Position Title: Special Collections Librarian and Archivist

Bargaining Unit: CUFA

Status: Tenure-track

Date posted: July 29, 2024

Application deadline: August 19, 2024

Position Description

The Special Collections Librarian and Archivist is a member of the Library’s professional team, reporting to the Associate University Librarian, Collection Services. The Special Collections Librarian and Archivist participates in all aspects of Special Collections and Archives, including development, management and preservation of collections, description of archival materials, provision of research assistance, and instructional and outreach activities.

This is a full-time tenure-track position in the Library which can be filled at the rank of Assistant Librarian or Associate Librarian, depending on experience. Librarians are members of the Concordia University Faculty Association (CUFA).

Responsibilities

In close collaboration with the Head, Special Collections and Archives, and Special Collections and Archives staff, works to develop the service offerings of Special Collections and Archives, develop collections, and deliver services. Aids in the development of policies, procedures, and workflows, as required.

Makes an active contribution to the accessioning, processing, arrangement, description, and reformatting of archival materials. Conducts research into archival and special collections holdings.

Assists with collection development by purchase or donation. 

• In consultation with the Head, Special Collections and Archives, assists with the evaluation of the appropriateness of potential donations for inclusion in Special Collections and Archives; prepares and presents recommendations to the Acquisitions Advisory Committee; assists with subsequent steps in the acquisitions process, as appropriate. 
• Under the direction of the Associate University Librarian, Collection Services, and in collaboration with the Collections Coordinator, evaluates or coordinates the evaluation of potential gift-in-kind offers for the general collection; communicates with donors, follows through with accepted donations. 

Participates in the delivery of services, including providing knowledgeable, efficient, and effective research assistance to members of the Concordia University community and external researchers.

Participates in the delivery of instructional programs to integrate special collections and archives into the teaching, learning and research activities of the University. Implements outreach programs to engage the wider community.

Curates exhibitions to showcase Special Collections and Archives materials, as appropriate.

Participates in digital and analogue preservation initiatives for Special Collections and Archives materials. Collaborates with the Digital Preservation Librarian on digital preservation initiatives, including web archiving, as required.

Provides training and functional guidance for staff in Special Collections and Archives.

Leads or assists with special projects, or other temporary assignments, as required.

Participates in Library, University, and external committees, and engages in professional organizations and the development of the profession.

Maintains knowledge of cultural heritage standards, ethical stewardship, research expectations, service requirements, and developments in academic libraries, particularly in special collections and archives.

Qualifications

Professional Expertise

A graduate degree from a library school accredited by the American Library Association, or approved equivalent education and training acceptable for membership in the Corporation of Professional Librarians of Québec, preferably with a specialization in archival studies.

Recent and relevant professional experience in archives and special collections, preferably in an academic library or equivalent.

Sound knowledge of and experience with archival description using the Rules for Archival Description (RAD) and in using an archival collection management system. Experience with Access to Memory (AtoM) is an asset.

Experience in collection development and management in special collections and archives. Experience in acquiring both published and archival materials and working with donors.

Experience providing research assistance with archival materials.

Knowledge of best practices in digital and analogue preservation.

Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver effective instructional activities.

Familiarity with the staff modules of a library services platform, preferably OCLC WorldShare Management Services, is an asset.

General Competencies

Strong motivation, aptitude and interest to establish student and faculty success as the centre of their professional practice. 

Ability to plan and organize effectively and ability to handle multiple priorities and tasks as well as projects.

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, share expertise, work in teams and negotiate solutions with diverse groups.

Excellent communication skills. Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills.

Understanding of and commitment to accessibility, equity, diversity and inclusion.

Curiosity, drive and flexibility so as to discover and try new things, in support of Library and University strategic directions.

Oral and written fluency in English is essential. A professional level of oral French and basic written French are required.

Salary and Benefits

As of June 1, 2024, the salary for an appointment at the rank of Assistant Librarian is between $79,901.00 and $111,809.00 per annum. The position includes a competitive and comprehensive benefits package.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must supply the following in one (1) single PDF attachment:

• a letter of interest;
• curriculum vitae, which must include the required statement of your status as either a Permanent Resident of Canada or a Canadian citizen (see Immigration Status below);
• the names, email addresses and telephone numbers of three professional references.

