Associate Dean, Library Technology

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Deadline to apply: September 25, 2026 11:59 pm

• Associate Librarian (tenure track)
• Duration: three years, with possibility of renewal
• Salary minimum: salary commensurate with experience

The McGill Librar ies seek a forward-thinking, collaborative and energetic leader with a keen sense of the evolving 21st century research library, to lead and to assume overall responsibility for the portfolio of Library Technology.

THE McGILL LIBRAR IES

Located in Montréal, o n e of the world’s great multicultural and multilingual cities, McGill University is internationally recognized for its excellence as a leading institution of higher education and research. For nearly 200 years, through the work of dedicated people, McGill has been breaking ground in diverse fields and contributing solutions to some of the world’s most significant issues. McGill is also the most internationally diverse research-intensive university in Canada, with over 32% of its students coming to McGill from more than 150 countries. The University systematically appears on the annual list of the best employers in Montreal.

The McGill University Libraries contribute to society by advancing teaching, learning, and research in a supportive and welcoming environment. We anticipate and respond to the needs of users by providing outstanding collections, excellent services, and spaces that inspire. We work in collaboration with global scholarly and library communities to enhance and facilitate access to knowledge.

The McGill Libraries has the largest collection in Quebec and is one of Canada’s largest academic libraries with over six million monograph titles and 150,000 e-journals and databases. The Libraries are a member of the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL), the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Partenariat des bibliothèques universitaires du Québec (PBUQ ), the Center for Research Libraries (CRL), and the HathiTrust Digital Library.

INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE STAFF

Information about the University and the McGill Libraries can be found on the University’s web site. The McGill Libraries have developed Strategic Priorities for 2025-2030 to guide its actions. As a tenure stream appointee, the successful candidate is expected to satisfy the requirements in the Regulations Relating to the Employment of Librarian Staff.

DUTY STATEMENT

Primary Purpose of Position

The Associate Dean, Library Technology contributes to the development of the McGill Libraries by taking responsibility for providing high-quality and robust information systems and technology services in support of research, teaching and learning activities. The incumbent provides strong leadership ensuring management, strategic direction and implementation of digital initiatives, discovery services, digitization, and digital preservation. Reporting to the Trenholme Dean of Libraries, the Associate Dean will focus on the development of McGill Libraries as an exemplary research library for its digital collections and information technology services. The Associate Dean serves as an active member of the Library Cabinet, sharing responsibility for strategic planning and resource allocation.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Plays a strategic role in leadership, planning, management, and implementation of innovative and responsive library systems, applications, technology services in support of teaching, learning, and research activities at McGill University.

Is the primary technology strategist for McGill Libraries and works in collaboration with Library Cabinet and Library Management Group members.

In collaboration with library, faculty and other campus partners, articulates an innovative vision and lead the development of McGill Libraries’ digitization strategy and programs to meet the growing needs of digital scholarship, preservation, and dissemination of rare and unique collections. Provides administrative leadership to digital initiatives, digital preservation and all information technology services administered by the Libraries and all related policies.

Develops, manages and implements projects for outstanding services meeting evolving users’ needs. Works in close collaboration with all relevant sectors to enhance services and ensure a high quality level experience for users.

Is responsible for integrity, safety, and data recovery plans for all library information systems and services to ensure business continuity.

Provides creative leadership to a dynamic staff of IT professionals, librarians, support staff and student employees. Fosters a culture of innovation, engagement, and collaboration to achieve objectives.

In collaboration with library Heads, lead the development of library technology spaces and programs to meet users’ needs.

Guides and supports the selection, adoption, and technical integration of emerging library technologies, services, and digital initiatives, both online and in library spaces.

Serves as the primary liaison and works in collaboration with the University’s Information Technology Services.

Develops proposals to funding and grant agencies to secure support for library technological innovations.

Creates programs that make McGill Libraries a full and trusted partner in digital project development in support of research, teaching and learning and develop partnerships with faculty, staff, and external organizations at local, provincial, national, and international levels.

Working closely with the Dean and members of the Library Cabinet, coordinates strategies to foster and enhance the Libraries’ research and scholarship.

Advance the equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility as well as reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through the McGill University Libraries' services and of the Libraries as a workplace.

Serves as an active member of Library Cabinet, sharing responsibility for library-wide planning, resource allocation and all other matters and questions Library Cabinet is responsible for.

Represents McGill Libraries in discussions and projects at national and international conferences and other fora dedicated to library technologies and digital initiatives. Provides leadership in professional library associations and at professional conferences, as appropriate.

Participates in advancement activities and cultivate relationships with donors.

Promotes and fosters a supportive environment built on appreciation, recognition, learning, and professional growth. Creates a supportive and positive environment where everyone is able to listen, contribute and engage with colleagues and ideas, and provide and receive timely, constructive feedback.

Contributes to creating an environment that embraces curiosity, ideas, and creativity and the ability to flourish within an organization that values experimentation, risk-taking, and bold thinking.

Takes responsibility for other strategic initiatives as assigned.

Reporting relationship

The position reports to the Trenholme Dean of Libraries .

SELECTION CRITERIA

Required :

Master’s degree in library or information science accredited by the American Library Association or recognized equivalent; or other relevant advanced degree.

Evidence of at least 5 years in a position with managerial responsibilities (services and staff), preferably in an academic library.

Demonstrated ability to lead and manage librarians, professionals and support staff, preferably in a unionized environment.

Active scholarship and professional service sufficient for appointment at the Asso