Brock University Library seeks a dynamic and service-oriented librarian to bring vision and creativity to a new department of Liaison Services. The successful candidate will have an exciting opportunity to build on existing liaison activities and develop a new liaison program that will strengthen the integration of the Library into the teaching, learning and research activities of the University. The launch of the expanded liaison program coincides with the University’s strategic commitment to enhanced research activity and expanded graduate programs.
The Head, Liaison Services will provide leadership to a department of 10 liaison librarians with communication and liaison responsibilities for assigned academic departments and programs. The librarians in this unit provide extensive undergraduate and graduate instruction, offer in-depth research consultation by appointment and referral, provide general reference service, and participate in collection development. The Head, Liaison Services will work closely with librarians with liaison responsibilities in other units and will collaborate with colleagues to facilitate and support the development of a team-based structure for liaison activities. S/he will foster open communication among the Library’s departments, encourage a focus on the big picture, and advance the Library’s strategic goals.
In addition to serving as department head, the Head, Liaison Services will also perform liaison duties in assigned subject areas, and will participate in the provision of reference service, including the evening and weekend rotation. The incumbent will also be engaged in the Library’s planning and decision-making processes, and will pursue appropriate professional, scholarly and service activities. This is a continuing position, reporting jointly to the Associate University Librarian, Collections and the Associate University Librarian, Services. For additional details about the position, visit http://www.library.brocku.ca/liaisonservices.pdf for a full job description.
Qualifications
An ALA-accredited MLS or its equivalent is required; an advanced degree in an academic discipline is highly desirable. A minimum of five years of relevant public service and supervisory experience in an academic library is required. The successful candidate must demonstrate outstanding leadership, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to encourage innovation and manage change in a positive way; exhibit flexibility; work independently and as a team member; balance multiple tasks and competing priorities; and possess a knowledge of current trends and practices related to higher education and academic libraries, including information literacy, collection management and development, assessment, and scholarly communication.
Environment
Located at the centre of the beautiful Niagara Peninsula, Brock University is the only Canadian university with the distinction of being part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. With 592 full-time faculty members, the University offers strong undergraduate, graduate and interdisciplinary degree programs that include co-op and other experiential learning opportunities to a student population of more than 17,000. Brock University graduates continue to enjoy one of the highest employment rates of Ontario universities at 96.5%. A vigorous research, cultural, and recreational centre, Brock’s superior facilities serve as a valuable resource to the community. Brock offers a dynamic work environment with over $110 million invested in recent physical growth and another $200 million in future expansion.
The James A. Gibson Library has a strong commitment to service excellence, and provides outstanding information resources to support the teaching, learning and research needs of the Brock community. A major renovation project to transform the main floor of the Library into a learning commons will be completed this summer. For more information about the James A. Gibson Library, see http://www.library.brocku.ca/
Brock University offers a competitive salary and an attractive benefits package. Salary and rank will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. The position is included in the Brock University Faculty Association. This is a continuing position. If eligible and qualified, the successful applicant may be appointed with permanence. Otherwise, this will initially be a two-year probationary appointment
The review of applications will begin June 16, 2008 and will continue until the position is filled. The preferred start date is August 11, 2008. Applications should include: a letter of application, including salary expectations and the names and contact information for three professional references; a detailed curriculum vitae; and a statement outlining the elements of a successful liaison program.
Applicants are invited to apply online (jobs@brocku.ca) or forward their application package, quoting the vacancy number, to Human Resources, Brock University, St. Catharines ON L2S 3A1. Visit us at: www.brocku.ca/hr