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Head Librarian 

Schulich Library of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Engineering 

Deadline to apply: March 7, 2025, 23:59pm 
Assistant Librarian or Associate Librarian (tenure track) 
Duration: three years, with possibility of renewal 
Salary minimum: salary commensurate with experience 

The position of Head Librarian at the Schulich Library of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Engineering offers an exciting opportunity to lead one of Canada’s top research libraries, supporting McGill University’s Faculties of Engineering, Science, Medicine & Health Sciences, and Dental Medicine & Oral Health Sciences. With a strong user-centered approach, the Head Librarian will lead and shape services that meet the evolving needs of researchers and students in these dynamic fields. Reporting to the Associate Dean, Research & Scholarship, and actively collaborating with McGill Libraries and University partners, this position plays a vital role in positioning the library as a key contributor to teaching, learning and research at McGill University.  

THE McGILL LIBRARIES 

Located in Montréal, one of the world’s great multicultural and multilingual cities, McGill University is internationally recognized for its excellence as a leading institution of higher education and research. For nearly 200 years, through the work of dedicated people, McGill has been breaking ground in diverse fields and contributing solutions to some of the world’s most significant issues. McGill is also the most internationally diverse research-intensive university in Canada, with over 32% of its students coming to McGill from more than 150 countries. The University systematically appears on the annual list of the best employers in Montreal.  

The McGill Libraries are committed to delivering high-quality, innovative information products, services and programs that focus on client needs and support the University’s strategic mission and directions. The McGill Libraries proactively supports the teaching, learning and research needs of faculty and students to fulfill McGill’s strategic mission of excellence as a research-intensive, student-centred university. 

The McGill Libraries has the largest collection in Quebec and is one of Canada’s largest academic libraries with over six million monograph titles and 150,000 e-journals and databases. The Libraries are a member of the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL), the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Bureau de coopération interuniversitaire (BCI), the Center for Research Libraries (CRL), and the HathiTrust Digital Library.  
  

INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE STAFF 

Information about the University and the McGill Libraries can be found on the University’s web site. As a tenure stream appointee, the successful candidate is expected to satisfy the requirements in the Regulations Relating to the Employment of Librarian Staff. 

 
DUTY STATEMENT 

Primary Purpose of Position 

The Head Librarian will lead and shape services that meet the evolving needs of researchers and students in these dynamic fields. This position plays a vital role in positioning the library as a key contributor to teaching, learning and research at McGill University.  

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

Responsible for the administration of library services, spaces, and programs at the Schulich Library of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Engineering, including, but not limited to, instruction, reference and research assistance, circulation, and 3D printing. 

Responsible for outreach to faculty and students in conjunction with liaison librarians. Ensures that the library’s users are provided with quality collection development, reference and research assistance, instruction, and other appropriate services and support.  

 Provides leadership to a team of employees. Fosters a culture of engagement, and collaboration, and promotes continuous professional growth and learning at all staff levels.  

 Responsible for the management, supervision, training, and evaluation of librarians and staff in an inclusive and equitable manner.   

 As a unit head, maintains a broad understanding of the McGill Libraries’ operations, and policy priorities and objectives. Assists in the development and achievement of these by participating in library-wide initiatives as appropriate.  

 Works in partnership with other library heads, library and University staff and sectors, as well as external groups on specific projects. 

 Fosters positive, effective, and collaborative working relationships with other McGill Libraries units.  

 Fosters positive, effective, and collaborative working relationships with faculty, staff, and students in the faculties served by the Schulich Library, including participation in faculty and student-led committees and groups.  

 Works with facilities administrators to manage the space planning needs of the library and ensures that the design and maintenance of library facilities meet all user needs. 

 Attend various library, Faculty, and University wide committees and represent the Libraries on these or external committees as required.  

 Maintain current awareness of emerging technologies and developments in the library, education and information environments and develop possible responses. 

 Fosters a culture that supports principles of equity, diversity, accessibility, Indigeneity and inclusion. 

Reporting relationship 

The position reports to the Associate Dean, Research and Scholarship. 
  

SELECTION CRITERIA 

Required: 

Master’s degree in library or information science accredited by the American Library Association or recognized equivalent.  

Six years of professional librarian experience, preferably in an academic library in an area covered by the Schulich Library, including a minimum of three years of experience in staff management and development. 

 Demonstrated ability to lead and manage librarians, professionals and support staff, preferably in a unionised environment, with a collaborative and open approach. 

 Experience coordinating educational services or a liaison program in an academic library with a strong user services orientation. 

 Experience assessing the effectiveness of library services and education programs. 

 Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to function effectively in a team working within a collegial environment. 

Familiarity with developments in instructional technology, learning assessment, and trends in pedagogy. 

 Experience in articulating vision and goals, managing multiple projects; and developing library services. 

 Active scholarship and professional service, demonstrated through interest in local, national or international committee work, research, publishing, etc. 

 Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility of services or work environment.  

 Knowledge of the history of Indigenous communities in Canada, including residential schools, and a commitment to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions' Call to Action  

 Excellent interpersonal and professional communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.  

 Fluency in oral and written English is required. McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at level #(4) on a scale of 1-4.   

Desired: 

Knowledge of French is a significant asset.  

 High level of professionalism and commitment to the organization and its mission and the ability to work flexibly in a changing environment.  

 Ability to promote and foster; a supportive and positive environment where everyone can listen, contribute and engage with colleagues and ideas, as well as provide and receive timely and constructive feedback.  

 Ability to create an environment that embraces curiosity, ideas, and creativity and the ability to flourish within an organization that values experimentation, risk taking, and bold thinking.  

APPLICATION PROCEDURE 

Applications should address the above selection criteria, be accompanied by a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the names and addresses of three referees.   

We anticipate conducting interviews during the week of April 7, 2025. 

McGill University is committed to equity and diversity within its community and values academic rigour and excellence. We welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities.

At McGill, research that reflects diverse intellectual traditions, methodologies, and modes of dissemination and translation is valued and encouraged. Candidates are invited to demonstrate their research impact both within and across academic disciplines and in other sectors, such as government, communities, or industry.

McGill further recognizes and fairly considers the impact of leaves (e.g., family care or health-related) that may contribute to career interruptions or slowdowns. Candidates are encouraged to signal any leave that affected productivity, or that may have had an effect on their career path. This information will be considered to ensure the equitable assessment of the candidate’s record.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated equity groups to self-identify. It further seeks to ensure the equitable treatment and full inclusion of persons with disabilities by striving for the implementation of universal design principles transversally, across all facets of the University community, and through accommodation policies and procedures. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.