Systems Librarian

Toronto Metropolitan University

Systems Librarian
Library - Borrowing & Len. Sr.
Posted: May 6, 2024
Deadline to Apply: Thursday, June 6, 2024



Located in downtown Toronto, the largest and most culturally diverse city in Canada and on the territory of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee and the Wendat Peoples, the University Libraries at Toronto Metropolitan University invites applications for the position of Systems Librarian, effective as soon as possible, subject to final budgetary approval.

In recognition of the under-representation of racialized and Indigenous persons in academic librarian roles, the University Libraries especially welcome applications from racialized and Indigenous persons and such candidates are encouraged to self identify through our Applicant Diversity Self-ID questionnaire, accessible through our Faculty Recruitment Portal (link below).



The Opportunity
TMU Libraries seek a Systems Librarian who is a creative problem solver and passionate about leveraging technology to elevate library services. This librarian will play a pivotal role in planning, implementing, and assessing systems and information technology infrastructure crucial to the seamless functioning of the Libraries’ Borrowing and Lending Services (BLS). The scope of responsibilities will include participation in collaborative initiatives, adept technical problem-solving, and the seamless integration of systems and technology to enhance customer service interactions and optimize staff workflows. As Alma System Administrator, this librarian will manage system configurations, review software updates, integrate other software platforms with the Library Services Platform (LSP) (currently Alma/Primo), and develop scripts or programs that automate tasks and enhance access and discovery. The Systems Librarian is the Libraries’ primary contact for our LSP vendor (currently Ex Libris) and requires both Alma and Primo Certification within 6 months of employment.

Career Librarians are also expected to participate in library and university committees, and engage in professional development and/or scholarly, research and creative activities. This role may involve liaison work which includes providing expertise in discipline-specific reference, research consultation, library instruction, collection development and collaborative support of graduate programs within the team of liaison librarians. Librarians actively contribute to providing research assistance through both in-person and virtual service points, and may occasionally be required to work non-standard hours, including weekends and evenings (e.g. for system implementation, upgrades, and resolving system issues). Additional duties may be assigned.

The successful candidate must be a graduate of an accredited library school with a MLS/MLIS/MISt/MI degree or acceptable ALA recognized equivalent. In addition, the candidate must present evidence of the following:

1-3 years experience administering an integrated library system/library services platform or equivalent experience with a large-scale services platform.
Experience troubleshooting and solving technical problems.
Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
Flexibility and creativity in adapting to evolving staffing, liaison models, and emerging technologies.
Demonstrated excellence in problem-solving and time-management, effectively managing competing priorities. Motivated to proactively identify and complete tasks, with the ability to prioritize and adapt throughout the academic year cycle.
A commitment to collaboration and collegiality and a strong focus on service to students, faculty and staff.
A commitment to the responsibility of Truth and Reconciliation as outlined in the Calls To Action.
A commitment to our values of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion as it pertains to service, teaching, and scholarly research or creative activities, including a demonstrated ability to make learning accessible and inclusive for a diverse population.
An ability and willingness to contribute to the life of the Libraries and the University through active participation in the collegial management structure and committees.

Candidates possessing the following will be preferred:

Experience as a systems administrator with Ex Libris Alma or similar library service platform.
Completion of Alma Administration Certification.
Experience with one or more programming languages


Our committee recognizes that scholars have varying career paths and that career interruptions can be part of an excellent academic record. Candidates are encouraged to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions.

This position falls under the jurisdiction of the Toronto Metropolitan Faculty Association (TFA) [www.tfanet.ca]. Visit us at www.torontomu.ca/faculty-affairs to view the TFA collective agreement and a summary of TFA benefits.



TMU Libraries
A vibrant and innovative centre of exploration, research, creation and learning, TMU Libraries are positioned at the core of the University’s academic, research and community engagement goals. The Libraries support a diverse community of learners and instructors, researchers and scholars, and community experts and entrepreneurs, and is a hub of interdisciplinary scholarly, research, and creative (SRC) activities. The dedicated team of more than 100 talented individuals supports a growing academic community, including new campuses and a growing number of international students. In addition to our main campus Library, TMU Libraries includes a Law Library branch. TMU Libraries provide crucial academic learning, creation and research resources, programs, services and spaces. Its unique blend of expertise and programming, coupled with access to leading edge technology and an array of information resources, fosters a rich academic environment, supporting the University’s complement of degree programs, and advancing research and discovery, and community outreach and engagement.

The Libraries are committed to the TRC Calls to Action and are actively exploring ways to decolonize our work. These efforts are further supported by the Mash Koh Wee Kah Pooh Win (Standing Strong Task Force) recommendations and the University’s in process renaming initiative. Our ongoing commitment to equity and community inclusion continue to shape and reaffirm our values and priorities as a Library and University.



Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)
Serving a highly diverse student population of over 48,000, with 125+ undergraduate and graduate programs built on the integration of theoretical and practical learning and distinguished by a professionally focussed curriculum with a strong emphasis on excellence in teaching, research and creative activities, TMU is a vibrant, urban university known for its culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, community engagement and city-building through its award-winning architecture.



Working at TMU
At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. At TMU, we believe that equity, diversity and inclusion are integral to this path; our current Academic Plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

Dedicated to a people first culture, TMU is proud to rank number one on the Forbes list of Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity.

We invite you to explore the range of benefits and supports available to faculty, including access to our diverse faculty and staff networks.

Visit us on X (previously known as Twitter): @torontomet, @VPFAtorontomet and @TorontoMetHR, and our LinkedIn page.

TMU is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. To find out more about legal and policy obligations please visit the Accessibility and Human Rights websites.

Toronto Metropolitan University welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, Black-identified persons, other racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.


Additional Information About the Position
Employment Type: Full-Time Career Employee (FTCE)

Salary: In accordance with Article 16.4 of the Collective Agreement, the salary minima are $67,980.81 for Librarian I and $75,846.36 for Librarian II. Salary will commensurate with experience and will increase annually by: i) an Across-the-Board increase and ii) one Career Development Increment (CDI) up to the maximum for satisfactory service and conditional upon receipt of the member’s annual report.

Benefits: Extended health, vision, dental, insurance, tuition waiver benefits and access to the Toronto Metropolitan University Retirement Pension Plan. Five weeks vacation per completed year of service. Sixteen professional development days per year.

Location of Work: Downtown Toronto


How to Apply
Applicants must submit their application online via the Faculty Recruitment Portal [https://hr.cf.torontomu.ca/ams/faculty/] by clicking on “Start Application Process” to begin. Applications, consisting of the following, must be received by June 6, 2024: The position will remain open until filled.

a letter of application;
a curriculum vitae; and
names of three individuals who may be contacted for references.

Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority, in accordance with Canadian immigration regulations.



Contacts
Any confidential inquiries about the opportunity can be directed to the Librarian Appointment Committee Chair Dana Thomas at d1thomas@torontomu.ca.

Candidates who belong to one or more of the equity-deserving groups recognized at TMU are welcome to connect with Debbie Thompson [debbie.thompson@torontomu.ca], Executive Director, Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion [www.torontomu.ca/equity].

For any confidential accommodation needs in order to participate in the recruitment and selection process and/or inquiries regarding accessing the Faculty Recruitment Portal, please contact vpfa@torontomu.ca.