Electronic applications should be submitted by 9:00 a.m. (EDT) on August 19, 2024 to Sandra Biron, Senior Library Personnel Assistant: employment.library@concordia.ca. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews are planned for September 9-18, 2024.

Immigration Status

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and Permanent Residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University is obliged to gather information about applicants’ status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens. While applicants need not identify their country of origin or current citizenship, all applicants must include one of the following statements:

Yes, I am a citizen or permanent resident of Canada

or

No, I am not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada

Employment Equity

Concordia University is strongly committed to employment equity within its community, and to recruiting a diverse faculty and staff.  The University encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, racialized persons, Indigenous persons, 2SLGBTQI+ persons, and persons with disabilities; candidates are invited to self-identify in their applications.

Concordia University is strongly committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, and recognizes the importance of inclusion in achieving excellence in teaching and research. As part of this commitment to providing our students with the dynamic, innovative, and inclusive educational environment of a Next‐Generation University, we require all applicants to articulate in their cover letter how their background, as well as lived and professional experiences and expertise have prepared them to teach in ways that are relevant for a diverse, multicultural contemporary Canadian society.

Possible examples to demonstrate a diverse experience may include, but are not limited to:

• teaching about underrepresented populations 

• mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds 

• committee work 

• offering or organizing educational programming 

• participation in training and workshops 

Candidates are encouraged to share any career interruptions or personal circumstances that may have had an impact on their career goals in their letter of application. These will be carefully considered in the assessment process.

All applicants will receive an email invitation to complete a short equity survey. Participation in the survey is voluntary and no identifying information about candidates will be shared with hiring committees. Candidates who wish to self-identify as a member of an underrepresented group to the hiring committee may do so in their cover letter or by writing directly to the contact person indicated in this posting.

Adaptive Measures

Applicants who anticipate requiring adaptive measures throughout any stage of the recruitment process may contact, in confidence, Anna Barrafato, Accessibility Change Lead, at Anna.Barrafato@concordia.ca or by phone at 514-848-2424, extension 3511.

Information about the Library

Concordia University Library provides collections and services fundamental to academic success, creation, the advancement of knowledge, and lifelong learning. With a team of 120 librarians, professionals, and support staff who put student and faculty success at the centre of their practice, the Library collaborates to achieve the goals outlined in our strategic plan and in the University’s strategic framework and directions.

Information about Concordia

Concordia University is located on unceded Indigenous lands. Tiohtià:ke/Montreal, on the traditional lands and waters of the Kanien’kehá:ka Nation, is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples. We respect the continued connections with the past, present and future in our ongoing relationships with Indigenous and other peoples within the Montreal community.

Building on the skills of our faculty and the strengths of Indigenous, local, and global partnerships, we set our sights further and more broadly than others and align the quality of learning opportunities to larger trends and substantial challenges facing society.

“Concordia is a young, forward-looking university. It’s a unique place where experimentation, innovation and creativity are truly valued. Our community of students, faculty, staff and alumni all contribute to our momentum as Canada’s next-gen university.” — Concordia President Graham Carr.

Profoundly global, Concordia is North America’s top university under the age of 50 and is recognized for attracting some of the most talented faculty and students from around the world. Driven by ambition, innovation and a commitment to reconciliation, research and community engagement, Concordia is celebrated for advancing transformative learning, convergent thinking and public impact.

Information about Montreal

Tiohtià:ke/Montreal, is exceptional; safe, vibrant and diverse, with new things to discover around every corner. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather and conduct our activities. With a population of 1.7 million, Tiohtià:ke/Montreal is home to four major universities and several clinical research centres and has been named the best student city in the world. It offers the most affordable tuition in Canada.

The city enjoys a thriving multicultural scene. Bilingualism is a part of Montreal’s tradition and adds to its inspiring atmosphere. While supporting a significant anglophone population, it is the one of the largest French-speaking cities in the world.

Montreal is famed for its innovative culinary scene and festivals. It was also the first metropolis to be designated a UNESCO City of Design by the Global Alliance for Cultural Diversity.

The city is recognized globally as an important centre for commerce, aerospace, transport, finance, pharmaceuticals, technology, design, gaming and film.

Territorial acknowledgement

Concordia University is located on unceded Indigenous lands. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather today. Tiohtiá:ke/Montreal is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today, it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples. We respect the continued connections with the past, present and future in our ongoing relationships with Indigenous and other peoples within the Montreal community.