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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