Web Librarian -- York University Libraries

I don't usually post job ads here, even local ones, but I thought this would be of some interest to my readers. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact me via email at jdupuis at yorku dot ca. I'm not on the search committee, nor do I work at the home branch for this position, but I can answer general questions about working at York. The ad is online here as some other library postings at York here.

Web Librarian

York University offers a world-class, modern, interdisciplinary academic experience in Toronto, Canada’s most multicultural city. York is at the centre of innovation, with a thriving community of almost 60,000 students, faculty and staff, who challenge the ordinary and deliver the unexpected.

York University Libraries seek a motivated, self-directed, and service-oriented librarian to serve as Web Librarian for the Libraries and to provide excellent reference service and information literacy instruction as offered by the Peter F. Bronfman Business Library.

The Web Librarian will devote most of her/his time and to the further development of the Web presence of York University Libraries, leading and working with others to articulate and achieve an exciting vision for a modern university library website, striving to increase its functionality, usability, accessibility, and aesthetic appeal, broadly applying the ethos and techniques of “Web 2.0.” In achieving this, the incumbent will collaborate with librarian colleagues, library professional staff, departments and committees, Library Computing Services staff, and campus technology departments, and will serve as a key member of the Libraries’ Web Review Committee. The Web Librarian will monitor current trends in Web development, maintain currency with professional standards and practices, and guide colleagues so they may be more effective content contributors and Web service providers. A smaller portion of the Web Librarian’s time will be devoted to providing excellent reference service and information literacy instruction as offered by the Peter F. Bronfman Business Library. Some evening and weekend work is required.

The Libraries’ website (http://www.library.yorku.ca) has been developed and maintained through the use of a customized, open source content management system. The catalogue is currently the Sirsi WebCat, which works with other components of the Sirsi GL3.1 ILS. The Libraries also support and/or use a number of other Web initiatives including chat reference, SFX, wikis, and blogs.

York University Libraries consists of a large central library building and three branch libraries, one of which is the Peter F. Bronfman Business Library. The collections consist of over six million items, including about two million book volumes and some 27,000 online and paper periodical titles.

The Peter F. Bronfman Business Library, located in the award-winning Seymour Schulich Building, provides facilities, resources, and reference and instructional services to the business programs of York University, including those of the highly ranked Schulich School of Business. Resources include a comprehensive print collection as well as extensive full-text and numeric electronic resources. Three full-time librarians and 4.5 full-time support staff are currently based in the Bronfman Library.

Qualifications: An ALA-accredited MLIS or equivalent with up to four years’ post-MLIS experience in a library or educational institution. A well articulated understanding of the role and possibilities of the Web in the teaching, learning, and research pursuits of a university. Strong public service philosophy and evidence of professional initiative and leadership. Demonstrated experience in website design and development, including the building and/or integration of a variety of Web applications. Experience with a variety of Web development and authoring software tools, including open source software, HTML, XML, CSS and experience with programming languages and Web support technologies. Experience in applying Web accessibility standards, user-centred design principles, and interactive concepts. Experience or knowledge of effective approaches for the assessment of library Web services including usability testing. Ability to write effectively for the Web. Demonstrated project-management and problem-solving skills and a demonstrated ability to handle multiple responsibilities and projects concurrently. Knowledge of business print and electronic resources. Strong written and oral communication skills, including demonstrated skills in teaching, training, and public communications. Strong interpersonal, diplomatic, and consensus-building skills. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collegially with a diverse population of librarians, staff, faculty, and students. Demonstrated interest in research and professional development. Educational background relating to business studies or experience providing business reference support preferred.

The Web Librarian position is a tenure-stream appointment to be filled at the Assistant Librarian level and is appropriate for a librarian with up to four years’ post-MLIS experience. Librarians at York University have academic status and are members of the York University Faculty Association bargaining unit (http://www.yufa.org/). Salary is commensurate with qualifications. The position is available May 1, 2007. All York University positions are subject to budgetary approval.

York University is an Affirmative Action Employer. The Affirmative Action Program can be found on York’s website at www.yorku.ca/acadjobs or a copy can be obtained by calling the affirmative action office at 416-736-5713. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and Permanent residents will be given priority.

Campus resources include an on-site daycare centre and centres relating to gender equity, race and ethnic relations, sexual harassment, human rights, and wellness. York University encourages attitudes of respect and non-discrimination toward persons of all ethnic and religious groups, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

The deadline for applications is February 16, 2007. Applications, including a cover letter relating applicant qualifications to the requirements of the position, a current curriculum vitae, a link to online examples of work where relevant, and the names of three referees, should be sent to:

Chair, Web Librarian Appointment Committee
York University Libraries, 310 Scott Library
York University, 4700 Keele Street
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M3J 1P3
Fax: 416-736-5451