Health Sciences Liaison and Accessibility Librarian

BCIT’s Library Services is seeking a regular, full-time (1.0 FTE) Health Sciences Liaison and Accessibility Librarian. The role will participate in a core set of responsibilities for the library including instruction, reference and research assistance, departmental liaison activities, outreach, and collection development. There is tremendous opportunity to create and guide the Library’s new service commitment to an evolving learning environment that reflects the principles of equity, dignity, and belonging.

The Librarian will build connections between the Library and the BCIT community by contributing to the Library’s outreach activities and working with faculty to embed Library resources and services into the curriculum. The successful candidate will promote digital and information literacy through in-depth consultation, engagement and instruction that reflects diverse experiences, perspectives, and learning styles.

We seek a collaborative, empathetic, and creative individual to guide the creation and delivery of Accessibility Services in the Library. This responsibility will include training and educating staff on accessibility issues and services; be an internal advocate by leading efforts in education and awareness building within the library and with external stakeholders. The Liaison and Accessibility Services librarian will coordinate library efforts to ensure that all users have equal opportunities for their academic development and success.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Liaison areas currently include programs within the School of Health Sciences, as well as others yet to be determined. These areas may require some travel to our specialty campuses in the Lower Mainland. Liaison assignments are reviewed annually within the Department and could change over time. This position helps lead accessibility initiatives for the library and develops expertise to provide functional leadership in this area.

A key outcome for the successful candidate will be to collaborate with Library staff and relevant institutional stakeholders to create a 3-Year Roadmap outlining key targets and goals of the position; delivered in the first 6-12 months.

The successful candidate’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Liaison:
Creating and delivering instruction classes, workshops, and consultative reference and research support services; online and in-person (including via AskAway)

• Developing and maintaining close working relationships with faculty in assigned disciplines; serving as their primary Library contact – including the integration of information, digital, and data literacy concepts and skills into the curriculum
• Assessment of ongoing student and faculty library support needs in liaison areas
• Monitoring trends in areas of liaison responsibility to inform the design of library services and the development of library collections
• Consulting with technical services, collections coordinator, and faculty to develop and maintain collections in liaison areas
• Working with Library colleagues to support opportunities for outreach and other initiatives that improve student success
• Collaborating with other departments within the library and working as a team member; including participation in Department and Library meetings
• Engaging in networking and professional development, including knowledge development in all areas of responsibility

Function (Accessibility):

Instruction, Consultation, and User Support:

• Providing one‑on‑one and group support for students using assistive technologies, including collaborating with Accessibility Services to offer personalized support
• Ensuring library resources, spaces, and services meet or exceed the diverse accessibility needs of users
• Designing and delivering workshops and learning objects for Library Services staff with the purpose of building understanding of accessibility-related policies and frameworks (e.g. Universal Design), and capacity in accessibility practices
• Exploring, recommending, and overseeing the implementation of new accessible technologies and tools

Policy and Compliance:

• Monitoring, interpreting, and applying relevant institutional, provincial, and federal accessibility standards and legislation; including our physical and digital spaces, services, and collections
• Supporting audits, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement; including the development, delivery, and analysis of evaluation and feedback tools that assess the accessibility of BCIT’s Library’s accessibility
• Serving on relevant library, institute, and external committees
• Assisting in identifying, applying for, and managing funding and grant opportunities

QUALIFICATIONS:

• MLIS from an ALA-accredited institution
• Minimum 3 years of Librarian experience (Higher Education sector preferred), with a proven track record of accessibility-related initiatives or accomplishments
• Demonstrated knowledge of accessibility principles (e.g., Accommodations, UDL)
• Awareness of emerging trends and best practices related to accessibility, in the context of Library Services; including equity‑centered and trauma‑informed service approaches
• Understanding of BC accessibility legislation and other relevant jurisdictions
• Ability to advocate to and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent communication skills