Reference & Instruction Librarian

Reference & Instruction Librarian (Continuing Appointment)
Scott Reference Department

York University Libraries seeks a motivated, self-directed, and service-oriented librarian to serve as a member of the Scott Library Reference Department and to provide collections and liaison services for Environmental Studies and Data.
York University offers a world-class, modern, interdisciplinary academic experience in Toronto, Canada's most multicultural city. York is at the centre of innovation, with a thriving community of almost 60,000 faculty, staff and students who challenge the ordinary and deliver the unexpected.

Scott Library, the largest of York University’s libraries, houses a research collection of over two million items in the social sciences, humanities and fine arts that includes government documents, data, sound and moving images, electronic resources, archives and special collections. Along with building collections and offering reference assistance, the Scott Library Reference Department has an active and growing information literacy program, which aims to enable students, faculty, and others to recognize the social context of information, to develop information-seeking behaviours that transcend specific finding tools, and to think critically about information.

The successful candidate will participate in teaching, reference, collection and liaison activities in the Libraries and elsewhere on campus, and in the development of new programs and services. This librarian will have special responsibility for Environmental Studies collection activities, liaison, and information literacy teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Please refer to the Faculty of Environmental Studies website (http://www.yorku.ca/fes/about/) for a program description. The successful candidate will also provide research and teaching support in the use of microdata and other data files including use of some statistical software packages.

The chosen candidate will assist students in developing the skills required to locate, evaluate, and use resources effectively; play a role in the ongoing development of information literacy initiatives; support faculty research; participate in special projects, such as assessment, collection reviews, and the development of web-based resources; participate in the shared decision-making of the Reference Department, departmental working groups, committees of the Libraries and of the University; contribute to librarianship by carrying out professional research and/or scholarly work. Some evening and weekend work is required.

The successful candidate will have the following qualifications:

• An ALA accredited MLIS or equivalent with up to three years post-MLIS experience
• Educational background in the social sciences or humanities.
• Strong public service ethic and background.
• Understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of Environmental Studies, including its economic, social and political aspects.
• Expertise with and enthusiasm for statistics, data resources, and statistical software packages.
• Demonstrated understanding of collection development and liaison roles with faculty.
• Demonstrated understanding of the concepts, goals, and methods of information literacy instruction and ability to teach in a variety of settings and formats.
• Demonstrated ability in providing research services.
• Broad knowledge of print materials and digital information sources relevant to the social sciences and humanities, especially in the area of Environmental Studies.
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Evidence of leadership ability, professional initiative, and flexibility.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collegial setting.
• Ability to work with a large and diverse clientele.
• Understanding of scholarly publishing issues and trends with an interest in collection development in both print and electronic formats.
• Knowledge of and enthusiasm for the integration of new technologies into the delivery of information services.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse workload.
• Willingness to undertake library and university committee responsibilities, professional development, research and scholarship.
• Expertise with or demonstrated understanding of assessment methodologies.

This is a continuing-stream (tenure track) appointment to be filled at the Assistant Librarian level and appropriate for a librarian with up to three years post-MLIS experience. Librarians at York University have academic status and are members of the York University Faculty Association bargaining unit (http://www.yufa.org/). Salary is commensurate with qualifications. The position is available to commence mid-September, 2010. All York University positions are subject to budgetary approval.

York University is an Affirmative Action Employer. The Affirmative Action Program can be found on York's website at www.yorku.ca/acadjobs or a copy can be obtained by calling the affirmative action office at 416-736-5713. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents will be given priority.
York University resources include centres relating to gender equity, race and ethnic relations, sexual harassment, human rights, and wellness. York University encourages attitudes of respect and non-discrimination toward persons of all ethnic and religious groups and regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
Deadline for applications is June 2nd, 2010. Applications, including a covering letter, and a current curriculum vitae with the names and contact details of three referees are requested.
Applications can be sent to:

Chair, Scott Reference Librarian Appointment Committee
York University Libraries
310 Scott Library
4700 Keele Street
Toronto, Ontario
M3J 1P3
Fax: (416) 736-5451
Email: yulapps@yorku.ca

Applications should be sent by mail, or email/fax with a mail copy following.