Science Librarian

Department/Unit

University Libraries

Location

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

About the opportunity

Central to academic life and ground-breaking research, Dalhousie Libraries are a collaborative partner in teaching, learning, and research across the university. We are seeking a Science Librarian to join our dynamic team for a probationary appointment at the rank of Librarian 1 or Librarian 2.

The Science Librarian serves as a subject liaison librarian supporting students and faculty in the Faculty of Science, providing a range of liaison services including collections development, library instruction in a variety of formats, and research assistance. An essential element of the position is supporting student success and contributing to an engaged Libraries environment.

The Science Librarian leverages their librarianship expertise to advance Dalhousie’s commitment to high-impact research, meaningful teaching, and a deep sense of social responsibility that inspires our diverse community to make a difference here in Nova Scotia, across Canada, and on the global stage.

About Dalhousie University Libraries
Located on Canada’s East Coast, with campuses in the vibrant oceanside city of Halifax and an Agricultural Campus in the town of Truro, Dalhousie welcomes 21,000 students from across the country and more than 115 countries around the world. Dalhousie is Nova Scotia’s leading research-intensive university, with 13 faculties that expand understanding through teaching excellence and a drive for discovery.

Dalhousie Libraries enhance learning and discovery for our students and community through our extensive collections, innovative services, and vibrant learning environments. Dalhousie Libraries’ system comprises five library locations and two learning commons across the university’s four campuses, and includes archival collections, a GIS (Geographic Information Systems) centre, and a copyright office. Visit ’ website for more information.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Subject Expertise: Understand the subject and disciplinary needs of the academic disciplines in the Faculty of Science and how they relate to the curriculum, teaching and research needs of students and faculty in the various programs.
• Collection Development: Leverage subject expertise and relationships to collaborate in building digital and print collections that are responsive to the teaching, learning, and research needs of our academic community.
• Instruction: Deliver multi-modal information literacy teaching and learning in all settings via innovative active learning methods. Build and maintain learning objects that facilitate effective access, discovery and use of information resources to support teaching, learning and research needs for students and faculty.
• Research Support: Provide reference and research assistance services as a participant in reference and LiveHelp (chat) scheduled reference hours, as well as through research consultations with students, faculty, and researchers.
• Relationship Building: Build relationships with colleagues within the Faculty of Science to connect people to the full range of the libraries’ resources and services. Develop outreach and services designed to address the needs of students in the faculty.
• Advocacy: Seek opportunities to engage faculty to increase their awareness of information literacy opportunities and promote participation in library initiatives.
• Collaboration: Contribute to committees, working groups, and teams as appropriate to support Dal Libraries’ strategic direction and initiatives.
• Research and Professional Development: Contribute to librarianship by developing a portfolio of scholarship and/or creative work, and demonstrate a commitment to leadership and service through continuing education and professional development.

What You Should Know
The Science Librarian is a member of a team of librarians supporting Dalhousie’s largest faculties – the Faculties of Science, Management, Arts & Social Sciences and Computer Science. Appointed to the Killam Memorial Library and reporting to the Dean of Libraries through the Head, Library Academic and Research Services, Killam Library, the Science Librarian also works closely with colleagues across the library system.

Instructional and research assistance sessions may be in-person, hybrid, or online, meeting the evolving needs of our users. Liaison areas may change as the library continues to respond to the learning and teaching needs of the university.

What We Can Offer
The Science Librarian is a probationary, career stream librarian appointment in accordance with article and of the.

Salary depends on qualifications and experience and is subject to the Dalhousie Faculty Association Collective Agreement terms. Salary scales for Professional Librarian members are set out in Schedule L of the Dalhousie Faculty Association collective agreement.

What We Require

• Graduate degree from an ALA accredited library/information sciences program or equivalent.
• Knowledge of academic library resources and services to support the subjects taught within the Faculty of Science and the research conducted in those disciplines.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service.
• Experience providing research assistance in both online and in-person environments.
• Experience with information literacy instruction and delivering presentations to groups.
• Experience developing library collections, preferably within an academic library environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, belonging, respect, and accessibility.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Undergraduate education in the sciences or equivalent experience providing liaison services, including reference services, in the sciences in an academic or special library.
• Experience or familiarity with knowledge syntheses such as scoping reviews and systematic reviews.
• Knowledge of or experience with library acquisitions portals GOBI, Rialto), as well as online services platforms LibGuides).
• Awareness of professional issues and current trends in research and instruction.
• Experience managing multiple projects concurrently, setting and meeting deadlines and adapting to new and changing situations, priorities, and technologies.
• Demonstrated ability for collaboration and teamwork.