JOB data librarian at University of British Columbia Library

[Data Wrangler for Leveraging Data Google group]

Data Librarian

Koerner Library, UBC Library | Vancouver Campus

Full-Time, One-Year Term

Anticipated Start Date: March 1, 2019

 

UBC LIBRARY

The University of British Columbia Library is one of the largest academic libraries in Canada providing access to a collection of over 7M items. UBC Library has 14 branches and divisions on two campuses (Vancouver and Kelowna), including one off-site hospital library and the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre - a multi-purpose teaching and learning facility.

 

More than 300 knowledgeable employees – librarians, management and professional staff, support staff and student staff – provide users with the excellent resources and services that they need to further their research, teaching and learning.  The UBC Library Strategic Plan 2015-2017 can be viewed at http://about.library.ubc.ca/strategic-plan/  To learn more about working with UBC Library and to explore our aspirational values visit UBC Library - Why work with us.

 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Koerner Library and UBC Library Research Commons provide services and collections to support the research needs of students, faculty and staff, with a focus on the humanities and social sciences in the Koerner Library collections and services, and prioritization for graduate students in the interdisciplinary Research Commons.  The Data Librarian works within the Koerner Library while providing campus-wide service development and support across all departments and faculties, and in the Research Commons.

 

The Data Librarian provides expertise and leadership to support the current and evolving research needs at UBC, and in planning and developing library services related to the acquisition, discovery, use, and management of data resources and tools across a wide range of disciplines. The Data Librarian reviews, assesses and adapts data services in response to user needs, and provides specialised research, consultation and instruction to faculty and students in the use of data resources. The librarian provides web-based and classroom instruction and assistance in the use of data, and works in close collaboration with the Research Commons to provide oversight and delivery of workshops and consults on various aspects of data services, including data analysis, data visualization, specialized tools and software, and navigating data resources. The Data Librarian participates in the development of library policies and procedures, actively participates on library-wide committees and teams, and collaborates with colleagues within the Library, partners across campus and at other institutions, as well as with data providers.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

 

Required:

·         A graduate degree from an accredited school of Library, Archival and Information Science

·         Knowledge of data issues in the research and knowledge creation lifecycle

·         Knowledge of current and relevant metadata standards, practices, and trends

·         Ability to identify, retrieve and use data resources as well as communicate knowledge to researchers with varying levels of technical expertise

·         Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with data analysis techniques and tools, including one or more of the following quantitative or qualitative software packages for data and statistical analysis: SPSS, Stata, R, SAS, NVivo, ATLAS.ti

·         Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with data visualization techniques and tools, including one or more of the following: D3.js, Tableau, Mathematica, R

·         Familiarity with Canadian census and demographic data

·         Experience in the provision of public services including reference, instruction, and liaison for academic and research communities

·         Demonstrated commitment to responsive and innovative library services; flexibility and willingness to assume a variety of responsibilities to meet evolving campus needs

·         Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively as a member of a team

·         Experience developing partnerships across a complex organization and a rapidly changing environment, and evidence of successful collaboration around the provision of programs and services

·         Excellent analytical, organizational, and planning skills

·         Demonstrated record of designing and leading projects and bringing them to conclusion in a timely fashion

·         Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills

·         Ability to recognize, respect and work effectively with individuals and groups with diverse perspectives and backgrounds; takes initiative in learning about language and issues relating to equity and diversity

 

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

 

Reports to the Head, Koerner Library. In consultation with the Head, plans and implements data services for users.  Works collaboratively with the GIS Librarian, the Research Data Management Librarian, the Data/GIS Analyst, the Government Information Librarian and other librarians across UBC Library in the provision of services. A high degree of planning, collaboration and coordination with other faculty and staff in the Library and with campus and external partners is required, including with cIRcle, Digital Programs and Services, ARC and UBC IT staff. Works with faculty, staff, students and the public. Works with colleagues at other libraries on shared initiatives. May supervise the work of library staff and students in the provision of data services.

