The main W.A.C. Bennett Library is located on the Burnaby campus, while the Samuel and Frances 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 https://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. 

ASSIGNMENT 

• Provide leadership for collections projects related to the renovation of WAC Bennett 5th floor;
• Support effective decision-making concerning renewal and selection and retention and location of collections, presenting findings, and making recommendations to the ADL, Collections & Content Strategy;
• Analyze large-scale collections data, with consideration for competing priorities and complex needs of various stakeholders;
• Consult and liaise with stakeholders, including Liaison librarians, Collections Management, RAMM and Access Services;
• Document and train colleagues in use of software and tools when required;
• Make use of available tools and identify and learn new tools;
• Hire, train, and supervise student library assistants;
• Participate in appropriate professional activities at the local, regional, or national level;
• Advance the values and priorities outlined in the Library’s Strategic Plan. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Required: 

• Master’s degree in Library or Information Studies from an ALA accredited program, or its equivalent;
• Minimum of 2 years professional library or equivalent relevant experience;
• Familiarity with research library collections;
• Familiarity with trends in academic publishing related to ebook and ejournal publishers and platforms;
• Experience extracting and analyzing collection assessment data;
• Advanced level knowledge and experience using Excel;
• Ability and desire to learn new tools, software quickly;
• Experience leading projects with collaborative teams;
• Supervisory experience;
• Demonstrated ability to accomplish complicated tasks and projects with minimal supervision;
• Demonstrated problem solving skills and attention to detail;
• Ability to recognize, respect and work effectively with individuals and groups with diverse perspectives and backgrounds;
• Excellent interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, both oral and written;
• Ability to work in a complex environment by establishing priorities and maintaining a balance between short and long-term goals;
• Awareness of, and sensitivity to, issues of equity, inclusion, accessibility and decolonization activities or initiatives.

Desired: 

• Experience with Alma Analytics;
• Experience with collections assessment tools;
• Project Management training or certification;
• A record of professional achievement including a demonstrated ability to engage in scholarship and/or service to the profession and the community.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT 

This is a full time eighteen-month term Librarian position, with an anticipated start date of December 1, 2023. 

Librarians are members of the SFU Faculty Association. 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. Current salary scales are available from: 

https://www.sfu.ca/faculty-relations/salary.html

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Only candidates who are able to commence work effective December 1, 2023 will be considered. Simon Fraser University is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all genders, racialized persons, 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 9am PDT on Monday, October 16, 2023 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