Deputy University Librarian – Okanagan Campus

The University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus is embarking on a search for a senior leader to serve as Deputy University Librarian, Okanagan Campus. This position is a key member of both the UBC Library and Okanagan Campus leadership teams, instrumental in implementation of Library and campus strategic initiatives. The anticipated start date is April 1st, 2024 or upon a date to be mutually agreed.

Established in 1908, UBC has consistently ranked among the top five per cent of universities in the world. It is a publicly supported, comprehensive university comprising 18 Faculties and several schools across two campuses. UBC sees its purpose as preparing students to become exceptional global citizens, promoting the values of a civil and sustainable society, and conducting outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada, and the world. UBC’s deep commitments to equity and inclusion are reflected in the Strategic Equity and Anti-Racism Framework. We honour and thank the Syilx Okanagan and xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam) peoples on whose unceded territories the main campuses of the University of British Columbia are situated.

UBC’s Okanagan campus is an innovative hub for learning and research founded in partnership with local Indigenous peoples.  Established in 2005, UBC’s Okanagan campus is one of the most rapidly expanding campuses in Canada, with a thriving community of nearly 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students, 688 faculty members, 1,275 staff, and nine Faculties and Schools. At UBC Okanagan, students and faculty gain all the benefits of a globally respected university within a close-knit, student-focused learning community. UBC Okanagan researchers work collaboratively across disciplines and in conjunction with our network of regional, national and international partners to generate knowledge that has positive impacts within our region and across the globe. With nearly $45 million in research funding in 2022/2023, our experts are pursuing groundbreaking investigative work in areas from climate change and sustainability to homelessness and urban indigenous wellbeing.

The University of British Columbia Library is one of the largest academic libraries in Canada and consistently ranks among the top university research libraries in North America. UBC Library has ten branches across two campuses, including an off-site hospital library; a multi-purpose teaching and learning facility, the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre; and the X̱wi7x̱wa Library, and a centre for academic and community Indigenous scholarship. Almost 300 knowledgeable employees – librarians, management and professional staff, support staff and student staff – provide users with the excellent resources and services that they need to further their research, teaching and learning. The UBC Library participates in the broader research library community as a member of both the Canadian Association of Research Libraries and the Association of Research Libraries.

The UBC Okanagan Library is a vibrant and active part of the UBC Library system. Nimble and campus-oriented, the Library has strategic directions that respond directly to Outlook 2040, the UBC Okanagan vision for the future, while remaining heavily engaged with inter-campus initiatives. The dynamic team within the Okanagan Library takes an enterprising, entrepreneurial approach to developing programming and services that reflect shared aspirational values, and boasts strong relationships with campus and community partners.

Reporting jointly to the Provost and Vice-President Academic, Okanagan and University Librarian, the Deputy University Librarian, Okanagan Campus leads the UBC Okanagan Library and will work collaboratively with colleagues in the UBC Okanagan Library, at the Deans’ table, and across the University community on both campuses. This position supports the Provost and Vice-President Academic, Okanagan and the University Librarian in the administration of the UBC Okanagan Library and as part of the University Library team overall, including development of services, spaces, technology, and collections, budget management and allocation of resources, and assessment of librarianship/teaching, research, and service activities of the Library.

The Deputy University Librarian, Okanagan Campus will assume overall responsibility for the Okanagan Library portfolio, including budget and physical infrastructure, information systems and services, direction and development of staff resources, vision and planning of future Okanagan Library services and the Okanagan Library’s participation in campus, regional, and national efforts. This position collaborates widely and provides leadership for projects and other initiatives supporting the overall strategic direction of the UBC Library and Okanagan campus. General flexibility will be required in taking on new responsibilities in a changing environment.

Applications should include a CV detailing their academic and professional qualifications and achievements along with a cover letter detailing why the appointment is of interest, how their experience aligns with the selection criteria, and what they can bring to the role.

Applications close at 12 noon (Pacific time) on October 16, 2023.  For more information about this opportunity and the application process, please visit https://provost.ok.ubc.ca/deputy-university-librarian-okanagan/.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence.  An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged.  We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.