Assistant Librarian, Knowledge Synthesis and W.P. Scott Chair in Librarianship

Assistant Librarian, Knowledge Synthesis and W.P. Scott Chair in Librarianship  

York University Libraries

The York University Libraries (YUL) at York University invites highly qualified applicants for an Assistant Librarian open continuing appointment position in Knowledge Synthesis (KS) to commence July 1, 2026.  The successful candidate will also hold the endowed W.P. Scott Chair in Librarianship, with an  initial two-year term, with the possibility of a one-year renewal upon successful review.

The KS Librarian and W.P. Scott Chair in Librarianship is focused on teaching, learning and research support for knowledge synthesis across health sciences as well as other subject areas. The successful candidate will be part of the Student Learning and Academic Success (SLAS) Department, within the Teaching and Learning Division. SLAS consists of librarians specializing in instruction and information and digital literacies. The incumbent will also work closely with colleagues in YUL and researchers  at York, to advance the priority areas of the University Academic Plan (UAP) 2020-2025 and YUL’s Strategic Plan 2021-2026.

The W.P. Scott Chairholder will have access to $5,000 per year to support their research agenda, including publications and presentations at conferences and meetings. An additional amount of up to $10,000 per year is available to the Chairholder to convene a seminar. These amounts will be approved by the Dean as appropriate.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The KS Librarian and W.P. Scott Chair will:

• Work closely with colleagues in SLAS to co-lead and co-deliver services and programs in alignment with the department's team-based approach while focusing on specialization in knowledge synthesis, teaching and research
• Provide instruction, workshops, and consultations to York students, faculty, and staff
• Deliver programming in the Health Sciences in support of health research and knowledge synthesis
• Provide guidance to graduate students and researchers for scoping reviews, systematic reviews and other evidence synthesis reviews
• Provide knowledge synthesis expertise for grant-funded projects
• Provide knowledge synthesis skills development for librarians and archivists with different specializations
• Support teaching and learning, pedagogy, research, knowledge synthesis and health sciences librarianship through participation in university-wide committees
• Engage in ongoing self-directed learning and professional development to keep abreast of changes in the knowledge synthesis landscape
• Provide active, collegial participation on Library and University committees and groups
• Represent the Libraries on local, regional, consortial, and/or international organizations, committees, and initiatives
• Maintain an active research agenda through research, publication, and participation in professional and/or academic organizations

Candidate Qualifications:

• Degree: Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) degree from an ALA-accredited program or its recognized equivalent, is required.
  • Required experience:
• Superior written and spoken communication in English
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Experience in designing and delivering library classes that develop KS skills
• Expertise in developing complex and comprehensive search strategies suitable for KS publications, utilizing database platforms
• Experience with systematic review management tools
• A record or evident promise of research contributions in the form of publications or conference presentations. This may include co-authorship on knowledge synthesis projects
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative knowledge synthesis methodologies such as Joanna Briggs Institute and Cochrane
• Demonstrated experience:
• Understanding of sound pedagogical practice
• Ability to provide research consultation services to researchers with varying levels of expertise
• Aptitude for adapting to new responsibilities and environments, while also demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning
• Ability to advance new programs and services in a collaborative, team-based environment
• Knowledge of KS research processes, the research lifecycle, and trends in research and knowledge synthesis
• Leadership capacity and evidence of navigating complex administrative environments and building effective working relationships with a diverse population of colleagues and stakeholders
• Project management skills and strong attention to detail
• Interest in and/or participation in professional development, and/or active involvement in professional or scholarly organizations
  • Demonstrated knowledge of, and a commitment to ongoing learning in:
• Critical appraisal methodology and resources
• Meta-analysis and meta synthesis methodology and tools
• Familiarity with emerging trends and guidelines within the constantly evolving KA landscape
• Trends and issues related to the adoption of artificial intelligence for KS processes
• Principals and best practices in decolonization, equity, diversity and inclusion (DEDI) (e.g. York’s DEDI strategy) within the institutional professional context
• Additional: Spoken and written competency in French is an asset.
• An educational background in Health Sciences is also an asset.

Hiring Policies:

• The anticipated starting salary for this position at the rank of Assistant Librarian and commensurate with qualifications and experience, is in the range of $110,000 to $150,000.
• All York University positions are subject to budgetary approval.
• York is an Affirmative Action (AA) employer and strongly values diversity, including gender and sexual diversity, in its community. Details of the AA Program, which applies to women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, can be found here or by contacting Aqsa Ahmed, EDI Program Manager (aqsa517@yorku.ca).
• York welcomes and employs scholars from all over the world. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
• York has a policy on Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities and is committed to working towards a barrier-free workplace and expanding the accessibility of the workplace to persons with disabilities. Applicants who require accommodation are invited to contact Knowledge Synthesis Librarian Search Committee, Email: yulapps@yorku.ca.

Learn More About York:

• York University generates and shares knowledge through our research, teaching and engagement with communities around the world. The 2023-2028 Strategic Research Plan showcases the depth, breadth and ambition of research at York.
• York’s commitments to social justice are laid out in our Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, the Framework & Action Plan on Black Inclusion and the Indigenous Framework for York University.
• Follow the activities and accomplishments of York’s faculty, students and staff on YFile.