THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA LIBRARIES
Section Head, William R. Newman Library (Agriculture)

The University of Manitoba Libraries invites applications from enthusiastic, innovative, knowledgeable, and service-oriented individuals for a probationary appointment at the rank of Assistant Librarian, for the Head of the William R. Newman Library (Agriculture). As a member of the Sciences and Technology Library team, the incumbent must have exceptional human relation skills. The position provides a unique opportunity to be flexible in a changing and dynamic environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Head of the Sciences and Technology Library, the incumbent is responsible for the following:

- Managing the overall operation of the William R. Newman Library in all its aspects, including planning, organizing and accomplishing the workload as well as administering the budget, staffing and physical facilities.

- Developing and providing all aspects of user services including reference services, circulation services, and outreach services as well as developing training and information literacy programs for the faculty.

- Developing the collection to meet the needs of the Faculty teaching and research programs, including the selection, assessment, storage and withdrawal of materials.

- Developing and maintaining an understanding of the research and teaching programs of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and serving as liaison between the library user and the Libraries.

- Developing and maintaining the library web pages and other means of communicating with library patrons.
- Participating in specific projects and library and University committee appointments as assigned.

Qualifications:

A Master’s degree from an ALA accredited library program is essential. A university degree in agricultural or life sciences would be preferred. At least 3 years experience in an academic or special library with an emphasis on science or agriculture is required. Experience in the areas of reference service, information literacy and collection management is required. A strong service commitment is required to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the library. The demonstrated ability to communicate a positive library image is required. The demonstrated ability to learn new technologies and experience with web-based communication tools is desired. Previous supervisory experience is preferred.

Candidates must be dynamic, highly motivated and self-directed, and have the demonstrated ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Strong analytical, organizational, problem solving and customer service skills are required. A demonstrated high level of creativity, initiative and responsibility is required. Excellent listening, oral and written communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills are required to work successfully with faculty, staff and students in a variety of situations. The successful candidate will be expected to engage in an active program of scholarship and research and should have a commitment to the continuing development of professional knowledge and skills.

About the Libraries, the William R. Newman Library and the City of Winnipeg

The University of Manitoba Libraries (http://www.umanitoba.ca/libraries) consists of nine unit libraries and twelve satellite information centres located on t he Fort Garry and Bannatyne Campuses and at eight Winnipeg hospitals. With collections of over 2 million volumes, an annual operating budget of over 24 million dollars and a staff of approximately 275 employees, the Libraries serves a community of approximately 38,000 students, faculty and citizen borrowers.

The William R. Newman Library (Agriculture) (http://www.umanitoba.ca/libraries/units/agriculture) is a satellite library of the Sciences and Technology Library and serves the teaching and research requirements of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences including the Departments of Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics, Animal Science, Entomology, Food Science, Plant Science and Soil Science. The Faculty offers Certificate, Diploma, Undergraduate Degree programs and Graduate programs leading to master’s and doctoral degrees. The William R. Newman Library offers a range of access services including circulation, document delivery, reference and information literacy. The on-site collection includes reserve items, a reference collection and the latest two years of print periodicals. The circulating collections and back issues of print periodicals are housed in the Sciences and Technology Library. The staff consists of one librarian, one library assistant 4 and part-time casual staff. The library houses a computer lab with 13 computers, fully equipped for teaching and patron use. Attached to the library is a study hall, housing 16 carrels, 4 computers and 3 group study rooms.

Winnipeg (www.city.winnipeg.mb.ca) is a prairie city with a population of more than 650,000. The ethnic diversity of the city is important and is celebrated in many annual festivals. Excellent cultural amenities include ballet, theater, symphony and museums, and professional sports teams are popular. Housing is some of the most affordable in Canada. Winnipeg is located close to superb recreational activities with a wide variety of lakes, beaches and wilderness areas within an easy drive to the city.

Rank: Assistant Librarian

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

This position normally has a two year probationary period.

Librarians enjoy academic status and are appointed to one of four ranks: General, Assistant, Associate and Librarian, with possibility of promotion.

The University of Manitoba encourages applications from qualified women and men, including members of visible minorities, Aboriginal peoples and persons with disabilities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

This position will commence on September 1, 2009, or as soon as possible thereafter. Applications should submit their application, referring to position number 09693 and include a curriculum vitae, and the names and addresses (including phone, e-mail address and fax numbers) of three references to the address below:

Ms Karen Adams
Director of Libraries
The University of Manitoba Libraries
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2.

The deadline for receipt of applications is May 22, 2009.

Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provisions of “ The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy” (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitas may be provided to participating members of the search process.

Please read the Application Procedures before applying for a position.