Librarian and Coordinator for Indigenous Initiatives

Vancouver Island University (VIU) Library is known as a leader for consistently identifying, leveraging, and advancing strategic regional, national, and international collaborations, for both local and collective benefit. The Library continues to transform, along with VIU, in response to the communities we serve. We are proud of our reputation and committed to continual improvement. We are actively implementing our 2018 Strategic Plan and currently developing a new strategic plan to articulate our sustained commitments and sustaining relationships together with a future roadmap for the department.

At VIU, we commit to valuing human diversity in all its dimensions and to maintaining a learning and working environment which is equitable, diverse and inclusive. We strive to deliver inclusive service, affirming the dignity of those we serve, regardless of heritage, education, beliefs, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental health, physical or cognitive capabilities, or socio-economic status. VIU Library upholds the VIU Indigenous Commitment by striving to acknowledge and better understand library relationships to Indigenous knowledges. We are concerned with how to respect and learn from principles and values of Indigenous knowledge systems in library practices and services, with a particular focus on the principles and practices of a Coast Salish knowledge system situated in this territory, so that we are grounded in culturally responsive practice, working toward decolonizing library services and promoting a sense of belonging that has often been lacking for Indigenous people in academic spaces.

Our work is led by the VIU's Strategic Plan, People, Place, Potential, the VIU Academic Plan, and the Library Strategic Plan, and is guided by key documents and recommendations, as applicable to our local and regional contexts, including: UNDRIP; Truth & Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action; First Nations Principles of OCAP ; CFLA Position Statement on Indigenous Knowledge; CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance; the Protocols for Native American Archival Materials, and the Reconciliation Framework: The Response to the Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Taskforce.

Employment Group
VIUFA
Position Number
00210
Division
Provost and Vice-President Academic
Department
Library Administration
Campus
Nanaimo campus
Location
Nanaimo, British Columbia
Country
Canada
Appointment Type
regular full-time
FTE
1
Workload
35 hours per week Monday to Friday
Pay Level
VIUFA F2: $71,141 - $114,001 per annum (prorated if part-time).
Starting Salary
Faculty are placed on the salary scale based on education, experience and placement criteria as outlined in the Collective Agreement
Start:
As soon as possible, no later than September 3rd, 2024
Applicant Documents
CV/Resume, Cover Letter, Referees/References
Posted Date
11-Apr-2024
Closing Date
01-May-2024
Job Reference
2356

Duties:

Working under the general direction of the University Librarian, the Librarian and Coordinator for Indigenous Initiatives will provide leadership in a collaborative context to advocate for and advance decolonial approaches to strategy and practices in the Library.

The Librarian and Coordinator for Indigenous Initiatives:

Develops and sustains reciprocal relationships with Indigenous Elders, faculty, and community members who contribute to guiding library practice and strategy for respecting Indigenous knowledges and value systems; seeking to ensure that they feel welcomed, supported, and respected in any form of engagement with VIU Library, in ways consistent with community or cultural protocols.
Provides careful, strategic perspective and leadership in respect to protecting and promoting engagement with Indigenous knowledges in ways that align with guiding principles and practices received in relationship to local Coast Salish Elders and community members.
Advances strategy related to decolonizing library services in local and collaborative contexts, including but not limited to decolonizing descriptive practice.
Advocates for culturally responsive stewardship and care for Indigenous knowledges and content related to Indigenous peoples by providing perspective and contributing to collaborative initiatives with respect to Library collections and Special Collections, and other areas of Library work from time to time.
Promotes Indigenous language revitalization and use, particularly Coast Salish languages, in library online and physical spaces.
Incorporates decolonization principles and critically informed approaches into teaching and learning to foster a deeper understanding and engagement with Indigenous perspectives and knowledges.
Participates in a wide range of activities in support of students, including instruction, reference, liaison duties, and collections.
Coordinates opportunities for staff and partners to develop cultural competencies, including with respect to Indigenous knowledges.
Develops and coordinates experiential learning opportunities for students to engage respectfully with Indigenous information topics and practices.
Liaises with assigned academic and support departments, including Services for Aboriginal Students, to enhance the value of the Library as a partner in teaching, research, and scholarship related to Indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation.
Works with the Librarian and Strategic Lead for Collections on challenging assumptions of strategy and practice in traditional Library approaches to Collections to advance and support decolonial approaches.
Collaborates with the Librarian and Coordinator for Copyright and Open Licensing to support members of the VIU community with considerations for Indigenous knowledges and cultural expressions in relation to information rights, and in collaboration with other experts on the team.
Engages with and draws from professional and collegial networks to shape their practice.
Participates in institutional committee meetings and other initiatives; grant-funded or collaborative projects; and professional activities in and outside the institution.
Works collegially and in close collaboration with library faculty, decanal areas, university and cohort stakeholders and partners, internal and external to VIU.

Required Qualifications:

Master of Library and Information Science, or equivalent, from an ALA- accredited program. A minimum of 3 years experience working as an academic librarian, or a minimum of 3 years experience coordinating Indigenous initiatives in an academic or not-for-profit organization is preferred.

Demonstrated contextual knowledge, understanding, and experience of Indigenous scholarship, Indigenous information services, and Indigenous Peoples' histories and cultures in what is now called Canada.
Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities, organizations, and/or leadership in a professional context.
Demonstrated collaborative leadership approach, with evidence of having fostered a team environment and mentorship of others in the work environment.
Experience in planning and conducting library instruction for a wide range of students and scholars.
Familiarity with key guidance for library collections in relation to decolonial practices; demonstrated record of connecting these with particular opportunities and challenges for practice in library organizations.
Excellent communication skills including demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, in coordination with colleagues and using evidence-based approaches, with students, faculty, administrators, and staff, with external partners and community members.
Familiarity with Indigenous communities, organizations, and leadership in a Coast Salish, Vancouver Island, and/or British Columbia context.
Evidence of student and learning focus in planning and decision making.
Knowledge of Coast Salish languages is an asset.
Demonstrated ability to adjust priorities, take initiative, set goals, manage time wisely, and make quick, effective decisions in a fast-paced environment, while intentionally maintaining coordination and trust with a team.

This position is open to all candidates; though Indigenous applicants will be preferred. If you wish to qualify for priority consideration, you are asked to self-identify in your cover letter.

If this job description is of interest to you, and you have a Master of Library/Information Science, or equivalent, from an ALA-accredited institution, we still encourage you to apply. We understand that experiences and qualifications vary.

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

Note:

Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students . click apply for full job details