University Librarian

University Librarian

Reporting to the Provost and Vice‑President Academic, the University Librarian provides strategic leadership and direction to Lakehead Libraries, serving as an active and integral partner with students, staff, faculty, Deans and the Senior Management Team. The Libraries play a key role in promoting knowledge creation, exploration and discovery. The University Librarian works toward achieving the University’s mission and goals as outlined in the University’s strategic plan, and in fulfilling Lakehead Library’s mission to advance research, learning and teaching excellence.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to Lakehead Libraries.
• Serve as an active partner with students, staff, faculty, deans and senior management.
• Promote knowledge creation, exploration and discovery within the university community.
• Champion the library’s vision of accessible spaces, digital discovery, scholarly communication, information literacy and organizational renewal.
• Advocate and represent the library’s perspectives and needs within the University and to external partners.
• Sit on the Provost’s Council and participate in institution‑wide strategy.
• Guide the development of strategies, policies, systems, collections, and services aligned with Lakehead’s vision.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will bring a clear, forward‑looking vision for a 21st‑century research library, demonstrate authenticity and principled leadership, manage people, resources and systems with sound judgment, and collaborate to strengthen external relationships. They will foster an inclusive, collegial workplace, support professional growth, and actively address barriers to participation. With strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a genuine investment in community wellbeing, the University Librarian will build trust, support reconciliation efforts, and ensure equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility shape decision‑making. Adaptable and future‑focused, they will inspire others, champion thoughtful change, and position the library as a catalyst for learning and research across the university.

Experience & Qualifications

Recognizing that no single candidate will meet all of the following qualifications exactly, the points below will be used in the assessment of candidates for the position:

• Graduate degree from an accredited school of library, archival and information science (a PhD would be an asset).
• Leadership experience in library services, ideally within an academic or comparable environment.
• Experience in post‑secondary education with an understanding of the role of an academic research library, and the ability to navigate the changing nature of libraries.
• An understanding of the importance of engagement with Indigenous peoples locally and across Canada.
• Highly developed leadership and motivational skills, with the ability to lead, support and develop a high‑functioning team that works collaboratively across all academic departments and external partners.
• Collaborative, consultative, and service‑oriented management style with a proven ability to lead and manage change.
• Ability to communicate effectively with high‑level constituents including university senior management, representatives from external bodies, and donors.
• Demonstrable experience driving digital innovation to support teaching and research.
• High level of professional credibility demonstrated through active involvement in shared service and collaborative projects and initiatives.
• A strong understanding of the importance and value of library and archive collections, including within a consortial environment.

Salary

The salary range for this position is $102,532 – $152,230 plus an additional $18,000 stipend.

EEO Statement

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, members of racialised groups/visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Lakehead University is committed to an environment of open access to employment opportunities. KBRS and Lakehead will provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs.