Bibliothécaire McGill

POSITION POSTING

LIAISON LIBRARIAN

OSLER LIBRARY OF THE HISTORY OF MEDICINE

Assistant Librarian (tenure track)

Duration: three years, with possibility of renewal

Salary minimum: Salary commensurate with experience.

BACKGROUND

The Osler Library of the History of Medicine, opened in 1929, houses the collection of rare medical books on the history of science and medicine donated by Sir William Osler, renowned physician, McGill graduate and professor. Initially comprising 8,000 titles listed in the Bibliotheca Osleriana, the collection is the finest of its kind in Canada and has grown to approximately 100,000 works of both rare and secondary material, as well as archives, artifacts and visual material. The Osler Library is a major resource centre for historical research in the health sciences and it is the international centre for the study of Sir William Osler and the Oslerian tradition. It supports students and teachers at McGill in the Department of Social Studies of Medicine, the Faculties of Medicine and Dentistry and the Faculties of Arts and of Science. It is heavily used by researchers from McGill, Quebec, across Canada and around the world. The Library also publishes the monographic series Osler Library Studies in the History of Medicine, a semi-annual Newsletter, and administers an annual research travel grant and the Mary Louise Nickerson Fellowship in Neuro History. Other rare books and special collections at McGill are held in the Rare Books and Special Collections, the Nahum Gelber Law Library and the Marvin Duchow Music Library. 

The Osler Library of the History of Medicine is one of the McGill University Library thirteen branches located on the downtown Montreal campus. The McGill Library is ranked #1 in Canada. The Library is the largest in Quebec and is one of Canada’s largest academic libraries with over 7 million volumes. The Library is a member of the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL), the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), OCLC, Conférence des recteurs et principaux des universités du Québec (CREPUQ), Sous-comité des bibliothèques as well as other cooperative groups such as the Center for Research Libraries (CRL). 

Information for Prospective Staff

Information about the University and employment at McGill University is at the University’s website (www.mcgill.ca). Information about the McGill Library is available at www.mcgill.ca/library. Evening and weekend work may be required.

 Create and maintain library system and database records as appropriate.


DUTY STATEMENT

Primary Purpose of Position

The Liaison Librarian provides a range of library and information services; builds collections to support teaching, learning, research and outreach activities at McGill University and advances the role of the library in the Osler Library of History of Medicine.

Duties

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

 Advise clients on discovering, accessing and using effectively the full range of library and information resources available to meet teaching, learning and research needs with particular emphasis on rare books and special collections.

 Provide to on-site and remote clients assistance and consultation services in information resource discovery and access in relation to specific teaching, learning or research needs.

 Develop and maintain communication links and appropriate liaison with designated academic departments/and university centres.

 Co-ordinate the work of other library staff in designated areas and work as a member of a team.

 Conduct information literacy/skills classes and training programs for clients and library staff and ensure that they are integrated into teaching programs of the various relevant departments.

 Lead the digitization program of the Osler Library of History of Medicine in conjunction with Library Technology Services and Rare Books and Special Collections.

 Develop and maintain documentation, including web content and user guides.

 Assist in the development of the Library's collection to ensure teaching, learning and research needs are met.

 Promote and market the Osler Library of History of Medicine initiatives, products and services through tours and presentations, physical and online exhibitions, digitization and other innovative ways.

 Assist in ensuring that proper conservation standards are followed.

 Process and describe archival material according to professional standards, such as Rules for Archival Description.

 Work in partnership with other library and University staff and sections, as well as external groups, on specific projects.

 Attend various library, faculty and University wide committees and represent the library on external committees as required.

 Assist in fundraising, development and outreach activities as appropriate.

 Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety requirements.

 Satisfies requirements for reappointment and tenure as designated in the Regulations Relating to the Employment of Librarian Staff.

Reporting Relationships

The position reports to the Head Librarian of the Osler Library of History of Medicine.

SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Degree and recognized professional library qualifications are required. Degree in History or related field (History of Medicine being preferable) is required. 

2. Professional experience in an academic, special or research library, or equivalent relevant experience is highly desirable.

3. Knowledge of and experience in the use of relevant information resources, including electronic and networked resources, and information and communications technology.

4. Experience in archival processing and description standards is highly desirable.

5. Experience in managing digitization program of rare collections.

6. Ability to conduct information skills classes for small and large groups.

7. Capacity to supervise other staff and coordinate workflows. 

8. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including abilities in both English and French.

9. Excellent organizational, client service and teamwork skills.

10. High level of professionalism and commitment to the organization and its mission and the ability to work flexibly in a changing environment.

11. Ability to promote the library and its services to clients and present a positive image of the library to clients.

12. Ability to understand and respond to priorities and trends in the Library and University environments.

13. Knowledge of equity principles, University Occupational Health and Safety policies and Workplace Health and Safety Act requirements of work area.

Application procedure:

Applications should address the above selection criteria, be accompanied by a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, the names and addresses of three referees and should be submitted by August 22, 2012 to:

Isabelle Roberge

Office of the Trenholme Dean of Libraries

McGill University

3459 McTavish Street

Montreal, Qc H3A 1Y1

Fax: (514) 398-3561

Email: application.library@mcgill.ca

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

McGill University is committed to equity in employment and diversity. It welcomes applications from indigenous peoples, visible minorities, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, women, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities and others who may contribute to further diversification.