Humanities & Social Sciences Librarian (Data) - UBC, Vancouver

AI Summary

UBC Library is seeking a Humanities & Social Sciences Librarian (Data) to join the Koerner Library team at its Vancouver campus. This role involves providing integral library services, comprehensive research support, and specialized data expertise to faculty, students, and staff. Key responsibilities include developing collections, delivering instruction, and offering in-depth data consultations. A Master's-level degree in library or information science and demonstrated data analysis skills are essential requirements for this librarian position.

About the Role at Koerner Library

As a vital member of the Koerner Library team, the Humanities & Social Sciences Librarian (Data) will provide essential support and services within a global centre for teaching, learning, and research at UBC. This librarian will collaborate closely with other librarians and staff across UBC Library to deliver outstanding reference, information, and instruction services to the university community and external users. A significant portion of this role, approximately 30% of the time, will be dedicated to Data Librarian duties. This includes offering specialized research assistance, consultation, and support related to locating, acquiring, managing, analysing, and visualizing data across various disciplines. The successful candidate will also be responsible for assigned humanities and/or social sciences disciplines, developing and maintaining online learning tools, subject guides, and engaging in liaison and outreach activities with academic departments. This role requires a creative and service-oriented approach to innovate and maintain excellent Library services and collections in all formats, drawing on a passion for and knowledge of the humanities and social sciences. The librarian will also contribute to the ongoing development, management, maintenance, and preservation of UBC Library's data collections, ensuring their relevance and accessibility for all research endeavours.

Essential Qualifications and Expertise

Candidates for this Humanities & Social Sciences Librarian (Data) position must possess a Masters-level degree from an accredited program of library or information science, or an equivalent internationally accredited program. An advanced degree and professional experience in a humanities or social sciences discipline are also required, demonstrating a strong foundation in the subject areas supported by Koerner Library. The role demands demonstrated capability in humanities and social sciences research methods and tools, including quantitative or qualitative data skills, knowledge synthesis, or other related expertise. Crucially, applicants must have demonstrated knowledge of and experience with data analysis techniques and tools, including proficiency in one or more software packages such as SPSS, Stata, R, SAS, NVivo, or ATLAS.ti. Experience with collections development for both print and electronic resources is necessary, alongside a demonstrated understanding of the research lifecycle and research data management. The ability to identify, retrieve, and use data resources, coupled with the capacity to provide research and consultation services to researchers with varying levels of technical expertise, is paramount. The successful librarian will also exhibit strong communication skills, the ability to write professional reports, and deliver presentations in English, fostering collegial relationships with staff and faculty within the UBC Library system and across the university.

The UBC Library Environment

The University of British Columbia Library stands as one of Canada's largest academic libraries, consistently ranking among the top university research libraries in North America. With 14 branches and divisions across its Vancouver and Kelowna campuses, including the Walter C. Koerner Library, UBC Library provides an exceptional learning environment. Over 300 knowledgeable employees, including librarians, management and professional staff, support staff, and student staff, are dedicated to providing users with the excellent resources and services needed to further their research, teaching, and learning. Koerner Library specifically serves as the hub for humanities and social sciences at UBC Library, offering a wealth of collections and services. It also houses the Research Commons, which provides critical support for researchers across campus in areas such as data visualization and analysis, GIS/geospatial data, digital scholarship, and research data management. The UBC Library is deeply committed to fostering a respectful, healthy environment that encourages leadership, collegiality, diversity, individual growth, and opportunity, actively working to eliminate institutional and structural systems of oppression and power. This commitment extends to all staff, ensuring a supportive and inclusive workplace for every librarian and team member.