Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Starting salary is $102,000 to $150,000 per annum. Actual salary offered will be commensurate with experience and academic/professional qualifications, as well as internal parity.
UBC LIBRARY
As one of the world's leading universities, the University of British Columbia creates an exceptional learning environment that fosters global citizenship, advances a civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada and the world.
We honour, celebrate and thank the xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam) and Syilx Okanagan peoples on whose territories the main campuses of the University of British Columbia have the privilege to be situated.
The University of British Columbia Library is one of the largest academic libraries in Canada and consistently ranks among the top university research libraries in North America. UBC Library has 14 branches and divisions across two campuses (Vancouver and Kelowna), including an off-site hospital library; a multi-purpose teaching and learning facility, the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre; and the Xwi7xwa Library, a centre for academic and community Indigenous scholarship. Almost 300 knowledgeable employees – librarians, management and professional staff, support staff and student staff – provide users with the excellent resources and services that they need to further their research, teaching and learning.
To highlight a few exciting projects that the Library recently completed in the Collections & Special Collections space:
Opened a Conservation Space in September 2021.
Recently hosted Guest Conservator from Fudan University for 100 days from October 2023 – January 2024.
Opened the Wallace B. Chung and Madeline H. Chung Collection and the Phil Lind Klondike Gold Rush Collection in 2024.
Migrated to OpenAthens as a licensed electronic resources authentication platform in June 2021. The migration has allowed for a rich dataset of usage for Collections Analysis and evidence-based decision making.
The UBC Library is committed to being a respectful, healthy environment that encourages leadership, collegiality, diversity, individual growth and opportunity. Explore our aspirational values that we strive to uphold and actively incorporate into all aspects of our organization. We are committed to eliminating institutional and structural systems of oppression and power (such as colonialism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, ableism, and white supremacy). Learn more about the UBC Library Strategic Framework and about working with us.
Guided by UBC's refreshed Strategic Plan, explore the University's priorities and actions for the next three to five years.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Associate University Librarian (AUL) for Collections works as part of the Library Executive Team to advance the strategic directions of the Library and University with a specific focus on Collections. The AUL will assume overall responsibilities for the portfolio including the Collections Services Division. The Collections Services Division includes the following operations: licensing, one-time acquisitions, continuations acquisitions, electronic resources management, collections management and planning, interlibrary loan, conservation and preservation, and storage (two high-density storage facilities).
Works under the general direction of the University Librarian, and in collaboration with other members of the Library Executive Team, division/branch heads and managers, library teams and working groups, and other librarians, archivists and staff members, including at UBC Okanagan. Builds relationships with faculty, students and other branch employees in a manner reflective of the aspirational values of UBC Library. Interfaces with leadership from across the university’s two campuses, externally with vendors and consortia, and with community partners.
This position currently has one direct report, Head, Collections Services, who oversees a team of 28 employees.
This position is based at UBC Vancouver Point Grey campus. Remote work is possible according to UBC guidelines.
DUTIES
Collections Budget (Financial)
In consultation with the Library Executive Team, responsible for the strategic development and management of the Library’s collections materials budget in cooperation with key administrators, including the Deputy University Librarian, UBCO.
Works closely with the Library Finance Director regarding collections funds.
Plans, manages, administers and is accountable for the Library’s collections materials budget. Is responsible for budget projections and analysis.
Leads, guides, plans, develops and implements collections purchasing and management strategies to ensure that the Library’s collections material budget is efficiently and effectively managed and does not end in deficit.
Leadership and Administration
Serves as a member of the Library Executive team, shares responsibility for leading strategic planning and other library-wide initiatives.
Responsible for the strategic planning, development and implementation of the Library’s various collections programs; including creation of strategic policies and practices. Provides leadership and long-term visioning to all matters relating to collections in a variety of formats, languages, and media, including collections strategies, development, and management.
Guides organizational change, engages in collaborative decision-making, builds consensus around a strategic vision for the Collections Services Division.
Builds and maintains relationships with stakeholders and partners across both campuses and seeks opportunities for feedback, input and innovation.
Provides strategic leadership to the Collection Services Division regarding publisher/vendor negotiations, license agreements as well as library consortia purchases.
Sets direction to ensure all digital resources usage complies with licenses and contracts including providing leadership on issues pertaining to user group access and identity management.
Leads, directs and coordinates development of policies and procedures that guide subject specialists/fund managers in selecting, acquiring and licensing resources in a variety of formats, languages, and media.
Stays up to date on new and emerging developments and technologies and how these may impact and/or influence Division efficiencies, goals and outputs.
Advances the Libraries’ priorities and strategic directions through participation on library university committees, task forces, and project teams.
Belongs to and represents UBC’s interests on appropriate collections committees in CRKN, COPPUL, BCELN, and possibly others, and engages across the province and the nation to help craft collections strategies driven through those consortia. From time to time the University Librarian may designate the AUL Collections to attend meetings of organizations and consortia as a guest, or as a substitute for the UL in the role of official representative.
Provides leadership for building and maintaining relationships within the University and Community essential to the support of collections and other related matters.
Provides strategic oversight regarding Interlibrary Loan policies, practices and resources.
Keeps portfolio informed of the Library’s policies, plans and priorities, plans for staff development and training. Works to enable a highly supportive work environment built on appreciation, learning and professional growth.
Works with the Library Executive Team to assess, review and identify funding sources for collection development, new services, new programs, and changes in the delivery of existing services.
Actively works with the University Librarian and the Director of Finance to negotiate a balanced budget.
Actively works with the University Librarian, and the Library’s Development Office to identify and acquire new sources of funding for the Library. Supports and assists the University Librarian in fund raising initiatives.
