About the opportunity
The Dalhousie Libraries seek a collaborative, flexible, innovative and service-oriented professional librarian for a full-time, 12-month term position with an anticipated start date of November 1st, 2026. Appointed to the Killam Memorial Library and reporting to the Dean of Libraries through the Head, Library Academic and Research Services, the incumbent will assist in the provision of a range of liaison librarian services to support teaching, learning, research and outreach to support the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences.
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.
The Dalhousie Libraries is a member of Novanet, a consortium of Nova Scotia academic libraries sharing a common library management system (Alma), the Council of Atlantic Academic Libraries (CAAL-CBPA), and the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL), among other collaborative initiatives.
The Role:
As a subject liaison librarian for Political Science, International Development Studies, Black and African Diaspora Studies, College of Sustainability, Classics and Arabic Studies, the incumbent provides a range of liaison services including collections development, library instruction in a variety of formats and research assistance, working closely with colleagues from all libraries in the Dalhousie Libraries system. Instructional and research assistance sessions may be in-person, hybrid or online.
Main Areas of Responsibility:
- Serve as liaison librarian for the following departments and programs in the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences: Political Science, International Development Studies, Black and African Diaspora Studies, College of Sustainability, Classics and Arabic Studies.
- Provide reference and information services including reference & research consultations to students, faculty and researchers.
- Develop and deliver information research instruction in in-person, hybrid and online settings, applying active learning methods as well as innovative educational technologies.
- Collaborate with colleagues to ensure collection, research needs and learning outcomes are met.
- Complete course and program collection assessments as needed.
- Plan and create digital learning objects including tutorials, learning modules and instructional materials, for the use of students and faculty.
- Seek opportunities to engage faculty to increase their awareness of information literacy opportunities and benefits.
- Instruct and assist clients on site and remotely to effectively discover, access and use the full range of library and information resources available to meet teaching, learning and research needs.
- Contribute to the Dal Libraries’ strategic initiatives through participation in various projects and committees, such as teaching and learning, scholarly communication and research data management.
- Actively engage in continuing education/professional development.
Required Qualifications:
- MI/MLIS/MLS degree from an ALA accredited program or equivalent.
- A strong commitment to public service and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of relevant information resources in the liaison areas and how to deploy them in support of research and teaching.
- Ability to work successfully with a wide variety of people and to promote respect and inclusion.
- Experience presenting online or in-person library instructional material in a clear and well-designed manner.
- Experience providing research support or reference in an academic or special library.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Undergraduate education in the social sciences or equivalent experience providing liaison services in the social sciences in an academic or special library.
- Basic understanding of how to approach/navigate research questions in the sciences.
- 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.
- Experience supporting evidence synthesis projects.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience and is subject to the terms of the Dalhousie Faculty Association Collective Agreement. The position will not be filled at a rank higher than Librarian 1.
Salary scales for Professional Librarian members for 2026-2027 are set out in Schedule G of the agreement. The salary range for Librarian 1 is $74,171 – $81,854.
Availability of the Position:
The position has a proposed starting date of 1 November 2026.
Deadline for Applications: September 27, 2026
Application Instructions:
Applications will be submitted through the PeopleAdmin portal: https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/22051.
A complete application will include:
- a cover letter outlining qualifications
- a curriculum vitae
- the contact information for at least three referees with knowledge of your work (i.e. immediate supervisors)
Assessment of applications will begin after the closing date and continue until a suitable candidate is found. The appointment is expected to commence November 1, 2026 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.
