Information Services Manager (Librarian 4)

About Us

The Nova Scotia Legislative Library operates under the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and supports the information and research needs of the Members of the Legislative Assembly. The Library also manages the Legislative Assembly’s website and an extensive electronic archive of Nova Scotia Government publications.

Located in Province House, the oldest legislative building in Canada, the Library is home to one of the provinces most extensive collections of historic Nova Scotia materials.

Primary Accountabilities

Reporting to the Legislative Librarian, the Manager of Information Services is responsible for leading and managing the Legislative Library Information Service for Members of the Legislative Assembly, serving Cabinet Ministers, government and opposition MLAs, caucus research staff, constituency office staff, and senior government officials across the province. Currently this position supervises one information services librarian.

The incumbent stands as a recognized authority on legislative and government information retrieval systems, collections, and services. In addition, the incumbent serves as a subject specialist for the Province of Nova Scotia in legislative and legal topics.

The Manager of Information Services is responsible for the administration and effective operation of the major programs of the Legislative Library’s Information Service including the management of the Legislative Library’s collections life cycle, the negotiation and licensing of information products and services, the development of Library policies and procedures related to digital rights management and copyright and the creation of information products adapted to the needs of all MLAs. This position also analyzes data and data collection methodologies and synthesizes information into accurate answers or actionable information.

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate will have a Masters degree in Information Management, or the equivalent, from an ALA accredited University and university level courses in political science, history or public administration and at least seven years professional library experience.

They will also have the following:

• Extensive experience in conducting in-depth searches using print and online sources
• Extensive experience in providing reference and information services
• Experience in summarizing and synthesizing research into brief, accurate written responses to requests for information
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills in English
• Strong problem solving skills and analytical proficiency
• A strong commitment to client services
• The ability to interact with a broad range of internal and external clients

The Manager of Information Services must be able to exercise independence, initiative and be able to deal with a range of highly complex conceptual problems and balance multiple deadlines. The candidate must be able to demonstrate and have sound judgement in a leadership and management role, be able to mentor and train staff and be able to develop a team to provide a timely and cost-effective information service.

The successful candidate must have knowledge of the issues relating to the acquisition, management and use of digital and print resources, and the ability to be non-partisan in a political environment.

Assets

• Bilingual in both English and French
• Project management experience
• Experience training team members in reference services, library procedures, parliamentary context, or the use of electronic databases.

We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day in a library setting.
• May be required to work overtime when the House is in session.
• May be required to staff service points for long or repeated shifts when other staff are unavailable.
• Primary workplace is an historic building accessible by the public. The environment is sometimes chaotic and noisy. Exposure to dust, fragrances, and occasionally uncomfortable temperatures should be expected.
• Assisting with collection shifts may require lifting boxes, moving books and related activities.

Additional Information

The incumbent must be able to work effectively in a non‑partisan, politically sensitive environment.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer or will result in termination of your employment.

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths