Associate University Librarian

The McLaughlin Library at the University of Guelph invites applications for two Associate University Librarian (AUL) positions at the Associate or Full Librarian level from internal  University of Guelph applicants only. The term of appointment is 5-years, renewable once. The anticipated start date for this appointment is January 1, 2026, or another mutually agreed-upon date in 2026.

These roles provide an opportunity to help shape the future of the library and its contributions to teaching, learning, and research at the University of Guelph.

• The AUL, Academic leads library activities and teams that support the curriculum and the university’s academic mission.
• The AUL, Research leads library activities and teams that advance the university’s research and scholarly enterprise.

Reporting to the University Librarian, the AULs are integral members of the senior leadership team. They co-lead the Strategic Leadership Team (SLT), which establishes strategic directions and broad management priorities for the library. Across campus, the AULs represent the library on committees and initiatives that advance teaching, learning, and research, and build strong relationships with faculty and campus partners in service of our institutional priorities. Beyond campus, they engage and provide leadership through Provincial and National organizations such as OCUL, CARL, and CRKN, helping to shape the future of academic and research libraries.

McLaughlin Library embraces a collaborative, team-based leadership model grounded in shared values, open communication, and shared responsibility. Within this environment, the AULs provide strategic direction and advocacy for user-focused services, resources, and technologies that advance research, teaching, and learning. Together with SLT colleagues, the AULs share responsibility for the library’s strategic direction and operations, including a $20M budget and a large, multi-faceted employee complement.

Applicants should bring expertise and progressive leadership experience in at least one of the following strategic areas:

• Archival & Special Collections
• Collections & Content
• Digital Strategy & Technology
• Learning & Curriculum Support
• Research & Scholarship

Each AUL will oversee two to three of these teams, providing leadership, mentorship, and strategic direction to a diverse group of staff across multiple bargaining units. Portfolios and reporting lines will be confirmed with the successful incumbents and will be based on experience, interest, and organizational needs.

The University of Guelph’s commitment to Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (IEDIA) is detailed in Bi-Naagward | It Comes into View, Fostering the Culture of Inclusion, the Anti-Racism Action Plan, and the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. Furthermore, “Transforming our University through Indigenization and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion” is one of the five strategic priorities outlined in Our Time: The U of G Strategic Plan, 2022-27.  

Required Qualifications

• ALA-accredited MLIS or equivalent degree with a strong academic background
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive responsibility in formal leadership and management roles
• Significant experience in at least one of the strategic areas listed above
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and build partnerships across the library, campus, and beyond
• Ability to articulate priorities and value across a diverse constituency
• Demonstrated capacity to lead organizational change and guide teams through transitions
• Proven success in people, service, project, and budget management using evidence-based methods
• Strong communication skills: listening, verbal and written, interpersonal
• Effective management in complex, unionized environments
• Broad understanding of university governance and related legislation
• Active engagement in professional and scholarly communities, with a demonstrated record of scholarship and service appropriate for appointment at the AUL level

The University of Guelph resides on the traditional lands and territory of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee and Huron Wendat. These lands are now home to a rich diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. We offer our respect and gratitude to our Indigenous neighbours and affirm our responsibility to realize our commitments to reconciliation through ongoing action. We are guided in this work by Bi-Naagward | It Comes into View, the Indigenous Initiatives Strategy.

The University of Guelph is the third largest employer in Guelph, a city of over 144,000 people, located about an hour drive west of Toronto, Ontario. University of Guelph is a top-ranked comprehensive university in Canada with an enrolment of more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across more than 40 academic units. The University is known for its commitment to student learning, innovative research, and collaboration with world-class partners. It is a unique place, with transformative research and teaching and a distinctive campus culture. People who learn and work here are shaped and inspired by a shared purpose: To Improve Life. Reflecting that shared purpose in every experience connected to our university positions us to create positive change, here and around the world. Our University community shares a profound sense of social responsibility, a drive for international development, and an obligation to address global issues.

Application Process

Internal applicants: If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page to be considered as an internal applicant. SuccessFactors: Career Opportunities (sapsf.com).

Apply for the advertised librarian position (Requisition ID 1797 by submitting the following materials (in an integrated single PDF file):

1. A one-to-two-page statement (cover letter) outlining a) how the applicant’s knowledge, skills, and experience relate to the responsibilities and qualifications of the position, and b) current and future plans to advance Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the context of their professional work;
2. A curriculum vitae; and
3. Names of three references. References will not be contacted without consent.

Applications should be submitted by the posted end date and can be addressed to the attention of: Amanda Etches, University Librarian, McLaughlin Library.

Assessment of applications will begin as they are received and will continue until the position is filled. 

Questions about the application process may be directed to Sandra Reginato, Library Manager, Human Resources and Administration, McLaughlin Library at sreginat@uoguelph.ca.

Date Posted: 10/10/2025
Deadline: 10/29/2025 or until a suitable candidate is found.

The University of Guelph commits to fostering inclusive excellence through promoting Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Inclusion is a core pillar of Our Time, our strategic plan, which pledges to “transform our human resources, governance and student services and practices across the University to enable us to recruit a diverse student, faculty and staff body and support them in achieving their personal, professional and scholarly goals.” The University commits to creating and maintaining “equitable work environments that empower us in our pursuit of student, faculty and staff success, research excellence, innovation and impact.”

The University of Guelph recognizes that career paths can be diverse and career interruptions may occur. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like considerations given to the impact of any circumstances, such as (but not limited to) those due to health and/or family reasons, that may have affected an applicant’s record of achievement. You are not required to disclose these circumstances in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, the University will ensure that these circumstances do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position. 

The University of Guelph is committed to ensuring all applicants have fair and equitable participation in the hiring process. If you anticipate needing medical accommodations during the recruitment or selection processes, confidential assistance is available on request by contacting Occupational Health and Wellness at 519-824-4120 x52674. If you have any questions regarding accommodations or accessibility during the hiring process or for more information and support, please contact Sandra Reginato, Library Manager, Human Resources and Administration, McLaughlin Library at sreginat@uoguelph.ca.