W. P. Scott Chair in E-Librarianship at York University

Here's an amazing and fairly unique opportunity for a research-minded librarian who wants to significantly advance her or his research program. The appointment is for up to three years and the starting date is somewhat flexible.

Here's the terms of reference for the position:

  • Each appointment to the Chair will be a limited term appointment for up to three years.
  • A committee will be established to undertake a search for the Chair.
  • The selection will be based on the quality of the proposed research program along with evidence for the successful completion of the research proposal.
  • The successful candidate must have at least a master's in library science or archival studies from an ALA accredited university.
  • The successful candidate would be an active and valued member of York University Libraries with office space, personal computer equipment, conference/travel funds and access to library and campus support systems.
  • The holder of the Chair (the Chairholder) will be required to provide an annual report of research activities to the University Librarian.
  • The Chairholder is required to provide W.P. Scott lecture or symposium relating to the theme of their research. This would be open to the professional library community.
  • The Chairholder is required to provide a presentation to members of York University Libraries and others on the results of their activities.
  • The Chairholder will have at least one opportunity to meet with members of the Scott family in a setting that is agreeable to both parties.

And here's the ad itself:

Position Rank: Contractually Limited Appointment
Discipline/Field: W. P. Scott Chair in E-Librarianship
Home Faculty: Libraries
Home Department/Area/Division: Scott Library
Affiliation/Union: YUFA
Position Start Date: January 1, 2010
Position End Date: December 31, 2012

York University invites candidates to apply for a limited term appointment of one to three years to engage in groundbreaking, interdisciplinary research and development that will advance libraries. The W. P. Scott Chair in E-Librarianship provides an exciting opportunity to accelerate the development of e-librarianship in support of research, teaching, learning or scholarly communications. The research may be interdisciplinary, with a context that is broader than academic librarianship. The areas of research should be of mutual interest to the candidate and to York University Libraries so that both benefit from a close working relationship.

A strong commitment to research in any relevant area of e-librarianship such as: e-learning, digital collections, collaborative web spaces, social software, interactive and integrative online services, semantic web or cyberinfrastructure is required. The Chair must have demonstrated success in directing and conducting research or a large project. As a member of the YUL complement, the successful candidate will contribute in an area of the libraries suited to the candidate's area of expertise.

For further information about the Research Chair please see: http://www.library.yorku.ca/ccm/Home/elibrarianshipchair.en

Qualifications

  • Minimum of an ALA-accredited M.L.S., Master's of Archival Studies, or recognized equivalent.
  • Further post-graduate degrees or related work experience is preferred
  • Record of research achievement or demonstrated experience with project management
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others
  • Excellent organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills

The E-Librarianship Research Chair position is a contractually limited appointment of one to three years at the Adjunct Librarian level. Librarians at York University have academic status and are members of the York University Faculty Association bargaining unit (http://www.yufa.org/). Salary is commensurate with qualifications. The position is available as early as January 1, 2010. Preference will be given to candidates available to start by September 30, 2010. All York University positions are subject to budgetary approval.

York University is an Affirmative Action Employer. The Affirmative Action Program can be found on York's website at www.yorku.ca/acadjobs or a copy can be obtained by calling the affirmative action office at 416-736-5713. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents will be given priority. Temporary entry for citizens of the U.S.A. and Mexico may apply per the provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

York University resources include centres relating to gender equity, race and ethnic relations, sexual harassment, human rights, and wellness. York University encourages attitudes of respect and non-discrimination toward persons of all ethnic and religious groups, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

The deadline for applications is October 15th, 2009. Applicants must send a five-page letter of interest relating their qualifications and outlining their proposed project, a current curriculum vitae and the names of three referees to:

Chair, E-Librarianship Research Chair Appointment Committee
York University Libraries, 310 Scott Library
York University, 4700 Keele Street
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M3J 1P3
Fax 416-736-5431
yulapps@yorku.ca

Applications should be sent by mail, e-mail, or fax with a hardcopy following by mail.

I can answer fairly general questions about the position.

Update 2009.09.28: Bump to the top with only a couple of weeks left to apply.

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