Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin on July 20, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.
Reference #: LIB-2026-27-01
Lakehead University, Orillia Campus, invites applications for one 8-month Limited Term Librarian position. The academic rank of the appointment will be commensurate with the qualifications of the successful candidate. The position will commence on September 1, 2026.
The total library collection includes approximately 600,000 print volumes and access to over 600,000 e-books, more than 60,000 online journals, and rare and special collections such as the Regional Collection and the Archives. The Chancellor Paterson Library is the main library on the Thunder Bay campus and occupies its own building in the centre of campus. There are four additional libraries: one at the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law, the Learning Commons in Simcoe Hall (Orillia), and the Education Library (one location at the Faculty of Education-Thunder Bay and one at Heritage Place-Orillia).
Lakehead University Library is an active member of both provincial and national consortia. We provide many services in collaboration with our Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) partners, such as: Ask a Librarian (chat reference service), Scholars Portal, and Borealis - Lakehead University Dataverse. The library is also part of Collaborative Futures, a shared next-generation library system at 19 OCUL libraries. Our involvement with the Canadian Research Knowledge Network (CRKN) as well as other consortia, allows us to provide significant digital content. Our staff complement of over 30 includes 11 librarians and an archivist.
The Orillia Education Library, located in downtown Orillia alongside the Faculty of Education, serves Bachelor of Education students preparing for Primary/Junior level teaching careers. The library collections feature diverse materials both in print and online and tailored for teacher-candidates. These collections include an extensive collection of children’s picture books, fiction and non-fiction books, instructional guides, Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum documents, and a manipulatives collection for classroom teaching. The library operates collaboratively with the Thunder Bay Education Library and the Orillia Harvie Legacy Library on University Avenue and as part of the full Lakehead University Library system.
The expected compensation range for this position is:
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Librarian I $69,605 - $117,350
Salary will be determined in accordance with the collective agreement and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. Our campuses are located in Thunder Bay on the traditional lands of the Fort William First Nation, Signatory to the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850 and in Orillia on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, and Rama First Nation.
Lakehead University acknowledges the history that many nations hold in the areas around our campuses and is committed to a relationship with Métis and Inuit and First Nations peoples. Lakehead has approximately 10,000 students and 2,160 faculty and staff. With an emphasis on collaborative learning and independent critical thinking and a multidisciplinary teaching approach, Lakehead offers a variety of degree and diploma programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels through its nine faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Natural Resources Management, Science and Environmental Studies, Social Sciences and Humanities, Graduate Studies, and Faculty of Law. For further information, please visit: www.lakeheadu.ca.
Reporting to the University Librarian and receiving operational guidance from the Orillia Campus Librarian, the Orillia Education Librarian (Limited Term Appointment) joins a dynamic team dedicated to supporting Bachelor of Education students on both the Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses. The successful candidate will provide inclusive reference and research support, deliver information literacy instruction, and contribute to targeted collection development. Collaboration with the Education Librarian on the Thunder Bay Campus, staff from other departments, and with library staff in Orillia and Thunder Bay, is integral to this role.
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Deliver reference and research consultation services in both face-to-face and virtual environments
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Design, develop, and facilitate course-integrated information literacy sessions and workshops.
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Create dynamic digital learning objects, including Springshare LibGuides and instructional videos, to support student and faculty research.
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Foster campus partnerships (e.g., with Student Health and Wellness) to offer value-added programming, such as library-led wellness initiatives during Thrive Week.
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Develop and facilitate makerspace workshops centered on integrating coding tools and platforms,and robotics into the student learning experience
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Assist with frontline circulation services and operational workflows, utilizing the Ex-Libris Alma system.
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Contribute to daily library operations, including opening and closing procedures for the Orillia Education Library.
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Conduct ongoing collection evaluation to identify and recommend high-impact monographs, curricular resources, and Makerspace assets that enrich the student learning experience.
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Participate in provincial and institutional reference networks, including Ontario's Ask-a-Librarian chat service.
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Provide support at the Orillia Harvie Legacy Library as required, while maintaining a primary focus on the Heritage Place campus.
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A graduate degree from an ALA-accredited school of library and information science.
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Experience developing instructional materials and conducting information literacy instruction sessions and workshops.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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Strong analytical, problem solving, and organizational skills.
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Flexibility and willingness to take initiative.
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Ability to work well both independently and in a team environment.
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Bachelor of Education degree from an Ontario University.
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2-3 years professional experience, with at least 1 year in an academic library
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Experience with Ex Libris Alma and Primo platforms.
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Experience with LibGuides software from Springshare.
Some evening and weekend work may be required.
For further information, please contact Gisella Scalese, Interim University Librarian. Detailed information on the library, our services and resources are available at: https://library.lakeheadu.ca
Review of applications will begin on July 20, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. The electronic application (in the form of one PDF document), quoting Reference #LIB-2026-27-01, should include: a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae and a completed Confirmation of Eligibility to Work in Canada.pdf form.
Applicants should submit their electronic application to:
Gisella Scalese
Interim University Librarian Lakehead University Library Thunder Bay, Ontario
Email: [email protected]
Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.
Lakehead University has an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan 2019-2024 with a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of under-represented groups among applicants, candidates and hires. We encourage candidates to self-identify, if you are from an under-represented group, and prefer candidates with the knowledge, competencies and relationships derived from lived experience. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.
We appreciate your interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified. Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343.8010 ext. 8334 or [email protected] to make appropriate arrangements.
This position is subject to budgetary approval.
