Learning and Engagement Librarian (Sessional), Libraries and Cultural Resources

Position Description

Libraries and Cultural Resources at the University of Calgary invites applications for a one year sessional librarian position with responsibilities at the rank of Assistant Librarian. The anticipated start date of this position is January 1, 2022. 

Libraries and Cultural Resources (LCR) is a leader in the development of innovative information resources and services, locally, nationally and internationally. In a converged environment, it successfully incorporates the resources and services of libraries, institutional and research archives, rare books and special collections, art galleries, and a university press to provide outstanding support for scholarship, learning and the creation of knowledge. 

Position Responsibilities

Reporting to the Associate University Librarian, Student Learning and Engagement and working in collaboration with colleagues in LCR and across campus, the successful candidate will have a strong commitment to student-centered service delivery, will deliver course and program-integrated information literacy instruction for faculty, students and scholars, and will assist in collection and information resource development and reference service in assigned subject areas in support of the research and teaching mission of the University of Calgary.  

This position will deliver outreach support, instruction and services to students and faculty across campus and assigned areas of focus and responsibilities will cover activities centred on learning and engagement. 

Responsibilities will include:

• Designing and delivering specialized course-based instruction and workshops to students and faculty in assigned subject disciplines. This will include the design and implementation of appropriate print, online learning and digital tools, and the strategic assessment of classroom instruction, and student learning outcomes. Instruction sessions will incorporate complex, rapidly evolving information technologies as well as traditional methods.
• Actively engaging with faculty members, students, and staff in assigned areas to promote and market library programs, services, and resources through unit, campus and other outreach opportunities.
• Providing customized reference and research support services including in-depth reference assistance in multiple formats (chat, email, phone, desk/in-person). 
• Providing research consultations that focus on subject or other specialized areas of expertise.
• Supporting research grant applications and funded projects.
• Advising on data management and retention, and research impact.
• Participating in collection and scholarly resource development in assigned discipline areas. 
• Contributing to the collaborative delivery of library services to faculty, students, and staff through team teaching, resource sharing, committee service, and participation in collaborative projects.
• Participating in and supporting system-wide and unit level initiatives including support for data resources, scholarly communications, open access, web archiving, research impact, and knowledge synthesis. 
• Maintaining awareness of current and emerging trends both in the University and in librarianship and proactively identifying appropriate service responses.
• Contributing to the University’s commitment to serve the community. 

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an American Library Association accredited program in librarianship, or recognized equivalent.
• Evidence of a strong service orientation, and the instructional applications and technologies necessary to support the needs of students and faculty.
• Evidence of ability to plan and implement programming and outreach services for users coming from various backgrounds and subject disciplines.  
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to establish positive and productive collaborations with staff and faculty.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team member in a dynamic environment and on a variety of simultaneous projects.
• Demonstrated ability to adjust priorities, take initiative, set goals, manage time wisely, and make quick effective decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• An interdisciplinary undergraduate or graduate degree.
• Familiarity with current issues and trends in library technology and information resources.
• Experience in conducting library instruction or teaching in an academic environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to user instruction and to consultation with users on their information decision and strategy needs.
• Familiarity with qualitative or quantitative data, manipulation of datasets, and experience teaching data sources to researchers, faculty and students.

Application Procedure

Please apply online via the 'Apply Now' link. Submit a letter of application addressing background and experience relevant to the position, a current curriculum vitae and contact information for three professional references, by December 3, 2021 to:

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No)

Additional Information

To view a listing of all available academic opportunities and to find out more about what the University of Calgary has to offer, please visit our Academic Careers website.

COVIDSafe Campus Strategy

The University has implemented a new Vaccination Directive that requires all faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 1, 2022. You will be required to upload proof of vaccination prior to commencing your duties. Please review the COVIDSafe Campus website for further information and access to additional resources.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca. 

About Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders - in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.