A graduate university degree, preferably in Library and Information Sciences or a related field, combined with significant experience as a senior leader within a university library or a large, complex public library system.
Overview
The Vice-Provost and University Librarian leads Queen's University Library, and plays a central role in supporting the enhancement of the high-quality learning and research environment that is central to the reputation of Queen’s. Queen's University is actively engaged in advancing planning and prioritization for teaching, learning, and research with special emphasis on collaboration and integration to ensure a strong academic and administrative foundation, while preserving capacity for innovation and future opportunities. The Vice-Provost and University Librarian plays a central role in this collaborative planning framework by ensuring that Library programs and services are aligned with those of the campus, by working closely with the faculties and partners in academic planning processes, and by providing leadership for the Queen’s community to ensure learning and scholarship are continually enhanced. The Vice-Provost and University Librarian is a member of the senior leadership team of the University and reports to the Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic).
In November 2019, an external review of Queen’s University Library was completed. The summary report highlights specific opportunities and challenges for the new Vice-Provost and University Librarian and is available online (hyperlinked).
The Role of the University Librarian
The Vice-Provost and University Librarian is engaged in the senior leadership of the University and is responsible for the overall development and administration of the Library and its contributions to teaching, learning, and research at Queen’s University. The incumbent provides vision and leadership for the Library, aligns funding with strategic directions, facilitates the success of Library staff, builds relationships with stakeholders and donors, and represents the Library in the local community, consortia, and organizations (e.g., the Canadian Association of Research Libraries, the Association of Research Libraries). The Vice-Provost and University Librarian collaborates with colleagues inside and outside Queen’s to facilitate scholarly communication and provide information resources and services appropriate for one of Canada’s leading research universities.
The incumbent provides leadership in all aspects of collections, information resources, and services, with particular focus on the following:
in consultation with staff, continue to re-imagine the Library, keeping academic communities and collections and information resources at the core of its activities and realigning staff resources for the current digital age, while addressing University fiscal constraints;
explore opportunities for collaborations and improved synergies with academic partners within the university to enhance the learning and research environments, particularly through implementation of information technology;
continue to develop services to support student learning and community engagement;
design and oversee programs of professional development to build the capacity of the staff for innovation in keeping with the mission of the Library;
engage in campus space planning and play a key role as an academic leader in the creation of effective and adaptable spaces for teaching and research;
in collaboration with Advancement, define and implement a program of fundraising activities;
position Queen’s as an active player in the global international knowledge network, leveraging advances in technology and open access and participating in regional, national, and international partnerships; and,
enhance access to scholarly resources for faculty and students and foster the use of information technology in teaching and research for a diverse university community.
A graduate university degree, preferably in Library and Information Sciences or a related field, combined with significant experience as a senior leader within a university library or a large, complex public library system.
Excellent Communicator: listening, engaging, inclusive, non-hierarchical, clear
Skilled Administrator: performance-oriented, systems-focused, accountable, responsive, financially knowledgeable, entrepreneurial, revenue generator
Authentic Relationship-builder: empathetic, fair, ethical, objective, pragmatic, consistent, humble
Decisive: collaborative, consultative, persuasive, composed
Credible: confident, respected, knowledgeable, experienced, balanced, technically competent
Mission-focused: passionate, committed to teaching & learning, research, community, and equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigenization
Inspiring: integrity, energizing, encouraging, values diversity, trusting, empowering
The following skills and experiences will be considered:
Senior administrative experience within an academic library environment and/or a large, complex public library system;
A commitment to excellence in providing services that enhance student engagement and experiences;
A thorough understanding of university library systems and issues;
A strong commitment to the central role the library plays in supporting the enhancement of the teaching, learning, and research environments;
Demonstrated experience with collections and digital assets;
A commitment to fair and transparent processes;
The ability to interact effectively, to be a persuasive negotiator and advocate within a collegial University setting, and to foster collaboration and relationship building within the community;
Demonstrated cross-cultural knowledge base and skill set with a commitment to developing competencies to best meet the needs of a diverse and international university community;
Strategic experience in fiscal management, the ability to use resources wisely and the business acumen to make decisions on resource allocation;
The ability to work constructively with others in a unionized team environment, and build positive relationships in the university;
Appreciation for, and understanding of, the methods to measure the effectiveness of library activities;
A successful record of securing grants, foundation support, and industry partnerships; and,
Innovative fundraising and donor stewardship activities.
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen's is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ2S+ persons. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.
The University is seeking outstanding candidates who have made a strong contribution to their field, who model a commitment to reconciliation, accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and who reflect the full diversity of the communities they serve.
Upon receipt of your application, you will receive an invitation from Queen’s University Human Rights and Equity Office to complete a voluntary self-identification questionnaire.
The University has policies in place to support its employees with disabilities, including an Accommodation in the Workplace Policy and a policy on the provision of job accommodations that take into account an employee's accessibility needs due to disability.
The University will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant's accessibility needs. If you require accommodation because of a disability or for any other reason during the interview process, please contact Jessa Chupik at jchupik@boyden.com.
Consideration of candidates, by the search committee, will begin in October 2020. Given the COVID-19 crisis, every effort to accommodate candidates will be made in a way that is equitable and respectful of their additional professional, community, and personal responsibilities during this difficult time. For further information, please contact Jessa Chupik and Michael Naufal at jchupik@boyden.com.
Once we receive the materials of those who express interest in the position, we will compare them against the Candidate Profile and against the backgrounds of other candidates. We will be in touch directly if you are selected to proceed forward with a description of the full process.