Position Description:

The McLaughlin Library at the University of Guelph invites applications for a 
dynamic, creative, collaborative librarian to fill the newly established 
position of head, Digital Strategy & Technology (DS&T), and digital 
initiatives librarian. This senior leadership position reports to the Associate 
University Librarian, Research, and is a member of the library’s management 
team. This position provides creative leadership for proactive innovation, 
enhancement, maintenance, and support of library-specific technologies, 
including library services platforms, discovery tools for library and archival 
materials, digital asset management, website and related web services, 
repositories, and all systems, hardware, and software that support the 
library’s operations and services (many of which are offered collaboratively 
with partners, both on- and off-campus).

The incumbent will promote the vision of the library as being central to the 
University community as a valued facilitator, partner and catalyst on campus. 
The core values that drive our vision are learning, service, stewardship, 
access, innovation, communication, intellectual freedom, and integrity. At 
McLaughlin Library, we have recently implemented a new management framework to 
provide clarity around the expectations of library managers and to develop a 
shared understanding of library management practices. In support of this 
framework, the Library Management Team (LMT) is committed to supporting the 
incumbent to develop the necessary skills and aptitudes to succeed in the role 
by providing training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Head, Digital Strategy & Technology

Overseeing a team of five to seven that includes librarians, IT professionals, 
and support staff.
Design a strategic roadmap that leverages technology to advance our 
organizational objectives in support of the University’s teaching, learning and 
research mission.
Lead, administer, and coordinate the development, deployment, and provision of 
effective technologies and technology-based services and the use of library 
resources to support evolving user needs and expectations.
Develop and implement the strategy, policy, and procedures around how new 
technology projects are requested and implemented at the library.
Develop and implement a new, centralized approach to technology project 
management at the library, where the DS&T team scopes, defines, budgets 
for, manages, implements, and assesses technology projects across the library.
Manage the IT budget for the library, which covers the procurement and 
maintenance of all hardware, software, web services, contracts, and licenses.
As a member of LMT, participate in the collaborative management of the library, 
including strategic planning, administrative coordination that includes policy 
development, alignment of services and programs with strategic objectives, 
assessment, and organizational culture and development.
Play a critical leadership role on campus, actively participating in both 
internal and external organizations and partnerships, such as IT Campus 
Managers, IT governance sub-committees, the AODA Steering Committee, OCUL, 
CARL, CKRN, ARL, and others.

Digital Initiatives Librarian
Work with library staff to scope and define digital/IT projects, providing 
technical and creative expertise to design, develop, manage, implement, train, 
assess, and support these projects.
 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

An ALA accredited MLIS or equivalent degree.
Minimum of seven years of experience as a professional librarian in an academic 
setting, with increasing levels of responsibility (e.g. managing staff, 
projects, resources, budget).
Experience envisioning, establishing, and implementing high-level strategy and 
governance for technology in support of research, teaching, and learning.
Evidence of substantial professional experience with systems such as library 
services platforms, archival systems, discovery technologies, digital 
repositories, digital asset/content management, digital preservation services 
and technologies, learning management systems.
Demonstrated experience leading and managing complex technology projects, 
including developing proposals, timelines, budgets, and staffing plans.
Experience supervising and mentoring a diverse group of staff and developing a 
supportive and rewarding team culture.
Evidence of applying creative approaches to managing and implementing 
technology projects and content syndication, with a focus on interoperability, 
scalability, and sustainability.
Demonstrated user-centered service philosophy and client focus, with 
exceptional ability to build partnerships with colleagues, users and partners 
on campus and beyond.
Exceptional leadership skills with a demonstrated commitment to collaboration 
and the ability to articulate priorities and values across a diverse 
constituency.
Broad knowledge of technologies, development platforms, standards, and 
cloud-based services.
Experience with vendor relations (e.g. RFP processes, software licensing, 
including SaaS and IaaS).
Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication.
Evidence of participation in the community and a well-established record of 
scholarly activity.

All librarians at the University of Guelph are expected to engage in 
professional practice; scholarship, which includes research, study, 
professional development and scholarly and creative activities; and, University 
service and academic or professional service.

The University of Guelph is the second-largest employer in Guelph, a city of 
approximately 130,000 people, located about an hour drive west of Toronto, 
Ontario. University of Guelph is a top-ranked comprehensive university in 
Canada with an enrolment of about 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students 
across over 40 academic units. The University is known for its commitment to 
student learning, innovative research, and collaboration with world-class 
partners. It is a unique place, with transformative research and teaching and a 
distinctive campus culture. People who learn and work here are shaped and 
inspired by a shared purpose: To Improve Life. Reflecting that shared purpose 
in every experience connected to our university positions us to create positive 
change, here and around the world. Our University community shares a profound 
sense of social responsibility, a drive for international development, and an 
obligation to address global issues.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit the following materials: (1) A statement of 
interest in the position demonstrating how qualifications and experience relate 
to the responsibilities, duties, and required qualifications of the position, 
(2) A curriculum vitae, and (3) Names of at least three references, including, 
where possible, one direct supervisor, one peer/collaborator, and one direct 
report.

Please submit applications as a single PDF file to [email protected]  by 
Friday, November 1, 2019. We anticipate that the first round of interviews 
(video conference) will take place the week of November 18, 2019 and on-campus 
interviews will take place the week of January 6, 2020. A position description 
is available upon request (email [email protected] ).

The digital initiatives librarian position is a Continuing Appointment position 
that will be filled at the Associate Librarian level. Salary will be 
commensurate with qualifications and experience and a comprehensive benefits 
package is provided. The head, Digital Strategy & Technology, role is a 
five-year administrative appointment (renewable once) with a stipend at the 
Administrative Librarian III level.

 

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and 
permanent residents will be given priority.

The University recognizes that applicants may have had obligations outside of 
work that have negatively impacted their record of achievements (e.g., 
parental, elder care, and/or medical). You are not required to disclose these 
obligations in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, the University will 
ensure that these obligations do not negatively impact the assessment of your 
qualifications for the position.

The University of Guelph resides on the ancestral lands of the Attawandaron 
people and the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit and 
we offer our respect to our Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Métis neighbours as 
we strive to strengthen our relationships with them.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion  is an 
institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications 
from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally 
underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification 
of our Institution.

If you require a medical accommodation during the recruitment or selection 
process, please contact Occupational Health and Wellness at 519-824-4120 x52674.


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