About the Library

Housed in the Riddell Library and Learning Centre, the University Library is an integral part of the MRU experience. The services, facilities, programming and expertise available in the Library support innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship across campus.

The Library includes the Archives and Special Collections, and specialized and technology-enriched teaching and learning spaces, including information literacy classrooms, a Maker Studio, audio production rooms, and a range of visualization, simulation, and immersive spaces.  The Library team consists of approximately 60 employees. The Library values a healthy inclusive workplace, encourages a culture of innovation and teamwork, and provides support for professional development.  

About the Role

Reporting to the Associate Dean, Collections, the incumbent is responsible for coordinating and overseeing efficient, effective collections planning, budgeting, licensing, acquisitions, and maintenance activities in support of learning, teaching, and research.

This work involves leading and supervising an integrated team with 7 direct reports in a rapidly changing information environment. The candidate in this position works in close collaboration with the Associate Dean, Collections, with library faculty members and selectors and collaboratively with members of the senior Library management team to plan strategically, establish priorities, and implement initiatives to ensure Library resources are acquired and made available to users efficiently and effectively.  They manage a series of complex contractual and systems-related processes to ensure effective and efficient operations.  The successful candidate will have excellent communication and collaborative skills and a strong user-centered focus.  A member of the library’s leadership team, they work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the library is meeting its strategic directions and annual goals.

This position is full-time working Monday to Friday, based primarily on campus. The role is eligible for MRU’s hybrid work program and may work remotely for up to one remote workday per week, depending on operational needs.

Responsibilities:

Collection and Content Management

• Oversees the Library’s collections in print and electronic form through their lifecycle including ordering, setup, configuration, implementation, assessment, and invoicing.

• Assesses, evaluates, and negotiates new and renewal licensed product offers from Library consortia and vendor

• Collaborates and consults with faculty and selectors to ensure streamlined communication and decision making around collection development

• Works collaboratively with other departments, teams, and individuals across the Library to ensure interoperability of Library systems.

Planning and Administration

• Manages the acquisitions budget according to principles developed in collaboration with the AD, Collections and faculty, and in consultation with the Library Operations Officer, Financial Services, and other University departments as needed.

• Works with the AD, Collections and the Collections Services team to develop unit goals and priorities that align with the Library’s and University’s strategic plans.

• Plans and coordinates the implementation of enhancements to collections operations, technology, and workflows

• As a member of the library’s leadership team, contributes leadership, insight and advice about planning and resourcing in order to meet the library’s goals.

Supervision and Leadership of Staff

• Manages a team of Library employees, including recruiting, interviewing, hiring, training, scheduling, setting priorities, resolving problems and conducting performance reviews within the parameters of University policies and collective agreements

• Builds an effective team and promotes teamwork working towards common Library and University goals

• Collaborate with other unit managers, supervisors and employees within the Library in the pursuit of inter-unit objectives, initiatives and projects.

Qualifications

• An MLIS degree (or equivalent) from an ALA-accredited program, with 6-10 years experience in collections and/or technical services and at least 2 years in a leadership position

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills

• Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills

• Skills and experience managing electronic resources and Library Service Platforms.

• Skilled in supervising teams and in collaborating and communicating with internal and external groups

• Previous work experience with Alma library systems platform and Primo discovery layer are assets.

Salary:              $109,020.00 - $129,733.00 per annum
Closing Date:   July 27, 2025