Collection Strategy Librarian (Science & Engineering)

McMaster University Library is seeking a knowledgeable and collaborative librarian to join the Content, Access, and Open Licensing Division.

The Collection Strategy Librarian provides expertise to support the development and management of the University Library’s collections. In collaboration with the AUL, Content, Access, and Open Licensing, Division and Library colleagues, and university faculty and staff, they will recommend and implement strategies to manage current and future collections within the overall strategy as established by the Division. The incumbent will work collaboratively to implement policies and workflows for purchased and subscribed resources in all formats, performing collections analysis and advancing open access strategies. They will function as a resource for library colleagues and university department contacts regarding collections strategy, collection building and management, and open access. The Collection Strategy Librarian will partner with their Content, Access, and Open Licensing Division colleagues to provide support for assigned university departments and programs, including collaboration with the business librarian on business-related collection activities.

The Successful Candidate will:

• Engage in a collaborative process of strategic selection, acquisition, and management of resources across all formats that meets campus needs according to assigned departments and disciplines.
• Perform collection development duties for resources in all formats, including collection analysis, selection, deselection, and approval plan maintenance. Identifies the collection’s strengths and gaps considering open access availability, usage, and consortial opportunities.
• Monitor trends and best practices in collection development, including but not limited to: Vendor resource provision models, scholarly publishing, open access, scholarly communications, electronic resource access, discoverability, data harvesting, and usage analysis.
• Place equity, inclusion, accessibility, and social justice values at the centre of practices. Increase the diversity and decolonization of collections by acquiring resources that are from diverse publishers, cover underrepresented subjects, and are produced by underrepresented scholars.
• Collaborate with colleagues in pursuit of best practices for accessibility, sustainability, licensing terms, vendor negotiation, and preservation for resources in all formats. Assists with the development, review, and update of policies, procedures, and workflows related to collection activities.
• Partner with library colleagues to offer programming, training, and outreach regarding collections and scholarly publication trends. Promotes the library collection and services to the academic community in collaboration with other library divisions, and provides support for inquiries. Fosters collegial and productive relationships with resource vendors.
• Commit to innovation and new approaches to collection and development and implement those practices in response to emerging trends.
• Contribute to system-wide discussions and explorations of tools and services that will improve or streamline collection processes and practices. Develops expertise in the use of automated tools.
• Chair or serve as a member on Library and university committees, task forces and projects aligned with position responsibilities.

This is a full time, continuing appointment reporting to the Associate University Librarian, Content, Access, and Open Licensing. Normally scheduled weekly hours will be Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm (35 hours/week).

Qualifications:

The Successful Canddiate must have the following:

• A Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited school of library and information science or its equivalent.
• Commitment to an inclusive workplace and the ability to engage with diverse audiences (age, gender, nationality, race/ethnicity, profession, sexual orientation, etc.)
• Demonstrated aptitude for, and knowledge of principles and practices of collection strategy, including familiarity with collection assessment, data analysis, and open access trends.
• Enthusiasm for exploration and implementation of innovative resources, services, work methods, and applying them to collection strategy.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish positive and productive outreach and collaborations with diverse audiences, including faculty, library colleagues, consortial partners, vendors, and national organizations.
• Ability to manage time and multiple projects in a complex, changing environment, and effectively work independently and collaboratively.
• Possess knowledge of an integrated library system or library service platform, and data analysis tools for collection management.

Additional Preferred Include:

• Experience managing a library resource budget.
• Knowledge of subject areas in science and engineering.
• At least one year of collection development or acquisitions work in an academic library.
• Functional knowledge of the Alma Library Service Platform.
• Establishing vendor relationships and negotiating contracts.
• Familiarity with shared print repositories and management of physical library collections.
• Experience with streaming media access and licensing.

Compensation:

It is anticipated that the appointment will be made at the rank of Librarian I or II, with and annual salary range of $61,651.15 – $88,828.43 or $67,255.99 – $99,221.08 respectively. This position is included in the McMaster University Academic Librarians’ Association bargaining unit. Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position includes a competitive and comprehensive benifit package. The full Position Responsibility Statement is available from the Library Human Resources Office. Further information about the University Library is available at http://library.mcmaster.ca.

