Tenure - Track Position
The University Library at the University of Saskatchewan provides tremendous 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. The library is strategically aligned with the University’s vision, focusing on: the teacher-learner experience; researcher, scholar and practitioner interaction; and building broad relationship and engagement opportunities. The library continually seeks to improve operational effectiveness with a strong focus on employee engagement.
OverviewReporting to the Associate Dean, the Assistant Dean (Client Services) leads the planning, co-ordination and development of services to library clients delivered through the seven branch libraries. This is a new position, resulting from organizational restructuring at the University Library. The Assistant Dean will collaborate with diverse groups within and external to the Library. The ideal candidate will bring a successful record as a leader, manager and mentor, and will have a strong commitment to quality client services and relationship building with diverse client and stakeholder groups.
The Assistant Dean is supported by a team of branch heads who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of services delivered through branch libraries. Working in close collaboration with branch heads, the Assistant Dean ensures the soundness of library educational programs, the quality of library services to clients, and the effective management of human and physical resources assigned to the client services portfolio.
The Assistant Dean functions in a highly demanding environment that requires constant scanning for issues, challenges, and opportunities against multiple priorities and demands on limited resources. The work is of high volume and is complex. Decisions ranging from the mundane to critical are required on a routine basis.
This is a tenure-track position and as such requires active engagement in research and scholarly activities including the dissemination of research results via peer-reviewed outlets. For examples of librarian’s scholarly work see
http://ecommons.usask.ca/. It is an expectation that librarians participate in collegial activities and engage with academic or professional organizations.
Accountabilities- Contributes to library strategic planning processes, with a special focus on client services and branch library development
- Ensures the success of the Library Strategic Plan through leadership and contribution to priority projects
- Ensures the development, delivery, and assessment of quality library services to clients, including effective library educational programs
- Successfully manages staff and other resources assigned to the portfolio; provides mentoring, career development advice, performance assessment, feedback and coaching as required.
- Conducts annual reviews for librarians reporting to the position regarding progress towards tenure and promotion
- In association with the Assistant Dean (Services to Libraries), ensures the effective management of the librarian liaison program
- Builds effective relationships and links to institutional partners such as colleges and administrative units
- Effectively represents the library at meetings/forums campus-wide; chairing and participating in library committees, working groups and special projects
- Effectively represents the library at local, regional and national levels
- Actively engages in research and scholarly activities including the dissemination of research results via peer-reviewed outlets
Qualifications, Experience and CompetenciesThe ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to professional practice in librarianship with particular reference to quality client service, possess excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, and be visionary.
EducationA Master of Library Science or equivalent degree from a university/institution recognized by the University of Saskatchewan is required.
Required Experience- Progressive experience in a large library including a record of success and leadership in the delivery of client services
- Demonstrated success in contributing to developing a vision and leading people to achieve exemplary performance and outcomes
- Outstanding proactive leadership skills, including a commitment to action and a demonstrated ability to inspire and mobilize others
- A proven record of success leading multi-level, multi-functional teams
- Demonstrated experience in the planning, development and delivery of library client services including educational programs
- Demonstrated record of successful innovation in a changing library environment
- Demonstrated capacity to progress a defined program of research and scholarly activity
- A successful record as a leader, manager and mentor
- Experience developing productive, collaborative relationships within and outside the university
Required Competencies- Leadership/vision: the demonstrated ability to build a shared, compelling and credible vision of the future, influencing people to ensure outcomes that support achieving the vision
- Support for progress: the demonstrated ability to initiate, implement, and support innovation and institutional change and enhance programs and services
- Results orientation: focuses on results and completing objectives within the framework defined by the University’s plans and policies
- Personal effectiveness: demonstrates and ability to reflect, clarify and commit to what is important, take responsibility for growth and development, and contribute to positive and productive work and learning environments
- Communication: the demonstrated ability to convey information and ideas to individuals in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand, retain, and respond to the message
- Relationship building: the demonstrated ability to develop the rapport necessary to build, maintain and/or strengthen partnerships and relationships inside and outside of the University
- A commitment to excellence in professional practice, including a capacity to contribute to research and scholarship
Salary & RankThis is a tenure track position with a five year term appointment as Assistant Dean (Client Services). The tenure track position is subject to a probationary period of three to five years. Duties for all librarians are assigned annually by the Dean, University Library. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, up to a maximum of $107,229. In addition, the term as Assistant Dean (Client Services) attracts an administrative stipend of $5,000 per annum. This appointment is anticipated to be either at the rank of Librarian III or IV, will be determined upon appointment. Librarians as faculty are members of the University of Saskatchewan Faculty Association and enjoy an excellent benefits plan, professional expense allowance, as well as research start-up support.
About the University LibraryThe University Library (library.usask.ca) is one of Canada’s leading research libraries and 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 University Library Strategic Plan sets an ambitious program for the transformation of library resources, facilities and services, and is designed to ensure the library’s continued growth and development over the course of the University’s second century of development.
About the University of Saskatchewan and the City of SaskatoonEstablished in 1907, the University of Saskatchewan (
http://www.usask.ca/) has evolved into an institution of note in advanced education and research 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 the Canadian Light Source synchrotron, construction of the 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, residences, and library buildings on campus are just some of the University’s recent achievements. The University has a reputation for innovation and excellence in education and boasts one of the most attractive campuses in the country.
Saskatoon (saskatoon.ca), a city of approximately 220,000, is situated on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, which is crossed by seven bridges within the city limits. The city offers a scenic riverbank, many parks, a diverse and thriving economic base, a vibrant cultural community, affordable living and a high quality of life.
To ApplyThe Search Committee comprises all Librarians holding probationary or tenured appointments and is chaired by the Dean, University 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 as related to the position by April 5, 2010. Approximate start date for this position is July 1, 2010.
Please send applications to:Jill Mierke, Human Resources Manager
University Library
University of Saskatchewan
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 Dean Vicki Williamson or Associate Dean Ken Ladd Telephone 306-966-5927,
vicki.williamson@usask.ca or
ken.ladd@usask.caAll 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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