Librarian, Library Services

Job No: CPSBC259
Location: Vancouver, BC

POSITION SUMMARY 

Under the direction of, and reporting to, the director of library services, the librarian is responsible for supporting College registrants’ medical information needs by performing reference searches, providing library technology instruction, and representing the library externally through educational and promotional activities. The librarian is responsible for curating the library’s print and electronic book collection, managing contract renewals, and supervision of library technicians and student workers.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties include but are not limited to the following:  

  • provide reference services in traditional and virtual contexts
    • identifies suitable print and electronic resources to search
    • formulates search strategies and organizes search results, and follows up with the requestor as needed
  • provide group and one-on-one bibliographic instruction and outreach
    • prepares instructional sessions and creates/updates associated handouts
    • presents instructional sessions to small groups, one-on-one, or in conference settings
  • assists with the ongoing development of collections
    • evaluation of costs and benefits of materials, selection of new materials, and preparation of written proposals recommending purchases if necessary
    • supervision of acquisitions
    • supervision of cataloguing
    • supervision of periodic audits and weeding
  • manage renewal of existing contracts for all online resources
    • track termination dates
    • liaise with vendors for prompt receipt of renewal quotes and contract-change proposals
    • guide decision-making process involving library, finance and legal departments
  • promote library services through attendance at conferences, events, and information sessions
  • maintenance of integrated library system
  • offers and/or coordinates information and learning resource services to staff of College
  • creates a supportive and open environment where everyone is able to listen to, contribute and engage with colleagues on ideas, and provide and receive timely, constructive feedback
  • creates an environment that embraces curiosity, ideas, creativity and innovation and provides opportunities and flexibility to explore new initiatives
  • management and supervision of direct reports
    • complete probationary, semi-annual and annual performance evaluations for staff
    • undertake regular meetings with individual staff
    • provide direction, support, training, mentoring and oversight to staff assisting with their career development as appropriate
    • assign and/or delegate tasks as appropriate and monitor staff performance
    • review personal and confidential matters with staff as required
    • promote teamwork and share appropriate information with staff in a timely manner
    • collaborate on and deploy programs to improve employee engagement within team
  • performing such other duties, functions and responsibilities as assigned by the director, library services

DECISION-MAKING

Independently responds to literature search requests from registrants and manages time to meet registrants’ deadlines. Selects items for consideration for acquisition. Guides direct reports for efficient and effective action.

ACCOUNTABILITY 

  • reports to director of library services
  • motivates and develops individuals and the team, and enables continuous change and improvement in accordance with College policies and department procedures/systems
  • plan workload independently and prioritize conflicting demands to achieve objectives
  • be responsive, identifying solutions to problems that arise

CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR/JUDGMENT

The librarian is expected to perform professionally and make proper and sound decisions. With access to a wide range of confidential information that may be governed by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA), the employee must make informed decisions regarding the release of information.

The librarian makes resource acquisition decisions, creates literature searching strategies, and selects relevant articles in response to physicians’ queries. Errors in judgement could diminish the reputation of the College and the library, undermine the quality of service and resource delivery to registrants, and negatively affect the long-term value of the library to the College and registrants.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Required skills and qualifications include: 

  • master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited library school
  • two years of professional experience and competency performing reference ideally in a health-related field is an asset
  • demonstrated experience with the operation of an integrated library system including acquisitions (ordering, receiving, and invoicing materials) and the ongoing development of collections, cataloguing (classifying and indexing materials), and circulation (lending and receiving back materials)
  • demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with individuals from a wide variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds
  • performs well under time pressure and works efficiently to meet deadlines
  • superior oral communication skills including pubic speaking
  • superior written communication skills
  • ability to maintain professionalism and cordiality when working with others
  • experience and excellence providing instruction and outreach
  • functions well within a team environment
  • engages productively and positively in peer review of literature search deliverables
  • willingness and ability to travel for teaching, outreach, and networking opportunities outside of normal working hours

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia has been recognized as one of BC’s top employers since 2011 and one of Canada’s top 100 employers since 2014. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly-talented employees. We offer an excellent working environment, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Click here to download the job description. 

How To Apply

All applications for this position must be submitted online via this page 

Please read through all of the questions; you may wish to prepare your responses in a Word document before you start filling out the fields below. 

To begin the application process, complete the questions below. You will have the opportunity to attach your resume and other documents on the next page. Note: You must submit your resume online. Ensure you have your resume ready to attach. 

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia