Head, Archives and Special Collections London , ON

Description

Western Libraries invites applications for a strategic, collaborative, and innovative leader for an up to 5-year term (renewable) as Head, Archives and Special Collections.

About Archives and Special Collections

Archives and Special Collections (ASC) acquires, manages, and provides access to internationally recognized fonds and collections including the Serge A. Sauer Map Collection, James Alexander and Ellen Rea Benson Special Collections, several signature archival fonds including the Labatt Brewing Company Collection and the Gustav Mahler-Alfred Rosé Collection, as well as extensive local history archives and University archives. Fonds and collections are comprised of various media formats including rare books, music scores, maps, comic books, Audio-visual materials, digital and born digital records, photographs/photographic negatives, and extensive textual records.

ASC provides the following functions relevant to its holdings including: teaching and learning, collections management, discovery and access, research support and reference, conservation, preservation, digitization, outreach, web archiving and scanning on demand, as well as coordinating supporting records management services for the University. ASC manages two public service points: the Archives and Research Collections Centre (ARCC) Reading Room and the Map and Data Centre (MDC). ASC’s primary focus is on facilitating research by faculty members, undergraduate and graduate students, and external scholars, as well as supporting primary source instruction and documenting the history of the University. ASC also engages with and welcomes use of archives and special collections holdings by members of the broader community.

About the Role of Head Archives and Special Collections

Reporting to the Associate Chief Librarian (Content), the Head, ASC provides strategic and operational leadership, supervision, and mentoring to a team currently composed of five Archivists, three Librarians, five Archives Assistants, and several student positions (Student Library Assistants, co-op students, etc.).

The Head participates as a member of Western Libraries’ Management Committee, collaborating with other leaders to provide integrated, user-centred services that support research, teaching excellence, and student learning. This is achieved through open, constructive communication, staff engagement, shared accountability, and a sense of common purpose.

The Head will have a demonstrated, sustained record of achievement in professional practice and academic activity, and a satisfactory record of service to meet the standards for Continuing Appointment as set out in the UWOFA-LA collective agreement.

About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" – an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

Main Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of Western Libraries’ strategic and operational plans, aligning these plans with University goals.
• Provide vision and manage an effective team through planning, leadership, assessment, and delegation.
• Oversee archives, special collections, records management, digitization, web-archiving, and digital preservation activities undertaken by ASC.
• Support the work of ASC members by establishing work priorities, providing guidance and direction, monitoring and evaluating performance, and coaching.
• Collaborate with other Western Libraries leaders and Affiliated College leaders as a part of Management Committee to set priorities, plan, and develop services across organizational functions.
• Communicate with Western Libraries administration, other managers, staff, and patrons about significant developments and projects in a timely manner.
• Represent Archives and Special Collections, Western Libraries, and the University in public relations and community engagement activities with faculty, staff, students, donors, researchers, and the wider community.
• Build and sustain relationships between ASC and members of the campus and broader communities.
• Participate in some of the operational duties associated with the work of ASC as time allows.May participate directly in projects.
• Work collaboratively with external partners and other institutions to negotiate long-term loan agreements.
• Coordinate Western Libraries’ involvement in the University records management program.This includes maintaining a relationship with the University Secretariat, overseeing the selection of permanently valuable university records for the university archives, and administer records retention schedules.
• Create and administer research agreements to facilitate access to restricted records.

• Work collaboratively with the Manager, Facilities and Storage Services to plan and coordinate all ARCC-based services, including disaster preparedness plans, and ensure they function effectively, efficiently and safely.
• Work with Alumni Relations and Development and the Vice-Provost and Chief Librarian, to coordinate and oversee advancement and donor relations activities including monetary appraisals, tax receipts, and donor stewardship and outreach.

Qualifications

Required

• A Master’s degree in archival studies, or a Master’s degree with an archival studies specialization, or a Master’s degree in another discipline combined with relevant experience as an Archivist, or a Master’s degree in library and information science or equivalent from an ALA accredited institution.
• Minimum of five years professional experience.
• Leadership and supervisory experience, either formal through a current or previous management position or informal through project management, resource coordination, or service roles.
• Knowledge of records management standards and privacy legislation, including FIPPA and PHIPPA.
• Knowledge of various metadata and descriptive standards including Rules for Archival Description.
• Experience applying CCPERB and cultural property designation, monetary appraisal, and copyright legislation as they pertain to archives and special collections.
• Familiarity with best practices and standards related to archival analog and born digital records, rare books, maps and other material formats, digitization and preservation.
• Evidence of strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Evidence of exceptional organizational skills, setting and balancing priorities, managing competing deadlines, and taking on various roles and responsibilities simultaneously.
• Evidence of thinking strategically and building strong teams.
• Outstanding communication, collaboration, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop relationships across Western University, with many diverse individuals and groups on campus, and in the provincial, national, and international scholarly communities.

Preferred

• Experience with grant writing, gifts-in-kind, and donor relations.
• Experience using various metadata and descriptive standards including Rules for Archival Description.
• Familiarity with best practices and standards related to archival practices for analogue and born digital records, rare books, maps and other material formats, digitization and preservation.
• An advanced degree in a relevant field is an asset.

Environment

Western Libraries, one of Canada’s leading research libraries, is committed to excellence: anticipating information and service needs related to the University's goals for research and scholarship, teaching and learning, and service to our university community and key partners.Our Strategic Plan 2022-2028, Forward Together, aligns with the University’s strategic plan, Towards Western at 150, which has three main themes: Greater Impact; People, Community, and Culture; and Western’s Place in the World.

Western Libraries is a member of the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL), the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL), the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Center for Research Libraries (CRL), the Canadian Research Knowledge Network (CRKN), and a partner in the OCUL Collaborative Futures Project. Recognized for the quality of its staff, the access and services provided, and its outstanding print and digital collections, Western Libraries supports the University’s mission to create, disseminate, and apply knowledge for the benefit of society through excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship.

Librarians at Western are Members of the Librarians and Archivists Bargaining Unit represented by The University of Western Ontario Faculty Association. Librarians and Archivists have responsibilities related to Professional Practice, Academic Activity, and Service to the academy and profession.Terms and conditions of employment, including salary and benefits, are governed by the Librarians and Archivists Collective Agreement. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.The 2024-25 annual salary minimum for each rank is as follows: Associate Librarian/Archivist - $83, 340; Senior Librarian/Archivist - $100,077.The term of office as Head is up to five years (renewable). In addition to the salary, the Head position carries an annual administrative stipend. Western offers a comprehensive benefit package including, but not limited to, extended health, dental, vision and pension.

Learn more about Western University
Learn more about Western Libraries
Learn more about the Librarians and Archivists Collective Agreement
Learn more about the University of Western Ontario Faculty Association

Application Procedure

This position has an anticipated start date of July 1, 2025 (negotiable). Applicants invited for an interview will be asked to make a presentation to members of the Western Libraries community. Applicants are required to submit the Application for Full-Time Librarian or Archivist Position form, a covering letter, a curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for three professional references, in electronic format by January 19, 2025, 11:59 PM (EDT) to:

Office of the Vice-Provost and Chief Librarian

Western University

Email: libarc@uwo.ca

Only applications received by email will be considered.

Please submit your application package as a single electronic file (MS Word or pdf).

Please quote in the subject line reference #:­­­­2025ASCHEAD

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communication skills in English. The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact libarc@uwo.ca

Compensation

$83, 340-$100,077

Closes: 20 January, 2025