Head, Collections Services Library Collections Services, UBC Library | Vancouver Campus | Full-time, ongoing Librarian

Head, Collections Services
Library Collections Services, UBC Library | Vancouver Campus
Full-time, ongoing Librarian
Anticipated Start Date: April 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. Learn more about the UBC Library Strategic Plan and explore our aspirational values.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITY:

As a central library service, the Collections Services Division is responsible for leading and coordinating the acquisition, licensing, access management and budgetary/financial system processes to support UBC Library collection development.  The Collections Services Division serves all UBC Vancouver Library branches in their collection development activities in all subject areas for all library material formats.

The Head, Collections Services, is responsible for providing strategic leadership to people, services and operations contributing to the development of lasting, innovative, and responsive collections that position the Library as a vital resource for UBC, and its diverse stakeholders, now and into the future. The scope of this position includes the organization, administration and operation of library staff and budgets across several areas including Monograph and Serial Acquisitions, eResources Access & Management and Inter-Library Loans. This includes, but is not limited to, the management of the Library’s monograph approval plans, evidence-based acquisitions plans, firm order and streaming media purchasing, as well as the management of the print and electronic serial acquisitions activities.

The Head is an ex-officio member of a number of Library wide collections-related committees and Library teams. Through each fiscal year the Head supports the AUL Collections in designing and implementing collection strategies, maintaining accurate and up-to-date collection budget information, and communicating necessary information with Library branches.  In addition to collection development coordinating responsibilities, the Head of Collections Services has oversight for the management of Library discovery and access tools and operations and ensures compliance with license agreements.

The Head will plan, implement and manage existing and new services focused on meeting evolving user needs. The nature and scope of responsibilities are carried out within the context of a changing environment and in collaboration with colleagues and staff as appropriate as the Library organization and operational model evolves.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• An MLS degree from an ALA accredited Library school or equivalent is required.
• Strong leadership and management skills and exceptional administrative ability developed and demonstrated by progressively responsible work experiences are required.
• Significant supervisory experience is essential.
• Demonstrated leadership in collaboration and relationship building with colleagues both internal and external to the operational unit are required.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills and a track record of success in the motivation and mentoring of staff in a team-based environment are required.
• Knowledge of planning and managing acquisitions budgets.
• The ideal candidate will have a strong sense of the future directions of libraries and be able to articulate this in meaningful ways to staff,  colleagues, students and faculty.
• Dedicated to cultivating an inclusive environment that recognizes barriers faced by people, and encourages and incorporates contributions from diverse groups and
• Creates a supportive, creative, and open environment where everyone is able to listen, contribute and engage with colleagues and ideas, as well as and provide and receive timely, constructive feedback.
• Creates an environment that embraces and provides opportunities and flexibility to explore new
• Contributes to the Library’s sense of community and achievement of common goals through cooperation across units/groups and encouragement of equitable and balanced involvement in decision-making. Promotes and fosters a supportive environment built on appreciation, recognition, learning and  professional
• Works to build a team environment built on positive working relationships, provides guidance and  resources to teams while trusting them to

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

• The Head, Collections Services, works under the general direction of and reports to the Associate University Librarian, Collections.
• The Head supervises a team of collections librarians and    directly or indirectly supervises the work of support staff and students in Monograph and Serial Acquisitions, eResource Licensing, Access & Management, and Inter-Library Loans.
• The Head consults with their AUL and Library Human Resources on matters affecting staff. Similar liaison occurs with the Head of Technical Services on matters of processing and discovery of library material, and Financial Services staff on payment and procurement operations.
• The Head maintains a close relationship with the UBCO Collections Librarian and the UBCO Associate Chief Library Research and Administration, discussing and working on system wide issues.
• The Head works closely with the Library’s Information Technology Management Team to ensure effective, secure and seamless access to collections by users as well as provide optimal tools and support for Collections Services staff to do their work.
• The development and maintenance of strong working relationships with the AUL Research & Scholarship; AUL Teaching, Learning & Engagement; and AUL Digital Programs and Services is The Head will   be responsible for the organization and operation of services within the parameters of the Library’s operational needs as determined by their AUL.
• This position collaborates extensively with the Heads, librarians and staff from other units within the Library as well as other stakeholders at UBC including Development & Alumni Engagement.
• The nature and scope of the responsibilities for this position are expected to change as the Library organization

DUTIES:

In consultation with the Associate University Librarian, Collections, provides leadership for the operations of Collections Services, so that they contribute successfully to UBC Library’s vision and mission and the University’s Strategic Plan.

EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION 

• Work to integrate EDI into all components of duties, and overall professional practice by working to eliminate institutional and structural systems of oppression and power (such as colonialism, racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, ableism, and white supremacy). 
• Contribute to the continued development of a library environment and culture that supports and celebrates equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
• Support 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.

COLLECTION SERVICES

• Participate in the annual formulation of the acquisitions budget and ensure the effective and efficient expenditure of funds.
• Coordinate decision-making for the acquisition or cancellation of resources.
• Coordinate financial decision-making for platforms and memberships supporting Open Access publishing.
• Coordinates collection management projects, such as gifts, weeding, or cancellation projects. 
• Evaluate the relevance, quality and cost effectiveness of resources in all formats and practice evidence-informed decision-making using a variety of sources.
• Establish and maintain positive business relationships with vendors; negotiate and manage contractual agreements related to the purchase and/or licensing of materials.
• Coordinate content management strategies related to a variety of resource formats throughout their lifecycle.
• Support communications and outreach related to collections in collaboration with Library Communications.
• Serve as the Library’s representative on regional, national and professional associations or consortia as designated.
• Work closely with the Head, Technical Services in coordinating strategies to improve discovery of and access to library resources, supporting metadata creation, knowledge bases, and discovery systems.
• Support the improvement of usability of the discovery system.
• Collaborate with other library units to ensure excellent service to users and to ensure effective use of
• Engage with the initiatives of the Library Development Office in obtaining funding in support of the programs and services of the Library.

ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION 

• Work closely with the AUL, Collections, and the Director, Library Human Resources, on personnel issues, including recruitment of new staff and staff development and
• Manages the performance review cycle for staff, including the development and review of job descriptions, annual  conversation and setting of goals and objectives, and conducting annual activity conversations and performance
• Support the Library’s strategic goals through active membership on teams and working groups. Participate in the development of recommendations for improvements in library-wide policies, procedures and services.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and planning for the division; develop policies, procedures and information architecture to support Collections Services activities.
• Create and maintain a supportive, positive and effective work environment for staff and collaborators, creating an environment within Collections Services that is collegial and based on mutual trust and

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SCHOLARSHIP

• Engage in professional development, scholarly and service activities under the terms of the Collective Agreement.
• Willingly develops and maintains skills and keeps up-to-date on developments in library service, resources and technology and on broader issues that affect the practice of librarianship.
• Participates in appropriate professional organizations.

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE:

It is expected this position will provide effective development of collections and services and strategic leadership in Collections Services.

Administrative efficiency and effectiveness; excellent public, interlibrary and staff communications; collegial, respectful and collaborative working relationships with staff and faculty; familiarity with the Library’s organization of services and adherence to its policies and procedures; awareness of developments in relevant areas of librarianship and the disciplines supported by the UBC Library; the ability to handle complexity and diversity in the academic research environment; imaginative, innovative and analytical skills to provide cost-effective, timely services; strong supervisory skills.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND SALARY:

Salary will be commensurate with experience and academic/professional qualifications.

This position will be filled as a full-time, ongoing General Librarian position with a five year renewable administrative term as Head, Collections Services. 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 by the end of the second year of the appointment, and a recommendation is made at that time to grant or not to grant a confirmed appointment.

The UBC Faculty Collective Agreement can be viewed at https://hr.ubc.ca/working-ubc/faculty-collective-agreement-and-policies.

We are seeking applications from Librarians with 10 plus years of experience in collections.  However, all internal candidates will be considered regardless of years of experience and are encouraged to apply.

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.

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. 

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 March 4, 2022.