Science Librarian

Central to academic life and ground-breaking research, Dalhousie Libraries are a collaborative partner in teaching, learning, and research across the university. We are seeking a Science Librarian to join our dynamic team for a probationary appointment at the rank of Librarian 1 or Librarian 2.

The Science Librarian serves as a subject liaison librarian supporting students and faculty in the Faculty of Science, providing a range of liaison services including collections development, library instruction in a variety of formats, and research assistance. An essential element of the position is supporting student success and contributing to an engaged Libraries environment.

The Science Librarian leverages their librarianship expertise to advance Dalhousie’s commitment to high-impact research, meaningful teaching, and a deep sense of social responsibility that inspires our diverse community to make a difference here in Nova Scotia, across Canada, and on the global stage.

About Dalhousie University Libraries
Located on Canada’s East Coast, with campuses in the vibrant oceanside city of Halifax and an Agricultural Campus in the town of Truro, Dalhousie welcomes 21,000 students from across the country and more than 115 countries around the world. Dalhousie is Nova Scotia’s leading research-intensive university, with 13 faculties that expand understanding through teaching excellence and a drive for discovery.

Dalhousie Libraries enhance learning and discovery for our students and community through our extensive collections, innovative services, and vibrant learning environments. Dalhousie Libraries’ system comprises five library locations and two learning commons across the university’s four campuses, and includes archival collections, a GIS (Geographic Information Systems) centre, and a copyright office. Visit Dalhousie Libraries’ website for more information.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Subject Expertise: Understand the subject and disciplinary needs of the academic disciplines in the Faculty of Science and how they relate to the curriculum, teaching and research needs of students and faculty in the various programs.
• Collection Development: Leverage subject expertise and relationships to collaborate in building digital and print collections that are responsive to the teaching, learning, and research needs of our academic community.
• Instruction: Deliver multi-modal information literacy teaching and learning in all settings via innovative active learning methods. Build and maintain learning objects that facilitate effective access, discovery and use of information resources to support teaching, learning and research needs for students and faculty.
• Research Support: Provide reference and research assistance services as a participant in reference and LiveHelp (chat) scheduled reference hours, as well as through research consultations with students, faculty, and researchers.
• Relationship Building: Build relationships with colleagues within the Faculty of Science to connect people to the full range of the libraries’ resources and services. Develop outreach and services designed to address the needs of students in the faculty.
• Advocacy: Seek opportunities to engage faculty to increase their awareness of information literacy opportunities and promote participation in library initiatives.
• Collaboration: Contribute to committees, working groups, and teams as appropriate to support Dal Libraries’ strategic direction and initiatives.
• Research and Professional Development: Contribute to librarianship by developing a portfolio of scholarship and/or creative work, and demonstrate a commitment to leadership and service through continuing education and professional development.

What You Should Know
The Science Librarian is a member of a team of librarians supporting Dalhousie’s largest faculties – the Faculties of Science, Management, Arts & Social Sciences and Computer Science. Appointed to the Killam Memorial Library and reporting to the Dean of Libraries through the Head, Library Academic and Research Services, Killam Library, the Science Librarian also works closely with colleagues across the library system.

Instructional and research assistance sessions may be in-person, hybrid, or online, meeting the evolving needs of our users. Liaison areas may change as the library continues to respond to the learning and teaching needs of the university.

What We Can Offer
The Science Librarian is a probationary, career stream librarian appointment in accordance with article 11.03 and 11.05 of the Dalhousie Faculty Association Collective Agreement.

Salary depends on qualifications and experience and is subject to the Dalhousie Faculty Association Collective Agreement terms. Salary scales for Professional Librarian members are set out in Schedule L of the Dalhousie Faculty Association collective agreement.

What We Require

• Graduate degree from an ALA accredited library/information sciences program or equivalent.
• Knowledge of academic library resources and services to support the subjects taught within the Faculty of Science and the research conducted in those disciplines.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service.
• Experience providing research assistance in both online and in-person environments.
• Experience with information literacy instruction and delivering presentations to groups.
• Experience developing library collections, preferably within an academic library environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, belonging, respect, and accessibility.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Undergraduate education in the sciences or equivalent experience providing liaison services, including reference services, in the sciences in an academic or special library.
• Experience or familiarity with knowledge syntheses such as scoping reviews and systematic reviews.
• Knowledge of or experience with library acquisitions portals (e.g. GOBI, Rialto), as well as online services platforms (e.g. LibGuides).
• Awareness of professional issues and current trends in research and instruction.
• Experience managing multiple projects concurrently, setting and meeting deadlines and adapting to new and changing situations, priorities, and technologies.
• Demonstrated ability for collaboration and teamwork.

Application Instructions
Applications will be submitted through the PeopleAdmin portal: https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/21631. A complete application will include:

• a cover letter
• a curriculum vitae
• the contact information for at least three referees with knowledge of your work

Assessment of applications will begin after the closing date and continue until a suitable candidate is found. The appointment is available to commence on February 1, 2027, or as negotiated.

This position is a part of the Dalhousie Faculty Association (DFA) Bargaining Unit.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please review our Employment Equity information.

If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.