Korean Studies and Dentistry-Medicine Reference Librarian
Asian Library and Woodward Library, UBC Library | Vancouver Campus
Full-time, ongoing Librarian
Anticipated Start Date: March 1, 2022
UBC Library
The University of British Columbia Library is one of the largest academic libraries in Canada and consistently ranks among the top university research libraries in North America. UBC Library has 14 branches and divisions, two campuses (Vancouver and Kelowna), one off-site hospital library, and the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre – a multi-purpose teaching and learning facility.
The Library’s collection of 9.1M volumes includes 5.5M physical items, 3.6M ebooks, electronic journals, maps, audio, DVD/video and graphic materials, and bibliographic and fulltext databases.
Almost 300 knowledgeable employees – librarians, management and professional staff, support staff and student staff – provide users with the excellent resources and services that they need to further their research, teaching and learning.
The Library is committed to eliminating institutional and structural systems of oppression and power (such as colonialism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, ableism, and white supremacy). This is reflected in UBC‘s Institutional EDI priorities.
Learn more about the UBC Library Strategic Framework and explore our aspirational values.
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITY
As a joint appointment of Asian Library (50%) and Woodward Library (50%), plans and implements services to respond to the needs of the Korean Studies and health sciences communities. Participates as a member of the Woodward and Asian Library teams to provide liaison, reference, instructional programs and information services to faculty, students, staff, and community users. Participates in the development and assessment of library collections for designated subject areas. Provides library services to researchers engaged in Korean Studies or using Korean language materials, acts as liaison with assigned departments and the Korean-Canadian community, has responsibility for Dentistry and Medicine subject areas at Woodward library.
Provides online and in-person classroom instruction and assistance in the use of information resources. Develops re-usable learning objects, designs, develops, and maintains digital materials to support information literacy instruction in print and online environments. Actively engages in integrated information literacy and knowledge synthesis. Collaborates on scholarly communication and data services initiatives, and other new library initiatives as they arise. Participates in library committees and contributes to the Library’s and the University’s goals, including those related to diversity and inclusion.
Participates in the development of library policy, procedures, and services. Assumes responsibility for coordination and management of staff, students, services and projects as required. Evening and weekend work may be required. The nature and scope of responsibilities for this and other library positions are expected to change as the Library organization evolves.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Masters-level degree from an accredited program of library, or information science, or equivalent internationally accredited program
- Excellent proficiency in reading, written and spoken Korean, including knowledge of the Hancha and the McCune-Reischauer Romanization systems, as well as an excellent command of spoken and written English
- Knowledge of key databases, relevant information sources, citation management software, and library applications
- Familiarity with current trends in instruction and best practices in learning pedagogies
- Demonstrated ability to initiate, plan and carry out projects, both independently and as a member of a team
- Ability to write professional reports and to deliver presentations
- Evidence of a proactive, user-centred approach to library services
- Ability to adjust and accommodate changing demands within Libraries and academic institutions
- Experience building productive relationships and working collegially with a diverse population of library employees and users in keeping with the UBC Respectful Environment Statement
- Evidence of curiosity, ideas, creativity and innovation, pursues opportunities, and explores new initiatives
- Takes initiative in learning about languages and issues relating to equity and diversity
- Models and demonstrates good communication through active listening and appreciative inquiry and open to providing and receiving timely, constructive feedback
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Academic background in health and medical sciences or relevant library work experience
- Demonstrated understanding of Korean Studies resources and research methods
- Experience with collections development for both print and electronic resources
- Familiarity with principles of classification systems and controlled vocabularies
- Familiarity with data management, open scholarship, knowledge synthesis, and citation management tools
- Experience with budgets and understanding of the importance of budgets when planning and executing projects and collection development
- Demonstrated interest in leadership as related to committee and project work
- Strong written and oral communication skills
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
This is a joint appointment reporting to the Head, Woodward Library and the Head, Asian Library, with work reviewed jointly by the respective Heads with regards to achievements and objectives met. Consults and works collaboratively with library colleagues across all units, and faculty members, as necessary. Works with Technical Services on the cataloguing and processing of Korean Studies and Korean language materials. May be required to supervise student librarians, student assistants and library assistants. Interacts with faculty, students, staff and the public.
DUTIES
REFERENCE SERVICES
- Provides reference and research services to UBC students, staff and faculty members, and members of the public.
- As the librarian responsible for particular subjects, advises and assists in difficult or extensive searches in these areas. Employs the full range of digital and print resources.
- Participates in collection development in liaison areas.
- Works with others to develop and maintain the Woodward and Asian Library presence on the UBC Library webpage and throughout the UBC campus, as appropriate.
- Provides reference training for staff and student employees.
TEACHING AND ORIENTATION
- Prepares handouts, research guides and informational brochures in appropriate formats.
