Liaison Librarian (Assistant Librarian)

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Liaison Librarian

Rare Books & Special Collections

Deadline to apply: July 13,2024, 11:59pm

Assistant Librarian (non-tenure track)
Duration: one year, with possibility of renewal
Salary: commensurate with experience
 

The McGill Libraries seeks an innovative, service-oriented, and collaborative professional librarian to contribute to the curation of monographic collections and to perform additional liaison duties in Rare Books and Special Collections (RBSC). The position provides a range of library and information services to support research and teaching; contributes to comprehensive collections management and curation of materials; and actively promotes the collections through outreach, exhibition, and communications. 
Our collections support the teaching, learning and research needs of McGill students and faculty from all disciplines, and an international research community. The primary RBSC holdings are in the humanities and social sciences and in particular Canadiana, history, literature, the history of ideas, travel and exploration, the history of the book, art and architecture form the core of the collection.

THE McGILL LIBRARIES

Located in Montréal, one of the world’s great multicultural and multilingual cities, McGill University is internationally recognized for its excellence as a leading institution of higher education and research. For over 200 years, through the work of dedicated people, McGill has been breaking ground in diverse fields and contributing solutions to some of the world’s most significant issues. McGill is also the most internationally diverse research-intensive university in Canada, with over 32% of its students coming to McGill from more than 150 countries. The University systematically appears on the annual list of the best employers in Montreal.

The McGill Libraries is committed to delivering high-quality, innovative information products, services and programs that focus on client needs and support the University’s strategic mission and directions. The Libraries proactively supports the teaching, learning and research needs of faculty and students to fulfill McGill’s strategic mission of excellence as a research-intensive, student-centred university.

The McGill Libraries has the largest collection in Quebec and is one of Canada’s largest academic libraries with over six million monograph titles and 150,000 e-journals and databases. The Library is a member of the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL), the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Partenariat des bibliothèques universitaires du Québec (PBUQ), the Center for Research Libraries (CRL), and the HathiTrust Digital Library.
 

INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE STAFF

Information about the University  and the McGill Libraries  can be found on the University’s web site. 

DUTY STATEMENT

To assist in the provision of a range of library and information services and collections to support teaching, learning, research, and outreach activities.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Curate and make accessible RBSC monographic collections as assigned. 

• Integrate RBSC collections into University teaching, learning, and research, and to the broader research community. Develop and maintain communication links and appropriate liaison with relevant University units. 

• Advise researchers on discovering, accessing, and using effectively the full range of library and information resources available. Conduct information literacy/skills classes and training programs for relevant audiences.

• Animate rare collections through various means, including: communications (e.g. publications and social media), organizing visits and workshops with classes and other groups; developing exhibitions in Library or McGill campus venues, or beyond, including external museum loans.

• Work in partnership with other library and University staff and sections, as well as external groups on specific projects.

• Assist in the development of the Library’s collections to ensure teaching, learning and research needs are met.

• Assist in ensuring that proper conservation and preservation standards are followed for all formats and media types.

• Additional duties as assigned based on individual knowledge and skills.

Reporting relationship

The position reports to the Director, Rare Books & Special Collections.
 

SELECTION CRITERIA

Required qualifications and experience:

• A degree from an accredited Master’s level program in library and information studies. 

• Knowledge of special collections librarianship. One year of professional experience in an academic, special or research library, particularly in special collections. 

• Knowledge of and experience in the use of relevant information resources, including electronic and networked resources, and information and communications technology.

• Ability to conduct information skills classes for small and large groups.

• Familiarity with copyright and/or privacy legislation as required for consultation, reproduction, and dissemination of collections.

• Organized, with high attention to detail. Ability to work independently and as part of a team; prioritize and balance multiple projects.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Oral and written abilities in French are highly desired. Knowledge of French and English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. 

• Knowledge of techniques used to teach in a culturally responsive way.

• Demonstrated ability to uphold the values of respect, collaboration, and diversity, and employment equity.

Desired qualifications and experience:

• Advanced study in the humanities or social sciences is highly desirable.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applications should address the above selection criteria, be accompanied by a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the names and addresses of three referees.

McGill University is committed to equity and diversity within its community and values academic rigour and excellence. We welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities.

At McGill, research that reflects diverse intellectual traditions, methodologies, and modes of dissemination and translation is valued and encouraged. Candidates are invited to demonstrate their research impact both within and across academic disciplines and in other sectors, such as government, communities, or industry.

McGill further recognizes and fairly considers the impact of leaves (e.g., family care or health-related) that may contribute to career interruptions or slowdowns. Candidates are encouraged to signal any leave that affected productivity, or that may have had an effect on their career path. This information will be considered to ensure the equitable assessment of the candidate’s record.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated equity groups to self-identify. It further seeks to ensure the equitable treatment and full inclusion of persons with disabilities by striving for the implementation of universal design principles transversally, across all facets of the University community, and through accommodation policies and procedures . Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected] .

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.