 

DUTIES:

Collection Development and Access

 

·         Responsible for the ongoing development, management, maintenance and preservation of UBC Library data collections.  Identifies and acquires data resources for inclusion in the Library’s collection, reviewing and acquiring new sources as necessary.  Reviews licenses and contracts for appropriate terms of agreement in cooperation with e-Resources staff as needed.   Coordinates with appropriate colleagues and committees to ensure ongoing assessment of data collections scope and value. 

·         Maintains knowledge of current and relevant metadata standards for data description, access and archiving.  Provides oversight of metadata creation in collaboration with the Data/GIS Analyst, Technical Services colleagues, and metadata specialists. 

·         Collaborates with UBC IT to develop ongoing and easy access to data collections. Aligns with relevant data preservation policies and procedures in partnership with colleagues in Research Data Management and Digital Programs and Services.

·         Participates in initiatives related to the collection, organisation and maintenance of data products generated by university researchers and affiliates through liaison with the Research Data Management Librarian and the University’s institutional repository (cIRcle) as needed.

·         Serves as the data expert on relevant library-wide and University committees supporting content development and access.

·          Leads the development of data collection policies and participates in special projects

Reference, Instruction, and Liaison

 

·         Provides specialized research assistance, consultation, and support to students, faculty, staff, and other library users related to locating, acquiring, managing, analyzing, and visualizing data. Provides general research assistance, consultation, and support to users across disciplines in Koerner Library.

·         Teaches workshops on data topics, including data access and use.  Creates new workshops in collaboration with liaison librarians on subject specific data needs, including data citation.  Provides course-integrated instruction upon request in assigned areas making use of data resources.

·         Using the Library’s content management tools, develops and maintains a range of web-based resources to deliver information to users, including the creation of web pages, instructional materials, subject guides, and tutorials.

·         Participates in program development for services in the Research Commons.   Designs, develops, and delivers workshops targeted to graduate students and faculty on topics such as data visualization, open and licensed data resources, and other data tools. Oversees the Research Commons data support services and tools, and supervises graduate student employees in the Research Commons in the development and delivery of workshops and consults.

·         Engages in a range of liaison and outreach activities across the UBC campus, including with Advanced Research Computing (ARC) and interested academic departments and individuals. Responsible for increasing visibility of available data resources and services through outreach efforts, and supports access and use of the resources. Promotes data resources and services provided by the Library through announcements, orientations, instruction, and collaboration with librarians and other research staff in support of researchers.

·         Liaises with data providers, professional groups, government organizations and research groups involved in the generation, dissemination, and preservation of datasets.  Serves as a resource for Koerner Library and UBC Library, related academic departments, and other relevant campus units on issues related to data.  Serves as the Library’s representative to relevant individual and consortia data providers.

 

Technology and Space

 

·         In collaboration with the GIS Librarian, the Data/GIS Analyst and librarian colleagues, oversees ongoing planning, development and coordination of lab spaces providing specialized data tools and software.  Leads ongoing assessment of space, hardware, software and associated technology needs for data. Collaborates with UBC IT staff to maintain and update lab hardware and software.

·         Stays abreast of the latest updates in data accessibility, software, hardware, and analysis and visualization techniques.

 

Assessment

 

·         Initiates and participates in needs assessment, design, implementation, and evaluation of the provision of the Library’s data services.  Consults with the Assessment Librarian to undertake this work. 

 

Professional Development and Library Service

 

·         Participates in University, Library and campus planning activities, committees and task forces as appropriate.  Participates in relevant conferences and meetings, and makes presentations where appropriate.  Assists with special projects or other temporary assignments as required.

 

 

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND SALARY:

 

This position is a full-time, term appointment for one year.

 

We are seeking applications from Librarians with up to 5 years of experience.  However, all internal candidates will be considered regardless of years of experience and are encouraged to apply. Salary will be commensurate with experience and academic/professional qualifications.

 

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

 

Applications will include: a detailed and current curriculum vitae; and a letter of application that includes a statement of citizenship/immigration status and indicates the candidate’s education, training and work experience in the areas listed above.  

 

To view the complete job description and to submit an application, please visit the UBC Careers page at http://www.hr.ubc.ca/careers-postings/faculty.php by midnight on January 20, 2019.