- Provides instruction/presentations to faculty, students and staff (in the library, online, within the classroom and in the faculty departments) related to the Library’s services, tools and collections.
- Involved in the planning, designing and organization of instructional programs.
FACULTY LIAISON
- Initiates and maintains contact with faculty in assigned departments.
- Liaises with faculty on issues of collection development, including serials and databases.
- Works with faculty on the development of information and research modules and courses for students.
- Attends faculty meetings and participates in faculty committees.
- Responds to faculty requests for accreditation, new course proposals, etc., in consultation with the appropriate Head.
DIGITAL PROJECTS
- Works with Digital Initiatives on the selection and implementation of digitization projects.
- Provides guidance to faculty and students on data analysis tools relevant to Korean Studies, health sciences, and digitized collections.
- Continually builds on expertise in this area through a combination of self-study and professional development opportunities.
Technical Services, Collection Development and Management
- Participates in collection development in health sciences liaison areas as well as for Korean Studies and Korean language monograph and serials collections, in both print and electronic formats. Consults with the Head and the AUL, Collections Management in cases of expensive and rare materials.
- Works with other library employees to ensure access and resolve user support issues for electronic resources, which may include licensing, systems configuration, presentation and evaluation.
- Assesses and selects Korean Studies and Korean language materials received through gift or exchange. Handles book donations from individuals or organizations. Performs monetary evaluations as required.
- Advises Technical Services staff on classification and subject headings for Korean language materials.
- Advises on binding and preservation for Korean language materials.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
- Organizes community engagement activities or events. Creates project plans for these activities, including budgetary planning.
- Prepares or curates book displays or exhibits.
- Serves as liaison with the Korean-Canadian Community.
SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION
- May be required to supervise student employees and staff.
- May be assigned supervisory responsibility for building maintenance, collections management and storage.
- May be assigned coordination of services or projects such as reference, teaching and instruction, collections, web presence, subject guides and/or information guides, etc.
- During assigned periods may have responsibility for operation of either the Woodward Library or the Asian Library.
CURRENT AWARENESS AND LIBRARY LIAISON
- Represents respective branches on library teams and working groups.
- Liaises with librarians in other areas of the UBC library system, as well as library professionals from external organizations through professional development activities.
- Maintains an awareness of new literature and research developments in areas of specialization and emerging trends in sciences libraries.
- Maintains an awareness of public services developments in the rest of the Library.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
- Works to integrate equity, diversity and inclusions (EDI) into public services, instruction, collection development, and overall professional practice.
- Contributes to the continued development of a library environment and culture that supports and celebrates EDI.
- Supports EDI by pursuing appropriate professional development opportunities and maintains an awareness of EDI initiatives at the departmental, campus, institutional and provincial level such as but not limited to UBC’s Inclusion Action Plan and Indigenous Strategic Plan.
STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE
Effective, respectful and cooperative working relationships with support staff, colleagues and managers. Effective instruction and teaching, virtually, in library labs, and in classroom settings. Current and comprehensive knowledge of specialized subject areas. Effective use of latest technology in all aspects of the position. Innovative and creative approach to improvement of services. Ability to develop strong relationships with faculty and maintain excellent working relations with all user groups. Responsive to needs of faculty, students, and other users. Effective supervision of student assistants as required. Knowledgeable about UBC programs and research. Familiar with UBC library policies, procedures and operations.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND SALARY
This is a full-time continuing appointment with an anticipated start date of March 2022. The start date is flexible depending on candidate requirements. If eligible and qualified, the successful applicant may be appointed with a confirmed appointment. Otherwise, there will be an initial three-year probationary appointment. Normally, such an appointment is reviewed following the second year of appointment, and a recommendation is made at that time to grant or not to grant a confirmed appointment. The successful candidate for this position will be a member of The University of British Columbia Faculty Association and the terms and conditions of appointment are governed by a collective agreement.
This position will be filled at an annual starting salary that is in accordance with the Collective Agreement between UBC and the UBC Faculty Association (http://www.hr.ubc.ca/faculty-relations/collective-agreements/).
Due to budgetary constraints, we are only accepting applications from Librarians with a maximum of 2 years of professional library experience. However, all internal candidates will be considered regardless of years of experience and are encouraged to apply. We welcome colleagues with the experiences and competencies that can contribute to our principles of inclusion, equity, and diversity.
Applications will include: a detailed and current curriculum vitae; and a letter of application that includes a statement of citizenship/immigration status and indicates the candidate’s education, training and work experience in the areas listed above. One consolidated PDF is preferred.
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
To view the complete job description and to submit an application, please visit the UBC Careers page at https://hr.ubc.ca/careers-and-job-postings by midnight on February 11, 2022.