[APPLICATIONS CLOSED] University Librarian

Located in Mi’kma’ki the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq People, Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) is strongly committed to fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA). MSVU is an institution that was established by women for the advancement of women with social responsibility and social justice at its core. MSVU embraces the diversity of its community and is committed to efforts that enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility across all facets of the university, within its local community, and in society at large.

Founded in 1873, Mount Saint Vincent University is inspired by a strong tradition of social responsibility. Many successful and loyal alumnae are passionate supporters of the MSVU experience. Building on its esteemed 149-year history, MSVU has the highest percentage of women students and faculty among Canadian universities, reflecting its long-standing commitment to the advancement of women. With a diverse mix of close to 4,000 students from across Canada and more than 50 other countries, the University is large enough to offer a broad range of educational opportunities, yet small enough to provide an intimate learning experience and unique sense of community that promotes student growth. MSVU’s Library is a member of the Novanet consortium of 12 post-secondary institutions in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, the Council of Atlantic Academic Libraries (CAAL), and the Canadian Research Knowledge Network (CRKN).

It is within this context that MSVU welcomes nominations and applications for the appointment of its next University Librarian, commencing fall 2023, or soon after.

Reporting to the Vice-President Academic and Provost and as a member of the senior administrative team, the University Librarian, in consultation and collaboration with librarians and the Archivist, sets priorities for the University’s on-campus and virtual library and archival collections and services. To achieve these goals, the University Librarian provides leadership in strategic planning with the Library and Archives, contributes to the development of University policies, and to the overall University planning and decision-making through ex officio membership on Senate, the Senate Committee on Library and Archives, Management Forum, and other key committees. The University Librarian works across campus and externally with partners on issues related to scholarly contributions, research, teaching and learning, services and resources for students, faculty, staff, and the broader research community. Acting as a professional librarian, the University Librarian oversees the management of all services, including Access Services, Archives & Special Collections, collection development and digital access (including Open Access and Open Educational Resources), teaching, instruction, library research help, records management, scholarly publishing, and space and facilities. The University Librarian acts as Copyright Officer for the University.

The University Librarian also provides management and leadership oversight to the Library and Archives budget, the selection and integration of emerging information technologies and services, and with administering the Collective Agreements with the MSVU Faculty Association, CUPE, and the NSGEU with respect to all permanent and term Library and Archives employees, including part-time faculty. The role oversees the provision of a wide range of on-campus and virtual services to a community of students (on-campus and online), employees, and hundreds of community patrons. The permanent staffing includes 6 professional librarians, 1 professional archivist, 1 manager, and 10 library technicians.

The University Librarian is appointed to a five-year (renewable) term. Annual performance reviews will be conducted by the Vice-President Academic and Provost, who will convene a review committee in the penultimate year of the term, should the University Librarian elect to re-offer.

As the ideal candidate, you bring a proven track record as an academic librarian coupled with a strong personal record of scholarly contributions. You have been successful in promoting and supporting research excellence to your librarian and archive colleagues through ongoing involvement in scholarly activity. You have a demonstrated understanding of information technology, data, and digital scholarship needs in research, teaching, learning and innovation. Your administrative and managerial experience is significant, including with academic and strategic planning, budget management, and with mentorship, and staff development and growth. You are adept at relationship building and creating a common vision that brings together librarians, faculty, staff to offer excellent services for the benefit of a broad and diverse research and learning community. As a champion of continued improvement, you bring a track record of contributing to, and supporting, new supports for student, faculty, staff and external partners. Colleagues describe your interpersonal and communication skills as outstanding. Your intercultural competencies are evident in your ability to promote and foster respect and inclusion by working successfully with a wide variety of people and encouraging their participation and involvement, and you have a strong record of engaging with and supporting EDIA principles and initiatives. Candidates must hold a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or equivalent as defined by the American Library Association (ALA). 

To apply or explore this exceptional leadership opportunity with Mount Saint Vincent University, please submit a curriculum vitae along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) and/or Noshina Choudhary (noshina@griffithgroup.ca).

Mount Saint Vincent University is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within its community and encourages applications from all qualified candidates including women, persons of any sexual orientations and gender identities and/or expressions, Indigenous persons, racialized persons, other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, and other groups that would contribute to the diversification of its campus. Candidates who identify as being from any of these groups are encouraged to voluntarily self-identify in their application materials. All qualified candidates are welcome to apply; however, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

In accordance with the provincial legislation, accommodation will be provided by Griffith Group and Mount Saint Vincent University throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact jane@griffithgroup.ca.