Digital Humanities Librarian

Digital Humanities Librarian (Continuing Appointment)
Scott Reference Department

York University Libraries seeks a creative, motivated, innovative, and responsive librarian to provide leadership in the development of digital humanities resources at York, while serving as a member of the Scott Library Reference Department.  

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.

The York University Libraries are comprised of one large central library, the Scott Library, and three branch libraries. Our collections contain over 6 million items, including over 45,000 electronic journals; 300,000 e-books; 2.5 million print volumes; and significant holdings in film, music, maps, data, and archival materials. We also play a strategic role in promoting York research in an online environment by providing online journal and conference publishing services, hosting an institutional repository, and collaborating with members of the community on digitization projects. The Scott Library Reference Department offers research services, participates in the Learning Commons @ Scott, has an active information literacy program, and is responsible for collection development in the humanities, social sciences, fine arts and environmental studies.

In the twenty-first century, digital libraries are as essential to humanities scholarship as physical libraries have been in the past. Digital humanities is an evolving specialization in librarianship. The incumbent will work closely with researchers, students and other subject librarians and provide leadership in incorporating technologies into the research activities of the humanities community at York University. This librarian will work collaboratively to develop strategies and environments for disseminating library resources in support of humanities research; contribute to the processes of digital media production, practice, and analysis in the humanities; engage in scholarly communication initiatives; and liaise and collaborate with digital humanities researchers. The successful candidate will also participate in the development of the collection in an area(s) related to his or her academic background.

The successful candidate will participate in teaching, reference, collection and liaison activities in the Libraries and elsewhere on campus, and be proactive in developing new programs and services. The chosen candidate will play a role in the ongoing development of information literacy initiatives; participate in special projects, such as assessment, and the development of web-based resources; participate in collegial processes of the Reference Department; serve on committees of the Libraries and of the University; and contribute to librarianship by carrying out professional research and scholarly work. Some evening and weekend work is required.

The successful candidate will have the following qualifications:

·         An ALA-accredited MLIS degree or equivalent with up to five years post-MLIS experience;

• A strong educational background in the humanities;

·         A solid understanding of the research process and the ways in which new technologies are affecting the production, dissemination, and reception of texts in the humanities;

·         Demonstrated ability and interest in exploring and evaluating emerging technologies in support of digital humanities;

·         Understanding of scholarly communication and publishing issues and trends;

·         Demonstrated understanding of collection development and ability to liaise with faculty;

·         Demonstrated ability to provide reference, research instruction, and consultation in the humanities and social sciences;

·         Broad knowledge of print and digital information resources relevant to the social sciences and humanities;

·         Demonstrated understanding of the concepts, goals, and methods of information literacy instruction and an ability to teach in a variety of settings and formats;

·         Willingness to undertake work on library and university committees;

·         Willingness to contribute to the literature through professional development, research, and scholarship;

·         Expertise with current web technologies;

·         Demonstrated understanding of assessment strategies;

·         Evidence of leadership ability, professional initiative, and flexibility;

·         Excellent analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills;

·         Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collegial setting;

·         Ability to work with a large and diverse clientele;

·         Strong public service ethic and background.

This is a continuing-stream (tenure track) appointment to be filled at the Assistant Librarian level and appropriate for a librarian with up to five 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 in August 2011. 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 11 May 2011. Applicants are directed to submit a covering letter outlining their relevant qualifications and experience, a current curriculum vitae, and the names and contact details of three referees. Applicants are also asked to have two of their three referees submit written letters of recommendation directly under separate cover by mail, or email/fax with a mail copy following before the application deadline. Referees should be provided with a copy of this position advertisement. 

Applications and letters of recommendation can be sent to:

Chair, Digital Humanities 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.