Sponsors and/or leads Teams, Working Groups or Communities of Practice created to fulfil Collections and related portfolio work.
Actively works with the University Librarian, and Library Communications and Marketing to identify and deliver timely communications and updates to the Library, campuses, and community related to collections.
Personnel Management
Provides leadership for the Librarians, Management & Professional Staff and CUPE2950 staff in areas of the portfolio’s operations and services.
Works closely with the Head, Collections Services and Library Human Resources on personnel issues, including recruitment of new employees and employee development and training.
Implements recruitment, hiring and retention efforts that support diversity within the profession, and incorporates inclusion and equity into all positions.
Participates in recruitment and selection of direct reports. Conducts annual conversations, assesses and recommends training and learning opportunities, makes merit and PSA recommendations and engages with librarians through open dialogue.
Financial Planning
Responsible for the strategic development and management of the Library Collections Budget.
Leads, plans, develops and implements purchasing strategies to ensure that the Library’s budget is efficiently and effectively managed.
Facilities (Collections Management)
Works with Library Facilities and other relevant stakeholders regarding collections storage including the Library Preservation and Archives (PARC) modular storage facility, and the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS).
Works with Library Facilities and Head, Collections Services regarding workspace planning.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Works to integrate equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into professional practice through leadership, management, mentorship and advocacy.
Contributes to the continued development of a library environment and culture that supports and celebrates EDI.
Makes decisions about collections that relate to and are informed by key UBC institutional plans, including the Indigenous Strategic Plan and UBC Okanagan’s Declaration on Truth and Reconciliation Commitments, Climate Action Plan 2030, and the Strategic Equity and Anti-Racism Framework, as well the Library’s specific action plans and budget.
Supports EDI through professional development opportunities and maintains an awareness of EDI initiatives at the departmental, campus, institutional and provincial level such as UBC’s Inclusion Action Plan and Indigenous Strategic Plan.
Professional Development and Scholarship
Responsible for personal continuing professional education.
Develops and maintains skills and assumes appropriate leadership relevant to the position.
Keeps up to date on developments in library service, resources and technology and on broader issues that affect the practice of librarianship and proactively seeks to implement and integrate into existing or new practices.
Participates in appropriate professional organizations.
Engages in professional development, scholarly and service activities.
QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED
Masters-level degree from an accredited program of library, or information science, or equivalent internationally accredited program.
Proven leadership, administrative and managerial skills, along with ability to function effectively as a member of a senior management team working within a collegial environment, gained through at least 5 years of experience in mid to senior level library positions.
Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Significant experience leading negotiations with publishers, vendors and consortia, including pricing and license agreements.
Experience managing collections in or for an academic or research environment.
Significant proven experience working with and leading complex budgets, exchange rate challenges, and mitigating anticipated budget challenges.
Experience building productive relationships and working collegially with a diverse population of colleagues and/or users in keeping with the UBC Respectful Environment Statement.
Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Demonstrated understanding of the experiences of Indigenous people and communities.
Ability to foster a team environment built on positive working relationships; provides guidance and resources to teams while trusting them to excel.
Strong management skills and a demonstrated interest in fostering innovation and team building.
Strong advocacy and change management skills; ability to build effective relationships that promote the Library’s needs within the University and the broader community.
PREFERRED
Ability to create an environment that embraces curiosity, ideas, creativity and innovation and provides opportunities and flexibility to explore new initiatives.
Experience leading team organization and workflow redesign to improve strategic alignment and operational effectiveness.
Interest in and ability to contribute to the Library’s sense of community and achievement of common goals through cooperation across units/groups and encouragement of equitable and balanced involvement in decision making.
Ability to promote and foster a supportive and open environment where everyone is able to listen, contribute and engage with colleagues and ideas and provide and receive timely, constructive feedback.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND SALARY
Appointment:
This is a full-time appointment as AUL with an anticipated start date on or before April 1, 2026. The successful candidate will be appointed as a Librarian (base appointment) with a five-year renewable administrative appointment as AUL, Collections. Qualified candidates are eligible for a confirmed appointment.
The successful candidate will be a member of The University of British Columbia Faculty Association and the terms and conditions of appointment are governed by the Collective Agreement between UBC and the UBC Faculty Association (http://www.hr.ubc.ca/faculty-relations/collective-agreements/).
Eligibility: We are considering applications from librarians with a minimum of 5 years of mid to senior level professional library experience. Due to the unique nature of this innovative position and the limited applicant pool, there is no experience cap. Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.
Salary: Starting salary is $102,000 to $150,000 per annum. Actual salary offered will be commensurate with experience and academic/professional qualifications, as well as internal parity. UBC also offers a comprehensive benefits package. Information about salary increases can be found in the Collective Agreement: http://www.hr.ubc.ca/faculty-relations/collective-agreements/
Benefits: Librarians and their dependents are eligible for an extensive benefits package including extended health care coverage, dental coverage, Employee and Family Assistance Program, life insurance, pension and travel benefits. To support families, UBC provides a top-up for eligible employees on maternity or parental leave. Tuition assistance is also available for qualifying employees and dependent children. In addition, librarians/archivists are eligible for professional development funding to support career growth at the university, as well as study leave. Details are available in the Collective Agreement, and for more information see UBC Human Resources: https://hr.ubc.ca/benefits/eligibility-enrolment/employee-groups. Additional information about relocation to UBC Vancouver can be found: https://hr.ubc.ca/working-ubc/housing-and-relocation-services
UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply.
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications will include: a detailed and current curriculum vitae; and a letter of application that includes a statement of citizenship/immigration status and indicates the candidate's education, training and work experience in the areas listed above, as well as how you heard about this opportunity. One consolidated PDF is preferred.