Head, Special Collections and Archives

The University of Waterloo Libraries seek a creative, service-oriented and collegial Head, Special Collections and Archives. Reporting to the Associate University Librarian, Collections, Technology, and Scholarly Communication, the incumbent is responsible for the strategic planning and management of all operational activities of the Special Collections & Archives department, including the rare book collections, archival and special collections, the University of Waterloo Archives, as well as the rare book collection held at the Musagetes Architecture Library. The Head is also responsible for maintaining strong donor relations with respect to gift-in-kind donations to Special Collections & Archives, as well as to the Libraries' general collection. The head supervises a team that includes Librarian, Special Collections & Archives; Library Associates, Special Collections & Archives; Archivist; Digital Archivist; and Library Associate, Digitization and Digital Preservation. 

The Special Collections and Archives (SCA) department holds early editions and rare books now numbering over 70,000 volumes with particular subject strengths in women's studies, local history, history of mathematics, architecture, dance and ballet, fine printing, spiritualism and theosophy, and urban planning, with historical and literary archives that complement the book collection.  SCA also holds the University of Waterloo Archives, the official records of the university including correspondence, reports, minutes, publications, architectural and building plans, photographs, ephemera, and memorabilia. 

The department supports discovery and access to materials through the Waterloo Digital Library, the Archives Database, digital exhibits and digital collections.  Digital preservation is supported through The OCUL Permafrost service. Recently, the department launched the Oral History Hub Pilot and the incumbent will work with the library to move this project forward. 

The University of Waterloo Libraries are a member of the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL), the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL), the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), and the Tri-University Group of Libraries (TUG). 

The University of Waterloo Libraries are the campus's partner in learning, research and innovation. It has two main campus locations plus three satellite locations to meet the diverse needs of our community. The University was built for change and the Libraries' agility allows us to continuously transform approaches to creating, discovering, using, sharing and preserving information. We equip researchers and students with critical research skills – while committing to open and equitable access to information – to empower our campus community to improve our world as active citizens, creative problem solvers and agile leaders. Our work is done with a strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and access (EDIA).  
 
The Libraries support many campus priorities including student wellness, sustainability, and the development of Indigenous initiatives, recognizing the responsibility of truth and reconciliation as outlined in the 94 Calls To Action.

Qualifications 

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction, team management, development and administration of services and collections, all through strong collaboration and partnerships. 

Education 

Compensation

The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience and qualification within the USG 14 salary level. Hiring range: $98,958-$123,697 based on 2023/2024 salary scales

For more information about this job and to apply: go to external opportunities at Careers at Waterloo.

We welcome interested candidates to connect directly with Alison Hitchens, Associate University Librarian, Collections, Technology and Scholarly Communication, to learn more about this exciting position. 

Deadline for applications: For assured consideration, application should be received by October 25, 2023. 

Job openings are posted until the position has been filled. Due to the number of applications received, only applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted. 

The University of Waterloo is committed to implementing the Calls to Action framed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.  

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit/Inuk, Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

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

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.

About the University of Waterloo 

Waterloo has spawned thousands of commercial and social enterprises, is home to the world's largest co-operative education program and boasts a uniquely entrepreneurial culture that encourages experimentation and risk-taking. The result is an outstanding learning and research experience for more than 36,000 undergraduate and graduate students in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada — the anchor of Canada’s innovation corridor. 

University of Waterloo — Canada’s top innovation university — is a research powerhouse and the engine of one of the world’s leading startup ecosystems. Offering world-class scholarship and research, combined with unparalleled experience-based education, Waterloo builds a better future for Canada and the world by championing innovation and collaboration to create solutions relevant to the needs of today and tomorrow.