University Librarian

Trent University is searching for a new University Librarian to lead the operations and strategy of Trent’s campus libraries in Peterborough and Durham.

The Organization

Trent University respectfully acknowledges it is located on the treaty and traditional territory of the Mississauga Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to First Peoples for their care for, and teachings about, our earth and our relations. May we honour those teachings.

Consistently recognized as one of Canada’s top universities, and the #1 undergraduate university in Ontario for 12 years running, Trent University is known for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction. Trent was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative.

Trent University is committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). The University welcomes candidates who self-identify as Black, Indigenous or a person of colour with lived experience and expertise in incorporating EDI practices into teaching, research and service. Joining a vibrant community at Trent where we aspire to achieve equity and diversity in all areas, the successful candidate will be expected to show evidence of a commitment to EDI and the promotion of a collegial and supportive working environment.

The Role

The University Librarian oversees the Library and Archives which play a central role in the academic life of the University. The Library supports the scholarly, research and professional pursuits of its students, faculty and staff, as well as members of the community at large. It provides comprehensive access to collections in all formats, individual and collaborative learning spaces, leading-edge technology, and expert information discovery skills training for its students and faculty. It promotes learning and encourages the development of life-long learning skills.

Reporting to the Provost & Vice President Academic, the University Librarian is the senior administrator responsible for the vision, leadership, and strategic direction of the university libraries and archives in Peterborough and Durham. The Library and Archives is the central information and knowledge hub of the university and provides physical and virtual collaborative learning spaces, information access points, and the support of scholarship, research, teaching and learning. The University Librarian advocates for the library and is responsible for establishing an innovative vision for teaching, learning, research, and community building within library spaces on both Trent campuses. They also oversee the management, planning, and development of services, budget, programs and collections of the Library and Archives.

The University Librarian is responsible for creating a library and learning environment consistent with the vision of Trent University. The University Librarian will be a visionary leader responsible for carrying out the mission and upholding the values of the library. They will be a champion for fostering collaborative partnerships, and will advocate for services, resources, and people to provide the key elements for success including, environment, innovation, collections, technology.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic leadership, setting direction and ensuring quality of the Library & Archives services and initiatives.
• Overall responsibility for fiscal management of the Library & Archives budgets and resources.
• Provides leadership to librarians and managers in the provision of core operations and initiatives.
• Fostering innovation in research, teaching, and learning practices in the context of the libraries.
• Establishment of productive internal and external relationships and communications.
• Acts as a part of the senior management team at Trent University.
• Other duties as requested by the Provost and Vice President, Academic.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be an experienced librarian and strategic leader, with a commitment to Indigenization and EDI and a transparent and consultative management style. They are a passionate and caring leader with integrity. They will understand evolving trends in university libraries and archives, and have a track record of improving and innovating in Library settings, with a commitment to community-oriented services. They are an evidence-informed decision maker that has a record of building strong and effective relationships across administrative and faculty departments in a multi-campus setting.

Qualifications and Experience

• An ALA accredited Master of Library and Information Science or equivalent,
• Demonstrated career progression as a librarian or archivist,
• Strong understanding of core library operations and emerging trends in information service, instruction, collections, digital initiatives, research support, and archives,
• Demonstrated commitment to Indigenization; equity, diversity and inclusion; accessibility; and sustainability in libraries,
• A strong record of scholarship, research, teaching, and/or service,
• Understanding of licensing and Canadian copyright issues,
• Demonstrated understanding of human-centred library assessment,
• Demonstrated ability to manage a significant budget,
• Understanding of library donations and the ability to secure funding from a variety of sources.

Attributes

• Exceptional communication skills, consensus-building, and advocacy, with the ability to be persuasive while speaking to different audiences.
• The ability to face challenges and to exercise integrity, flexibility, and wisdom.
• The ability to work collegially and effectively within a unionized environment, building trusting relationships both internally and externally.
• Creativity, empathy, compassion, and curiosity.

Deadline for applications is February 15, 2023.

We will provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that considers an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca

If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Debra Clinton at dclinton@kbrs.ca, Dr. Jennie Massey at jmassey@kbrs.ca, Kyle Steele at ksteele@kbrs.ca, or submit your full application package online at: https://www.kbrs.ca/Career/16627.