Additional Information:

McMaster University Library expects librarians to be active and engaged with the broader library and research community through both professional service and professional or scholarly activity as defined in Article 3 of the MUALA Collective Agreement.

Qualified persons who wish to be considered for this opportunity should submit their curriculum vitae with a covering letter. The estimated start date for this position is November 6, 2023.

Context:

McMaster University Library aspires to be a catalyst of intellectual activity for the University and its community. We pride ourselves in delivering innovative services, welcoming spaces, extraordinary expertise and exemplary collections to accelerate research, enhance learning and improve the user experience.

The University Library system is comprised of the Mills Memorial Library (humanities and social sciences), the Thode Library of Science & Engineering and the Innis Library (business). The Library is known for its distinctive collections of archival materials and rare maps and the extraordinary expertise and creative spirit of our staff. We are home to the world-renowned William Ready Division of Archives & Research Collections (including the separately housed Bertrand Russell Archives), the Lyons New Media Centre and the Lewis & Ruth Sherman Centre for Digital Scholarship. We work in close partnership with McMaster’s highly regarded Health Sciences Library. We are actively engaged in the university’s larger teaching and research missions through our management of classroom technology and our oversight of McMaster Experts, the university’s research information management system (RIMS).

McMaster’s libraries are active contributors to the national and international library community. We are members of the esteemed Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) and the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL).

Ranked as one of the world’s Top 100 universities, McMaster University is devoted to the cultivation of human potential, realized through our innovative educational programs, cutting-edge research, and the diverse students, faculty, staff and alumni who make up the McMaster family. Dedicated to creating a Brighter World, we recognize that our people are our most valuable resource. Those who join McMaster will find a community of talented individuals who are inspired by the university’s commitment to embodying the values of integrity, quality, inclusiveness and teamwork.

McMaster is an internationally recognized centre of learning and research. We inspire critical thinking, personal growth and a passion for lifelong learning in the 34,000 students, 1,000 faculty and 11,000 staff that make up our community. The University attracts, on average, more than $370M of research funding each year and is ranked #2 in the world by the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ranking. The University is consistently ranked as one of Hamilton-Niagara’s Top Employers. We are known for the excellence of our faculty, the diverse nature of our student body and the strength of our community connections.

McMaster is located in the city of Hamilton, Ontario. Hamilton is a vibrant city, recognized for its natural beauty and unique blend of cultural, education and technological resources.

What you can Expect from Working at McMaster:

As one of Canada’s most research-intensive universities, working at McMaster University is an opportunity to be involved in a thriving community comprised of internationally renowned professionals and research institutes. McMaster University is principally sited on an attractive campus in west Hamilton, adjacent to residential neighbourhoods and the Royal Botanical Gardens’ Cootes Paradise wetland and trails. It is possible to live within easy walking or cycling distance of the campus, with easy pedestrian-safe transportation on the nearby rail-trail.

Working at McMaster University brings a robust total rewards package, which is more than just a salary. The elements and structure of the total rewards packages vary by employee group but include:

• Employer-paid benefits including Extended Health, Dental, Emergency Out-of-Country Travel Coverage & Basic Life Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Training, coaching and professional development opportunities
• Employee tuition assistance for development and education
• Opportunities to be a part of an academic environment working alongside professionals who share a passion for learning
• Progressive paid annual vacation plan

Please see Total Rewards Overview for MUALA for more Information.

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey – Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

The University is committed to providing and maintaining healthy and safe working and learning environments for all employees, students, volunteers and visitors. The University’s Vaccination Policy-COVID-19 Requirements for Employees and Students (the “Vaccination Policy”), requires all McMaster community members, including employees, accessing a McMaster campus or facility in person to be fully vaccinated or to have received an exemption from the University for a valid human rights ground. While the Vaccination Policy is currently paused, it may resume quickly and on short notice, as informed by public health advice and direction. Should it become necessary in future to resume the Policy, all community members will need to demonstrate compliance at that time. Successful applicants in those positions that work in host hospitals or other healthcare sites that have active vaccination mandates in place will need to comply with these and any other health and safety measures necessary as part of their appointment. The University will continue to follow the guidance of public health organizations to define fully vaccinated status.

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.