University of Saskatchewan Library
Tenure - Track Position
SHIRP Outreach Services Librarian
The University Library provides opportunities for professional growth and development in a dynamic and flexible work environment. We operate within a supportive campus community focused on innovation, collaboration and engagement. We are strategically aligned with the University’s vision focusing on the teacher-learner experience, researcher, scholar and practitioner interactions, and building broad relationship and engagement opportunities. We are constantly improving our operational effectiveness with a strong focus on employee engagement.The Saskatchewan Health Information Resources Partnership (SHIRP) seeks out, negotiates, licenses, finances, and makes available for use, electronic health information resources for healthcare practitioners in the province of Saskatchewan. The SHIRP Outreach Services Librarian provides library instruction and reference services to healthcare practitioners, and is involved in promoting and marketing SHIRP.Accountabilities of the Position This position reports to the Head of the Health Sciences Library, with guidance provided by the SHIRP Executive Committee.
Librarians, as faculty, are assigned duties aligned with the practice of professional skills in the Library Standards for Promotion and Tenure (2003, as amended). Duties may cover the development of the collections, organizing collections, teaching information research skills, information services, information technology, administration, and research/scholarly work.
Practice of Professional SkillsThe University Library follows the liaison librarian model, which includes reference, instruction, and collections responsibilities to support on-site and distributed teaching, learning, and research. As part of the Health Sciences library team, this position supports all health sciences disciplines.
Liaison- Liaise with health professionals in the health regions and the individual health professionals across the province. This includes consulting with distance healthcare professionals and monitoring their information access needs.
- Work closely with University of Saskatchewan librarians and staff, Health Region librarians and staff, the Provincial Library, and healthcare practitioners.
- Work closely with the SHIRP Coordinator.
Development of the Collections- As part of the SHIRP Executive Committee, highlights collection products for consideration based on feedback from SHIRP client groups.
Information Services- Plan and implement reference and instructional services including a health information literacy program for the SHIRP community, which includes University of Saskatchewan students on placement, Health Region personnel, and individual healthcare practitioners.
- Work with healthcare practitioners with varying levels of technical knowledge in health regions with varying degrees of computerization.
- Design and implement evaluation instruments to analyze the impact of service and make recommendations for further developments and enhancements.
Teaching Information Research Skills
- Provide group and individual information research instruction to healthcare practitioners in health regions across the province. This includes providing library services to locations beyond the campus.
- Develop instructional and training materials in print, web-based, and interactive formats using e-learning technologies where appropriate.
- Follow-up with healthcare professionals to ensure successful integration of information literacy skills into evidence-based practice.
Research and Scholarship- Research and scholarship activity is a key component of the practice of professional skills. Librarians are expected to engage in research and scholarly work leading to the development of a formal program of research, and actively disseminate research results via peer-reviewed outlets.
Administration, public service, and outreach are also assigned duties within the Library Standards for Promotion and Tenure. These include active participation in collegial Library and University committees as required by rank as well as in academic or professional organizations.
Qualifications, Experience and CompetenciesA Masters of Library Science or equivalent degree from a university/institution recognized by the University of Saskatchewan is required. Educational background or library experience in science related disciplines is an asset.
Candidates should also possess:- Experience in academic librarianship, including teaching/instruction
- A commitment to continuing development of professional knowledge and skills
- Experience conducting research or scholarly work
- Excellent listening, oral, and written communication skills
- Knowledge and understanding of current and emerging library and information systems, educational tools, and databases
- Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of trends in reference and research services, and the delivery of library and information services in the educational environment
- Strong analytical, organizational, problem solving, and customer service skills
Candidates must be able to:- Be flexible in a changing and dynamic environment
- Highlight their commitment to service
- Demonstrate a capacity to lead and motivate people
- Demonstrate ability to work independently as well as in a collegial team environment
- Demonstrate ability to develop and manage collections in multiple formats
- Demonstrate development of professional knowledge and skills on a continuing basis
- Travel throughout the province and possess a valid driver’s license
- Work evenings and weekends
Appointment is subject to a probationary period of three to five years and specific duties are assigned by the Dean of the Library. Librarians and Archivists are members of the University of Saskatchewan Faculty Association.
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The salary range for this position is $52,731 to $65,361. Librarians at the U of S enjoy an excellent benefits plan as well as research start-up support.
About the University LibraryThe U of S Library (
library.usask.ca) is one of Canada’s leading research libraries and, as such, is a member of the Association of Research Libraries and the Canadian Association of Research Libraries. In addition to its electronic services and seven campus locations, the Library’s 150 FTE faculty and staff serve over 27,000 U of S faculty, staff and students. The Health Sciences Library serves the Colleges of Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy and Nutrition, Kinesiology, and the Schools of Physical Therapy and Public Health. There are 7 librarians and 6 support staff in the Health Sciences Library, providing a variety of services including subject liaison, reference, off campus support, interlibrary loans, and circulation services.
The Library Strategic Plan (2008-2013) sets an ambitious program for the transformation of library resources, facilities and services, designed to ensure the Library’s continued growth and development over the course of the University’s second century of development. Planning is currently underway for an Academic Health Sciences Library as part of a new Academic Health Sciences Complex, with 2013 as the anticipated completion date for the Library. Another major initiative is transforming the Murray Library’s user-centered space to create an enhanced Learning Commons – a collaborative initiative of the Library, the University Learning Centre, and University Information Technology Services – which will include services for student success, research and learning reference support, computer workstations, group study rooms, community service learning, comfortable seating areas, and a café, all within a technology-rich environment. As well, in 2008, a Statistics Canada Research Data Centre (RDC) was established in the Murray Library.
About the University of Saskatchewan and the City of SaskatoonHaving celebrated its centenary in 2007, the University of Saskatchewan (
usask.ca) is one of the leading medical-doctoral universities in Canada. Its Strategic Directions and Integrated Plan outline a vision focused on international standards in all activities, academic pre-eminence, and a sense of place. The opening of a Canadian Light Source synchrotron, construction of an International Vaccine Centre, the establishment of new graduate Schools of Public Health, Public Policy, and Environment and Sustainability, and significant capital building projects to revitalize Law, Veterinary Medicine, Health Sciences, and Library buildings on campus are just some of the University’s recent achievements. The University also boasts one of the most attractive campuses in the country.
Saskatoon (
saskatoon.ca), a city of approximately 207,000, is situated on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River. The city offers a scenic accessible riverbank, many parks, a diverse and thriving economic base, a vibrant social and cultural community, and a superior quality of life.
To ApplyThe Search Committee comprises all Librarians holding probationary or tenured appointments within the Library. The CVs of all applicants will be made available in confidence to the members of the Search Committee. Applicants wishing to apply should send their curriculum vitae, the names of three references, and a statement outlining their knowledge, experience, and abilities related to the position by June 4, 2009. Approximate start date for this position is January 1, 2010.
Please send applications to:Jill Mierke, Human Resources Manager
University of Saskatchewan Library
Dean’s Office
Room 156 Murray Building
3 Campus Drive
Saskatoon, SK
S7N 5A4
Fax: 306-966-5932
Email:
library.jobs@usask.caConfidential inquiries can be directed to Jill Mierke, Human Resources Manager, Telephone 306-966-5927 All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. The University is committed to Employment Equity. Members of Designated Groups (women, aboriginal people, people with disabilities and visible minorities) are encouraged to self-identify on their applications.
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