Associate University Librarian, Learning and Users’ Services

Website University of Ottawa

Job Summary

The University of Ottawa Library is looking for an innovative, motivated and service-oriented Associate University Librarian to lead its Learning and User Service division. In addition to a proven record of strength in several library operational areas, the successful candidate will be a creative and experienced leader, who works well with colleagues in a complex and changing environment.

Responsibilities: 

Reporting to the University Librarian and Dean of Libraries, the Associate University Librarian (AUL) provides strategic and administrative leadership for functions in their assigned portfolio. While each AUL position is responsible and accountable for an assigned portfolio, all AULs are members of the Senior Leadership Team and have responsibility for adopting a holistic, library-wide view in terms of strategic planning, communication, and fostering an innovative work culture. They share responsibility and accountability for the strategic direction, leadership, and administration of the Library as a whole.

Together with the Library’s leadership team, the Associate University Librarian will foster an inclusive and accessible environment in the context of a university community that values and promotes principles of equity, diversity, accessibility, anti-racism and inclusion.

Functional divisions led by the Library’s Senior Leadership Team include Research Services, Learning and User Services, Content and Access, Strategy, Planning and Assessment, and Library Administration. Applicants should be aware that the portfolios can be expected to change over time to support the needs of the organization.

Portfolio:

The Learning and User Services (LUS) division is dedicated to creating, promoting, and delivering user-centered instruction, services, programming, and library spaces that support the academic success and evolving needs of the university community. Through proactive outreach and engagement, the division fosters a welcoming and accessible environment, emphasizing continuous assessment and service design to adapt to the dynamic landscape of postsecondary education.

The AUL, Learning and User Services, provides strategic leadership and oversight in the following areas:

  • User Services Model: Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of a cohesive, system-wide user services model across all library locations to ensure consistent and high-quality service delivery.
  • Instructional Program Development: Oversees the development and delivery of a responsive, comprehensive instructional program that supports students in acquiring foundational information literacy and emerging literacies (e.g., digital, data, media), aligned with institutional goals and academic library best practices.
  • Accessible and Affordable Learning Materials: Champion the library’s initiatives to support the adoption and promotion of accessible, open and affordable learning materials.
  • Library Spaces: Optimize the use of public library spaces to ensure they are welcoming, inclusive, and responsive to user needs.
  • Copyright Management: Provide leadership in the development and maintenance of a university-wide framework for copyright management and compliance.

Term: Vacant position – The initial appointment will be for a 5-year mandate, with the possibility of renewal. In addition, the successful candidate will also be eligible for a continuing appointment.

Union: As per article 3.1.3.1 e) of the APUO Collective Agreement, the successful candidate will be invited to be excluded from the bargaining unit during the term of their mandate as AUL.

Benefits: The University of Ottawa provides a complete benefits package which includes long term disability insurance, basic life insurance, supplementary health insurance, a University of Ottawa pension plan, optional life insurance, as well as relocation expenses.

Workplace:  Library, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5.

Contact person: Talia Chung, University Librarian and Dean of Libraries, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5.  bcdb-uldl@uottawa.ca (Please indicate the position).

Required skills:

Education: A Master’s degree in Library and Information Sciences (MLIS) from an institution that has been accredited by the American Library Association or equivalent.

Professional experience: 

  • Minimum of seven years of experience as a professional librarian or archivist demonstrating increasing levels of responsibility, including leadership and/or management experience, preferably in a unionized workplace
  • A proven record of strength in several library operational areas
  • Knowledge of strategic trends impacting academic libraries, including services, collections, technologies, and spaces
  • Understanding of the broader university governance context
  • Effective oral and written communication skills in both French & English
  • Highly collaborative and collegial, with the ability to participate in shared decision making
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective change strategies
  • Demonstrated ability to promote positive organizational culture, including the ability to engage, empower, and motivate people
  • Demonstrated commitment to the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, anti-racism and accessibility
  • Demonstrated ability to advocate and promote library value
  • Demonstrated ability in project management and assessment methodologies
  • Demonstrated success using innovation and flexibility to address challenges

The University of Ottawa Library would like to thank in advance those who have submitted a job application.  Only those selected for an interview will be contacted for the next stage.

Application Deadline:  June 15th, 2025

Compensation

Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The expected hiring range for this position would normally be IV (Salary starting at $116,221) or V (Salary starting at $131,499) (As of May 1, 2025).

To apply for this job please visit uottawa.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com.