Discovery Technologies Librarian

University of Regina – Dr. John Archer Library and Archives
Discovery Technologies Librarian  
(Tenure-Track)

The Dr. John Archer Library and Archives invites applications from innovative, proactive, flexible, collaborative and service-oriented candidates for the tenure-track position of Discovery Technologies Librarian. We are seeking a librarian with a successful track record in designing, deploying, and maintaining innovative library technology services that integrate with the instructional and research technologies used by the University and advance the scholarly mission of the Library and Archives in making collections discoverable and available on a global scale.

The successful candidate will oversee the planning, management, and operation of the Archer Library and Archives’ technology services, including but not limited to the library services platform, discovery system, archival management system, user authentication, web-based applications, analytics and reporting, computer support, and digital publishing and preservation services (e.g. DSpace, OJS, LOCKSS).  This position is expected to play a critical role in embedding library services and collections in the full range of teaching and research activities through innovative use of technology, and will collaborate with campus stakeholders to ensure that the Library and Archives’ digital services and technological supports are aligned with the University’s strategic goals.

This is a leadership position within the Archer Library and Archives which includes supervision of staff and participation on the Library’s Leadership Team.

Context:

The University of Regina has campuses located in Regina and Saskatoon on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories.  These are the ancestral lands of the Cree, Salteaux, Dakota, Nakoda, and Lakota nations and the homeland of the Métis.

The University of Regina is a modern, comprehensive University with a growing national reputation for excellence in teaching and research. We prepare our students to excel in the global community and our research opportunities attract the best and brightest minds. Our campus is in the heart of one of North America’s largest urban parks - a striking natural setting. It is energized by our students, faculty and staff and an ideal place to make your career.  The Dr. John Archer Library and Archives is one of the most distinctive buildings on campus and features spectacular views of Wascana Lake and easy access to an extensive network of walking and bicycling trails. The city of Regina is home to numerous museums, parks, and cultural events. Regina boasts a relaxed lifestyle with short commute times.

The Dr. John Archer Library and Archives supports the research and teaching of faculty and students at the University of Regina through its services, collections and information technology infrastructure. Reference and information services are both library-based and provided by librarians on-site in faculties, departments and research centres. Instruction in finding information is also provided, both in the form of general orientations and class or subject specific instruction sessions.  Dr. John Archer’s extensive collection of over 2 million items is listed in our Alma catalogue, as are the holdings of the University’s three Federated Colleges: Campion College, Luther College, and First Nations University of Canada. The Library also comprises the University Archives with collections consisting of original materials relating to the University, its faculty, staff, and students, dating from the inception of Regina College in 1911 to the present day.  oURspace is the digital repository for scholarly literature, research results, official communications, and materials which define the cultural context of the University of Regina and Saskatchewan. The Library is a partner with several external organizations, including CRKN (Canadian Research Knowledge Network), COPPUL (Council of Prairie and Pacific University Libraries), CARL (Canadian Association of Research Libraries), the Multitype Library Board, and the Consortium of Academic and Special Libraries of Saskatchewan (CASLS).

About the position:

Reporting to the Associate University Librarian: Content Management and Discovery and working closely with other campus units (particularly Information Services, Centre for Teaching and Learning, and Centre for Continuing Education), the Discovery Technologies Librarian will lead the direction of the Library and Archives information technology services and infrastructure.  This position will be responsible for the ongoing operations of the Library and Archives Discovery Technologies Unit as well as investigating, planning, and implementing new technology that is responsive and adaptable to changing needs of digital pedagogy and research.

Responsibilities (in no particular order) to include:

  • Supervise assigned staff and students, coordinate the work of related faculty positions, and work with library and university administrators to manage the full scope of human resource activities for the Library and Archives Discovery Technologies Unit.
  • Collaborate with Library, Archives, President’s Art Collection (PACA) curator and University colleagues to research, design, implement, and maintain user-focused technology services which integrate with existing campus systems to enhance student experience, improve discovery of library and archives resources, and actively support the teaching and research activities of the University and the open access missions of the Archer Library and Archives as well as our regional, national, and international academic partners.
  • Collaborate with Library, Archives, and University colleagues to develop policy and procedures for all digital technology used by the Library and Archives, including but not limited to the library services platform, user authentication, web-based applications, analytics and reporting, computer support, and digital publishing and preservation.
  • Work closely with the University’s central IT department (Information Services) on service agreements, operational planning, and the research, development, implementation, and maintenance of systems and services.
  • Advise the Library Leadership and Library Executive teams on new and existing technology and discovery platforms, services, and initiatives.
  • Develop technical, human resources, and budget proposals and business cases to support and advance the work of the Library and Archives Discovery Technologies Unit.
  • Serve as library’s technology representative to CASLS and other consortia as needed.
  • In collaboration with other service managers, manage the administration and oversight of the library services platform (Ex Libris Alma/Primo), resource sharing/interlibrary loan software, and EzProxy.
  • Stay up-to-date on information technology trends and identify and implement new technologies that will enhance library and archives services or infrastructure.
  • Engage in scholarship, research, creative or equivalent professional activities.
  • Participate as a member of the Library Leadership Team.
  • Work collaboratively with Archer Library and Archives colleagues on committees and working groups that advance all aspects of library and archives planning, policy formulation and service delivery.
  • Advance the values and goals outlined in the Library and Archives’ and University's strategic plans.
  • Serve on university-wide and regional/national/international committees.

The nature and scope of responsibilities for this and other library positions are expected to change as the Library and Archives organization evolves.

Required Qualifications

  • A Master’s degree in Library and Information Science or Archival Studies from an ALA accredited program or equivalent.
  • Excellent organizational and verbal/written communication skills in English.
  • Minimum of five years of experience planning, implementing and managing information technology systems, with increasing levels of responsibility (staff supervision, vendor relations, and project management). An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
  • A track record of innovation in creating and implementing user-centred technology services and system integrations.
  • Experience providing training and instruction.
  • Experience leading and managing projects.
  • Experience administering a range of functions in an Integrated Library System or Library Services Platform.
  • Experience with web development technologies (e.g. HTML, XML/XSLT, CSS, Javascript).
  • Knowledge of MARC format and other cataloguing and metadata standards.
  • Familiarity with EZproxy or other authentication software.
  • Knowledge of web and digital publishing platforms (e.g. Wordpress, Libguides, OJS, DSpace, Omeka, ContentDM).
  • Commitment to scholarship, professional development and service.

It would be an asset for the candidate to have:

An additional degree or certificate in computer science, digital humanities, or a related field with an information technology focus.

  • Project management training or experience with agile methodologies.
  • Experience in a programming language (e.g. Python, PHP) or a Javascript framework (e.g. AngularJS).
  • Experience with relational databases and SQL.
  • Experience with deploying and maintaining software in a cloud-based environment (e.g. Amazon Web Services).

The University of Regina is committed to an inclusive workplace that reflects the richness of the community that we serve. The University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including individuals within the University’s employment equity categories of women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, individuals of diverse gender and sexual orientation and all groups protected by the Human Rights Code.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Application Procedure: Applications must be made through the University of Regina Human Resource’s website: https://urcareers.uregina.ca/

Applications received before November 30, 2021 will receive preferential consideration. 

For further information, please contact:

Brett Waytuck
University Librarian
Dr. John Archer Library
University of Regina
Regina, SK S4S 0A2
Phone: (306) 585-4295
Fax: (306) 337-2401
E-mail: University.Librarian@uregina.ca