Reference and Instruction Librarian

Description

York University Libraries seek a motivated, self-directed and public service-oriented Librarian in the social sciences and humanities for a full-time contract position based in the Research and Collections Department of the Scott Library.

York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Toronto - Canada's most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 62,000 students, faculty and staff, as well as 295,000 alumni worldwide. York's 11 Faculties and 25 research centres conduct ambitious, ground-breaking research that is interdisciplinary and cutting across traditional academic boundaries.

Scott Library, the largest of York University's libraries, houses a research collection of over two million items in the social sciences, humanities and fine arts, and includes government documents, data, sound and moving images, electronic resources, maps, archives and special collections. Along with building collections and offering research assistance, the Scott Library Research and Collections Department has an active information literacy program, which aims to enable students, faculty, and others to understand the social context of information, to develop information-seeking behaviours that transcend specific finding tools, and to think critically about information. The Scott Library Research and Collections Department also plays a leading role in the Learning Commons which collaborates with other campus partners in providing support for students in the development of academic literacies such as research, writing and learning skills.

The successful candidate will participate in teaching, research assistance, collection development, and liaison activities in the Libraries and elsewhere on campus, as well as in the development of new programs and services. The chosen candidate will liaise with faculty and academic units; develop collections for designated social sciences and humanities subjects (especially in areas such as environmental studies or English literature); create and maintain web-based resources for research and learning; and provide tailored information literacy instruction for the social sciences and humanities. He/she will work individually and as part of a team to develop and provide research services and information literacy programs to York's community of users. She/he will help advance strategic priorities of the Department, York University Libraries, and the University. The successful candidate will also be expected to participate in project and committee work within the Department, Libraries and beyond, and to contribute to librarianship by carrying out professional research and/or scholarly work. Some evening and weekend work is required.

The successful candidate will have the following qualifications:

- An ALA-accredited MLIS or equivalent.
- Educational background in the social sciences and/or humanities.
- Strong public service ethic and background.
- Broad knowledge of information resources relevant to the social sciences and humanities.
- Understanding of the concepts, goals, and methods of information literacy instruction.
- Demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching and an ability to teach in a variety of settings and formats.
- Understanding of scholarly publishing issues and trends in digital scholarship.
- Understanding of the principles of collection development in both print and electronic formats.
- Demonstrated ability to provide reference and research services.
- Evidence of professional initiative, leadership and flexibility.
- Ability to handle multiple responsibilities and manage priorities.
- Strong written and oral communication skills. Strong analytical and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to use emerging technologies effectively in the delivery of services and in the conduct of research.
- Ability to liaise with faculty and academic departments.
- Demonstrated understanding of academic culture and an ability to work effectively in a collegial setting.
- Ability to work with a large and diverse population of faculty, librarians, staff and students.
- Interest in research and professional development.
- Demonstrated understanding of assessment strategies.
- Willingness to undertake work on library and university committees.

This is a 12-month contractually-limited appointment with the designation of Adjunct Librarian and is appropriate for a librarian with up to three years post-MLIS experience. Librarians and archivists at York University have academic status and are members of the York University Faculty Association bargaining unit (http://www.yufa.org/). Salary is commensurate with qualifications. The position is available from November 1st, 2016. All York University positions are subject to budgetary approval.

York University is an Affirmative Action (AA) employer and strongly values diversity, including gender and sexual diversity, within its community. The AA program, which applies to Aboriginal people, visible minorities, people with disabilities, and women, can be found at www.yorku.ca/acadjobs or by calling the AA office at 416-736-5713. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. Temporary entry for citizens of the U.S.A. and Mexico may apply per the provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) or citizens of Chile may apply per the provisions of the Canada Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA).

York University's resources include centres relating to gender equity, race and ethnic relations, sexual harassment, human rights, and wellness. York University encourages attitudes of respect and non-discrimination toward persons of all ethnic and religious groups, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

Deadline for the submission of applications is August 5, 2016. Applications should include a covering letter that relates qualifications to the requirements of the position, a current curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of three referees. Applications should be sent to:

Chair, Scott Research & Collections Appointment Committee
York University Libraries
516 Scott Library
4700 Keele Street
Toronto, Ontario
M3J 1P3
Fax: (416) 736-5451
Email: yulapps@yorku.ca

Applications should be sent by mail, or by email or fax with a hardcopy following.