Discovery Librarian

Simon Fraser University Library invites applications for a Discovery Librarian. 
 This full-time, continuing position is based at the W.A.C. Bennett Library, 
SFU Burnaby, and supports end users and staff from all three SFU campuses, 
online and in person.

Reporting to the Head, Digital Library Services, the incumbent will be 
responsible for seamless discovery and access to Library resources to enable 
learning, teaching, and research.

Setting

We acknowledge the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), 
səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) 
peoples, on whose traditional territories Simon Fraser University's three 
campuses stand. By recognizing the Unceded Traditional Coast Salish 
territories, we aspire to create space for reconciliation through dialogue and 
decolonizing practices.

Ranked by respected national surveys as one of Canada’s top three comprehensive 
universities for the past 20 years, Simon Fraser University has also been 
consistently named one of British Columbia’s Top Employers in recent years, as 
well as one of Canada’s Top 100 employers, and one of Canada's top 
family-friendly employers.  

SFU offers more than 100 undergraduate major and joint major programs and more 
than 45 graduate offerings, spanning many disciplines in eight faculties, and 
has an international reputation for its innovative interdisciplinary and 
professional programs. The main W.A.C. Bennett Library is located on the 
Burnaby campus, while the Belzberg Library is on the Vancouver campus, and 
Fraser Library is at SFU Surrey. With almost 5 million visits to our public 
website in the past year, the Library is also host to a large, heavily used 
digital presence.

The SFU Library is known for the development and implementation of innovative 
technology, leadership in Open Access, and excellent in-person and online user 
services. We serve an ethnically diverse student population, most of whom live 
off-campus and work part-time while attending university.  SFU Library 
collaborates broadly with other institutions through membership in the Canadian 
Association of Research Libraries, the Association of Research Libraries, and 
regional consortia. For more information, see the Library’s website.

The SFU Library commits to a continuous process of transformation to advance 
equity, diversity, and inclusion and to serve the cause of social justice.  The 
Library’s Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion provides more 
information.

Assignment

As a member of the Digital Services team, the Discovery Librarian plays an 
important role in advancing Library and University goals, including the 
Library’s Strategic Plan, and has the curiosity, flexibility, and drive to try 
new and innovative ways to support Library and University objectives. This 
support includes creating and sustaining relationships across Library divisions 
and the wider SFU community.

The Discovery Librarian advocates for users, develops partnerships, implements 
best practices, and serves as a leader and peer, working closely with 
colleagues in the Resource Acquisition, Management, and Metadata (RAMM) and the 
Collections divisions.

Specific areas of responsibility

Discovery layer administration

The Discovery Librarian:


is responsible for the overall management, operation, support, and development 
of the Library’s library services platform (LSP) discovery layer (Primo) and 
related applications and integrations.


ensures integration of the discovery layer and back-office management tools.


supports the developer(s) in charge of the Library’s bento box system Library 
Search.


supports the integration of the discovery layer and Library Search system with 
other systems.


liaises with, and acts as primary contact for students, faculty, and staff 
regarding the discovery layer and the locally-managed Library Search.


serves as an active member of the Library’s ILS working group, and participates 
in other Library working groups and committees.


develops, supports, and advocates for discovery services that are user-centred, 
making use of inputs including analytics, test results, feedback, and user 
experience data.


ensures excellent discoverability of Library resources informed by best 
practices and trends.


tests new customizations, functionality, and regular system updates for the 
discovery layer and Library Search.


manages problem reports and follows up with system vendors or local development 
staff.


Findability of digital collections

Optimizes metadata and collections structure in digital collections to improve 
findability, as a member of the Digital Collections team, and working closely 
with colleagues in the Resource Acquisition, Management, & Metadata 
division (RAMM), and other parts of the Library.

First level support and troubleshooting


Along with support technicians, is a first point of contact for staff and 
members of the public for digital or online services.


Proactively and collaboratively solves problems, finds solutions, and 
troubleshoots.


Other duties

Other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

Required


Master's degree in Library or Information Studies from an ALA accredited 
program, or its equivalent, and a minimum of two years experience administering 
relevant technology in libraries or comparable organizations.


A demonstrated commitment to public service with an ability to recognize, 
respect, and work effectively with individuals and groups with diverse 
perspectives and backgrounds.


Knowledge of, commitment to, and experience advocating for usability principles 
and user-centred service.



Excellent oral and written English language skills and excellent interpersonal 
and intercultural communication skills, including the ability to:



write clearly and concisely in plain language.


effectively explain technical concepts in non-technical terms, in writing and 
verbally.


listen with empathy and respect.





Excellent organizational and project management skills, including the ability 
to:



initiate, organize, set, and follow through on priorities, working 
independently and as part of a team.


take responsibility for following up on unresolved issues.


achieve consensus.




Demonstrated analytical, technical, and troubleshooting skills for applications 
in a large and complex environment.


Knowledge of XML and metadata standards, and familiarity with library service 
platforms or integrated library systems.


Commitment to continuing self-directed learning; ability to effectively learn, 
adapt to, and use existing and emerging technologies and software.


Ability to embrace change, think creatively, and work independently.


Preferred


Demonstrated experience with configuring public views of library services 
platform (LSP) components.


Comfortable manipulating metadata using a variety of tools.


Experience with common web technologies, including HTML5 and CSS3.


Experience with the OAI-PMH protocol for metadata harvesting.


Familiarity with working with APIs and web services.


Experience dealing with vendors and service providers.


Awareness of accessibility standards.


Terms of appointment

This is a continuing Librarian position beginning 30 September 2019 or as soon 
as the successful candidate is available.

Librarians and Division Heads are members of the SFU Faculty Association. 
Terms, conditions and benefits of employment are outlined in the Collective 
Agreement.

The successful applicant will be appointed at a salary level commensurate with 
their experience and qualifications. View SFU Librarian salary scales.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and 
permanent residents will be given priority. Simon Fraser University is 
committed to employment equity and encourages applications from qualified 
candidates of all genders, including visible minorities, persons of Aboriginal 
heritage, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ-identified persons.

Under the authority of the University Act, personal information that is 
required by the University for academic appointment competitions will be 
collected. For further details see SFU’s Collection Notice.


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