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Disclosure statement: This position reports to me.

Simon Fraser University Library invites applications for the position of Digital Initiatives Librarian, reporting to the Head of Library Systems. This position will be attractive to an energetic, knowledgeable, and technologically capable individual who is experienced with coordinating digitization projects and services, has extensive familiarity with the hardware and software associated with digitization work, and is highly motivated to embrace new technologies and develop new services. The successful applicant for this position will be expected to take an active role in the planning for, creation, and maintenance of SFU Library’s locally developed and hosted digital collections. A demonstrated commitment to and success in consultative and collaborative teamwork is essential. This position is a secondment replacement and lasts until March 31, 2008, with the possibility of an extension to May 31, 2008.

SETTING

The SFU Library’s Digitization Centre is located on the Fourth Floor of the W.A.C. Bennett Library and houses a variety of equipment and software to support digitization projects. At any given time, the centre is undertaking a variety of projects, both internal and external, and employs a number of student assistants and other project staff as required.

The Digitization Centre works closely with the Systems Division of the SFU Library, and also has extensive contact with other Library units such as Special Collections, external digitization partners, and vendors.

Simon Fraser University is a comprehensive university with approximately 20,000 FTE students. The main campus and library is located in Burnaby, with satellite campuses and libraries in downtown Vancouver and Surrey, and most recently a small branch located just outside of Kamloops, B.C. The W.A.C. Bennett (Main) library is in Burnaby. Our web site is located at: http://www.lib.sfu.ca.

The SFU Library serves an ethnically diverse student population including many mature or returning students, most of whom live off-campus and many of whom work part-time while attending university. Students from the social sciences are especially active users of the W.A.C. Bennett Library. Our highly evolved networked environment provides access to online indexes and databases including full-text resources and a growing number of locally digitized collections, as well as to a large number of online user services.

ASSIGNMENT

•Work with the encumbant and other appropriate staff to create, maintain and improve the Library’s locally developed and hosted digital collections.
•Manage the Digitization Centre, including: hiring and supervision of staff; creation of training materials and procedural documentation, and coordination of equipment and software planning.
•Direct digitization projects, including development of workflows and project schedules, coordinating staff and equipment resources, undertaking quality control, and overall monitoring of project.
•Liaise with external digitization partners and vendors as appropriate.
•Liaise with other library divisions and personnel to achieve the best possible service to users of the library.
•As part of a team, support digital collection platforms such as DSpace and CONTENTdm.
•Work with other library staff to manage content created by internal and external digitization projects.
•Monitor digitization trends and developments and assist in the adoption and implementation of new technologies and methods.
•Work with other library staff on project teams and committees.
•Develop professional knowledge and skills on a continuing basis.

QUALIFICATIONS

•MLS from an ALA accredited school or equivalent.
•2 years professional experience, and/or a combination of equivalent experience in one or more fields relevant to library-related digitization work.
•Library systems experience preferred.
•Supervisory or related experience such as demonstrated successful team or project lead assignments, especially with developing workflows and scheduling staff.
•Demonstrated skill in planning and delivering training, scheduling staff, and supervising work.
•Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with all library staff in order to improve library service delivery to the public and to work effectively in a collegial team environment.
•Familiarity with trends in library systems and digitization activities
•Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written, including technical writing ability.
•Demonstrated ability to manage change in an automated environment.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

This is a full-time temporary position that lasts until March 31, 2008, with the possibility of an extension to May 31, 2008. SFU Librarian salary scales are available at: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/academic/a20-02/2002/libs.pdf
A summary of benefits for Librarians is available at:
http://www.sfu.ca/human-resources/penbenft/benefits/facu-ben/lib-lab.htm
and more fully under the Pension and Benefits link at:
http://www.sfu.ca/human-resources/

Simon Fraser University is committed to the principle of equity in employment and offers equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Under the authority of the University Act personal information that is required by the University for academic appointment competitions will be collected. For further details see:

http://www.sfu.ca/vpacademic/Faculty_Openings/Collection_Notice.html

Appointment level will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

To be given assured consideration, please submit a letter of application detailing your qualifications for this position, along with a current cv and the names of three references, by Tuesday, July 24, 2007 to:

Mark Jordan
Head of Library Systems
Simon Fraser University Library
8888 University Drive
Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6
mjordan at sfu.ca / Fax 778-782-3023