Head, Collections & Content (C&C)

The McLaughlin Library at the University of Guelph invites applications for a creative and collaborative librarian to fill the position of Head, Collections & Content (C&C), at the rank of Assistant Librarian (Continuing Appointment-track), or Associate Librarian/Librarian (Continuing Appointment). The term of the administrative appointment for Head, C&C, is 5 years, renewable once, after which the incumbent will be a C&C Librarian. The anticipated start date is June 1, 2026, or as soon as possible with another mutually agreed-upon date in 2026.

This senior leadership position within the library reports to the Associate University Librarian, Research, and is a member of the library’s management team. This position provides strategic leadership and oversight for the staff and operations of the C&C team, which builds and manages our collections. This is a forward-looking, transformative role.

The Head, C&C, will possess a thorough understanding of the importance of strategic and collaborative leadership and partnerships. An excellent communicator and relationship-builder, the Head understands that service excellence is delivered by employees who are both engaged and empowered.

C&C is split into three functional sub teams:

• Acquisitions and Resource Management is responsible for acquisitions and metadata for all our collections, as well as management of our physical collections.
• Collection Development is responsible for building and managing the collection, and for making strategic investments in open access content and open infrastructure.
• Course Materials and Reserve Services is responsible for the provision of course content and copyright & licensing support.

The incumbent will promote the vision of the library to spark curiosity, foster collaboration and community, and champion inclusion. The core values that drive our vision are access, learning, service, stewardship, and intellectual freedom.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Provide strategic leadership, expertise and guidance to a team of 20 (9 direct reports), including professional librarians, professional managerial staff, library technicians, and student staff.
• Initiate and drive change in line with team, library, and institutional goals
• Foster a culture and systems that encourage exploration and experimentation
• Manage the $8.5M acquisitions budget in alignment with the University’s teaching and research mission and goals, and the library's own collection’s goals focused on Open Access, IEDI efforts, and stewardship.
• Initiate, develop, and foster strategic and collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders both within and outside of the University, including OCUL and CRKN.
• In collaboration with librarians and staff, guide Guelph’s participation in consortial initiatives that strengthen our strategic priorities and operations, e.g., Omni, consortial licensing, shared print initiatives, etc.
• Contribute to the transformation of the scholarly communication environment to one that is more equitable and accessible.
• Support team members in a variety of professional goal-setting processes, through setting clear expectations, supporting professional growth, navigating performance challenges, and building a collaborative and psychologically safe team culture.
• Chair or sponsor a variety of operational and strategic committees including, e.g., the C&C Steering Committee.
• As a member of the Strategic Leadership Team (SLT), participate in the collaborative management of the library, including strategic planning, administrative coordination and policy development, alignment of services and programs with strategic objectives, assessment, communication, and organizational culture and development.

Required Qualifications

• ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS degree or equivalent.
• Minimum of seven years of experience as a professional librarian in an academic setting, with increasing levels of responsibility (e.g. managing staff, projects, resources, budget).
• Evidence of substantial professional experience envisioning, establishing, and implementing high-level collections strategies in support of research, teaching, and learning.
• Evidence of substantial professional experience with collection development (open and paywalled), management and assessment.
• Experience with vendor relations and consortial purchasing.
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing complex projects.
• Evidence of experience with integrated library systems/library services platforms and technologies for resource discovery, learning management and/or reserves.
• Experience supervising and mentoring a diverse group of staff and developing a collaborative and supportive team culture.
• Demonstrated user-centered service philosophy and client focus, with exceptional ability to build partnerships with colleagues, users and partners on campus and beyond.
• Exceptional leadership skills with a demonstrated commitment to collaboration and the ability to articulate priorities and values across a diverse constituency.
• Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication including the ability to facilitate productive meetings, translate between strategic and operational contexts, and communicate transparently.
• Evidence of participation in professional activities and a record of scholarship.

Application Process

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

Assessment of applications will begin on April 6, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

All applicants: Apply for the advertised librarian position (Requisition ID 2225) by submitting the following materials (in an integrated single PDF file):

1. A one-to-two-page statement (cover letter) outlining a) how the applicant’s 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 their professional work;
2. A curriculum vitae; and
3. Names of three references. References will not be contacted without consent.

Applications should be submitted by the posted end date and can be addressed to the attention of: Ian Gibson, Associate University Librarian, Research, McLaughlin Library.

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

Date Posted: 03/05/2026
Deadline: 04/06/2026 or until a suitable candidate is found.

This position is represented by the University of Guelph Faculty Association (UGFA).