Replacement - Head, Collections Strategy Ottawa , ON

Description

University of Ottawa Library

Head, Collections Strategy

Responsibilities: The University of Ottawa Library seeks an innovative, motivated and service-oriented Librarian to fill the Head of Collections Strategy position. The successful candidate will be a creative individual who works well with other colleagues in a challenging and changing environment.

Setting: The University of Ottawa is recognized nationally and internationally as one of the best universities in the country and the largest bilingual university (French and English) in the world.Located on the unceded territory of the Anishinabé Algonquin people, in the heart of downtown Ottawa, it contributes significantly to the economy, culture and quality of life of Canada’s Capital.

Duties:

Reporting to the Associate University Librarian, Content and Access, the Head of Collections Strategy is responsible for both managerial and operational activities that take place within their department.

The Head of Collections Strategy leads and supervises a team responsible for the strategic acquisition, development, management, and evaluation of content in all formats and across all disciplines to support the research, teaching, and the administrative needs of the University community. The incumbent ensures responsible and efficient expenditure of the collections budget. The incumbent acts as the lead negotiator with vendors and publishers, manages consortial collection strategies, and guides the Library’s processes for selecting preferred suppliers while ensuring adherence to University requirements. The incumbent manages the Library’s collection assessment and evaluation activities, ensuring a user-centred, systematic approach and effective communication with the community.

The Head also ensures timely communication and consultation with other areas of the Library on issues relating to collections and acquisitions. The incumbent works closely with the other Heads in the Content and Access division to ensure seamless access to content, and to employ resource description and metadata strategies that enhance the discovery and use of the collection. This position oversees the day-to-day work of the acquisitions team, ensuring that both ongoing and one-time purchases of all materials are handled in a responsible, timely, and accurate manner.

The Head is a member of the Library Management Team and is engaged in the following:

• Providing input on strategic planning processes and operationalizing strategic plans
• Collaborating with other Management Team members to meet Library-wide objectives and coordinate cross-departmental workflows
• Developing and recommending creative solutions through policy changes, resource allocation, and new initiatives
• Interpreting and communicating Library direction, decisions, and impacts as appropriate
• Exploring new ways of achieving the Library's goals by, for example, challenging legacy practices

Term: This is an opportunity for a 12-month interim appointment beginning in January 2025.

Bargaining Unit: APUO

Wage: Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The anticipated hiring range for this position would normally be Rank II or III ($78,119 – $150,228) (Based on 2021-24 APUO Collective Agreement; subject to change)

Benefits package: The University of Ottawa provides a complete benefits package which includes long term disability, basic group life insurance, supplementary health insurance, University of Ottawa Pension Plan and optional life insurance.

Location of work:Library, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5

Contact information: Talia Chung, University Librarian and Library Dean, University of Ottawa Library, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5.biblio@uottawa.ca

Skills requirements:

Education: A Master's degree in Library and Information Studies (MLIS) from an ALA accredited institution or equivalent.

Work experience:

• At least 5 years of professional experience, or fewer if the experience is particularly pertinent to the position.
• Experience in human resources management and administration.
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills in both French and English.
• Knowledge of licensing models, budget management, collection assessment, consortial collection strategies, and collection development practices and trends.
• Knowledge of the scholarly communications and publishing landscape and its relationship to collections strategy.
• Knowledge of the library collections in relation to the academic mission of the university, and knowledge of the diverse purposes for which the collections are used.
• Ability to communicate on collections issues and strategies with library staff and with the university community to ensure broad engagement and dialogue.
• Highly collaborative, flexible, and collegial, with the ability to work in a team environment.
• Experience planning and implementing innovative projects and services that respond to user needs.
• Ability to engage, empower, and motivate, with a demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective change management strategies.

Application deadline: October 31, 2024

The University of Ottawa Library thanks all those who apply. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Compensation

$78,119 – $150,228

Closes: 31 October, 2024