Systems and Library Technology 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 Systems and Library Technology Manager is responsible for planning, developing, and managing the Legislative Library’s information systems and products, as well as its extensive electronic archive of Nova Scotia government materials. This role is essential to the day-to-day management of the library’s integrated library system and the maintenance of both its physical and digital collections. The Manager provides expertise and advice on the direction of information technology for the Legislative Library and the Nova Scotia Legislature as a whole.

The Systems and Library Technology Manager also oversees a team of technical services staff and provides quality assurance to ensure materials are catalogued according to international standards and local practice. This includes developing cataloguing practices that enable information to be efficiently extracted for reports, publications, and other library systems, as well as providing cataloguing and indexing advice.

As a member of the library’s management team, the Manager works collaboratively to develop, analyze, and implement policies and procedures. The successful candidate will also be required to staff the library reference desk, occasionally catalogue materials and update the Legislature’s website.

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate will have a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field plus a post graduate degree from an ALA accredited program in library or information management and 7 years of professional library experience.

They will also have the following:

• Experience with library systems (preferably Innovative Interfaces' Sierra) and library desktop applications (MarcEdit)
• Strong understanding of circulation, serials, cataloguing, and acquisitions workflows
• Strong knowledge of relational databases, and proficiency with HTML, XML, and cascading stylesheets
• Strong analytical and technical problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of computer programming and web and mobile-based resources and services
• Knowledge of the MARC format for bibliographic and authority records
• Strong knowledge of best cataloguing practices (AACRII or RDA)
• Ability to master new technologies and remain current on traditional and electronic library service trends
• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills to work effectively and collaboratively with legislative staff, MLAs, and government departments
• Demonstrated creativity and initiative
• Strong project management skills with high level attention to detail
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and managing constantly changing deadlines
• Customer focus and excellent writing, organizational, and time management skills

Assets

The following would be considered an asset: Experience with PHP and other programming languages; query languages; macros; content management systems (Drupal) and document management systems; database, photo-editing, and publishing software; mobile applications; and Innovative Interfaces’ Sierra.

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.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 lbs.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of March 2, 2028. The appointment type (Term, Temporary or Casual) depends upon the start date of the successful candidate.

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