"Assistant or Associate Librarian"

Requisition 1867

The McLaughlin Library at the University of Guelph invites applications for a continuing appointment-track position at the Assistant or Associate Librarian level. The anticipated start date for this appointment is January 1, 2026.

We are seeking a collaborative, relationship-focused librarian with strong communication skills who thrives in a team-based environment and values collegiality. As a member of the Collections & Content (C&C) team, you contribute to a supportive and inclusive culture grounded in mutual respect and shared goals. This position reports to the head, C&C. The C&C librarian has two primary areas:

• Supporting the licensing and copyright activities of C&C and the library
• Developing and managing library collections in the arts and humanities.

We welcome candidates who bring strong interpersonal skills, a growth mindset and a commitment to working in a collegial and inclusive environment. We provide onboarding and ongoing training to support your success in this role.

The University of Guelph’s commitment to Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (IEDIA) is detailed in Bi-Naagward | It Comes into View, Fostering the Culture of Inclusion, the Anti-Racism Action Plan, and the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. Furthermore, “Transforming our University through Indigenization and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion” is one of the five strategic priorities outlined in Our Time: The U of G Strategic Plan, 2022-27.

In keeping with the University of Guelph’s commitment to fostering inclusive excellence through promoting Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, there will be a preference for selecting a person who is a member of at least one of the following groups: Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons. The University of Guelph invites applications from all qualified individuals; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Key Responsibilities

Licensing and Copyright Support

• Collaborate with the university copyright officer, other members of the C&C team, the Research & Scholarship team, and other library strategic teams to:
  • Deliver training, education, and outreach on copyright and licensing
  • Respond to copyright inquiries
  • Consult with library and university stakeholders to assess education and training needs
• Support library licensing activities by:
  • Reviewing vendor licenses collaboratively and recommending improvements
  • Participating in license negotiations
  • Contributing to the development of standardized licensing documentation and tools, including model license language and negotiating guidelines

Collection Development and Management

• Lead collections work to support curriculum and research for the College of Arts and other disciplines as assigned by:
  • Building inclusive collections that reflect diverse perspectives
  • Managing collection budgets
  • Managing and assessing collections
  • Promoting collections and engaging in outreach
  • Supporting open access and licensed resource collection development

Communication, Relationship Building and Outreach

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with library colleagues, faculty, staff, and users
• Participate in projects, committees and initiatives across the library

Scholarship and Service

• Engage in scholarship, including research, study, professional development, scholarly and/or creative activities
• Engage in service, including University service, academic or professional service, and/or relevant community service.

Required Qualifications

• ALA-accredited MLIS degree or equivalent
• Demonstrated knowledge of or experience in collection development, collection management, or scholarly communication
• Commitment to Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (IEDIA), with willingness to learn and apply IEDIA in this role
• Familiarity with Canadian Copyright law and Creative Commons licensing
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, including experience working in team environments
• Project management skills, including goal setting, prioritization and deadline management
• Problem-solving skills, intellectual curiosity and initiative
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Commitment to professional development

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience negotiating licenses and/or contracts
• Experience with library automation systems (e.g., Alma)
• Proficiency in using spreadsheets for data analysis

Application Process

Internal applicants: If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page to be considered as an internal applicant.

External applicants: Create an account on https://careers.uoguelph.ca/.

All applicants: Apply for the advertised librarian position Requisition ID #1867 by submitting the following materials (in an integrated single PDF file):

• A one-to-two-page statement outlining a) how your knowledge, skills, and experience relate to the responsibilities and qualifications of the position; and b) current and future plans to advance Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the context of your professional work.
• A curriculum vitae; and
• Three references who have recent experience with their work, at least one of whom has acted in a supervisory role.

Applications should be submitted by the posted end date and can be addressed to the attention of: Melanie Parlette-Stewart, Head, Learning & Curriculum Support, McLaughlin Library.

Assessment of applications will begin as they are received and will continue until the position is filled. Applications should be submitted by October 31, 2025.

Questions about the application process may be directed to Sheryl Cantlon, Executive Assistant to the University Librarian, Office of the University Librarian, McLaughlin Library at libadmin@uoguelph.ca.