Indigenous Engagement Librarian (Assistant Professor, Library) Calgary , AB

Description

Indigenous Engagement Librarian (Assistant Professor, Library) - (998341)

About MRU

Mount Royal University is situated on an ancient and storied land that is steeped in ceremony and history that, until recently, was occupied exclusively by people indigenous to this place. With gratitude and reciprocity, we acknowledge the relationships to the land and all beings, and the songs, stories and teachings of the Siksika Nation, the Piikani Nation, the Kainai Nation, the Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nation (consisting of the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney Nations), the people of the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Métis.

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. Today, Mount Royal offers 14 bachelor degrees and 38 majors, along with a wide range of diploma and certificate options. It boasts a diverse community with nearly 16,000 credit students, more than 5,500 non-credit students and about 1,700 employees.

As a student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, Mount Royal is known for its top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. Grounded in community, Mount Royal is a place where faculty, staff and alumni can know each other by name — and where everyone is welcome. Learn more about Mount Royal’s strategic academic direction at mru.ca/AcademicPlan.

About the University Library

Housed in the Riddell Library and Learning Centre, the University Library fosters intellectual curiosity and exploration. The Library’s information literacy program is embedded across the disciplines and is designed to help students find, evaluate, create and share information, ethically and skillfully. Library faculty work collaboratively across disciplines to build collections, support research and scholarship, and provide support to students for their information needs. The Library includes the Archives and Special Collections and a number of technology-enriched teaching and learning spaces, including information literacy classrooms, a Maker Studio, audio production rooms, and a range of visualization, simulation, and immersive spaces. The Library team comprises approximately 60 FTE employees, including 15 FTE faculty. The Library values a healthy, inclusive workplace and encourages a culture of innovation and teamwork. Our approach is rooted in evidence-based decision making through continuous learning and ongoing assessment of our initiatives and services. Acknowledging the historical exclusion of voices, perspectives and knowledge in libraries, we commit to Indigenous reconciliation, diversity, equity, justice and inclusion in our work.

About the Role

The Library invites applications for a full time tenure-track Indigenous Engagement Librarian position, which will commence July 1, 2024, subject to final budgetary approval, at the rank of Assistant Professor. Individuals who hold a tenured academic appointment at another postsecondary institution will be considered for appointment as an Associate Professor.

Mount Royal University is committed to enhancing relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples within our campus community and beyond. The Indigenous Strategic Plan created in 2016 outlined a number of goals and strategies for the campus; building on these, more recently both the Academic Plan and the University Strategic Plan make commitments to Indigenization and decolonization. The Library is committed to advancing the goals outlined in these plans, and to working with colleagues across campus and with communities to contribute to meaningful change and reconciliation.

The successful candidate will provide subject liaison support for Indigenous Studies and Anthropology, including information literacy instruction, collection development and student and faculty research support. They will provide support for research and information literacy needs within the Indigenous context across campus disciplines. They will bring outstanding communication and relationship building skills to the work of enhancing library engagement with Indigenous students, faculty, staff and surrounding communities, to ensure responsive library supports are available.

The Indigenous Engagement Librarian will play a key role in advocating and building library support for Indigenous students, faculty, university and external partners. They will participate in Indigenization and decolonization efforts within the library and across campus, and will advise on and participate in the integration of Indigenous knowledge with library services and functions. As part of the library faculty team, they will participate in the development and delivery of the departmental information literacy program, contribute to collaborative teaching, scholarly communications, collection development and assessment activities, participate in other library initiatives and provide subject liaison support to additional academic disciplines as assigned.

Faculty are hired into one of two work patterns. The teaching/scholarship/service pattern (TSS) has a focus on teaching with the requirement that the faculty member be involved in a research program as well as service to the Mount Royal community. The teaching/service pattern (TS) has a focus on teaching and service only. The successful applicant for this position will have the option to choose their preferred work pattern. There is an option to change work patterns after tenure.

Mount Royal is committed to removing barriers and fostering the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented or discouraged in our society. In accordance with Section 11 of the Alberta Human Rights Act, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples will be given priority consideration in this competition.

Qualifications and Competencies

• MLIS from an ALA accredited program or equivalent degree. Candidates who are near completion of their MLIS are invited to apply.

• Knowledge of information literacy theory and pedagogy and ability to teach information literacy concepts.
• Strong understanding of the scholarly publishing and communications landscape.
• Ability to work effectively and develop strong professional relationships with Indigenous students, faculty, and communities, as well as other members of the university community.
• Knowledge of Indigenous librarianship, Indigenous research methodologies, and pedagogical approaches.
• Familiarity with the ways in which Indigenous ways of knowing can strengthen educational and library settings.
• A strong service orientation, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to finding cooperative solutions.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment, and the ability to be flexible to changing circumstances.

Experience working in an academic library, teaching information literacy, and/or developing library collections are assets, as are academic experience or qualifications in Indigenous Studies or Anthropology.

Career interruptions due to parental leave, family care, extended illness, or community responsibilities will not negatively impact the assessment of a candidate’s academic productivity. We encourage applicants to explain in their application any interruptions that have affected their career progression.

What We Offer

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions. At Mount Royal University, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. Mount Royal University offers a competitive total compensation package including health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a membership in our fully equipped recreation centre.

Our campus offers the convenience of a medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, fitness classes, climbing, aquatics, sports and certifications for students, employees and the public.

Salary

Terms of employment, including salary and salary grid placement for faculty positions are outlined in the Collective Agreement between the Mount Royal Faculty Association and the Board of Governors of Mount Royal University. The salary ranges for this position for the 2023/24 academic year are:

• Assistant Professor: $73,743 to $112,464
• Associate Professor: $86,740 to $132,288

Closing Date: April 8, 2024

Apply here: https://mtroyalca.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/Posting/v...

Compensation

Assistant Professor: $73,743 to $112,464 Associate Professor: $86,740 to $132,288

Closes: 8 April, 2024