Collection Development Librarian

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology; Calgary; On-site; CAD 73,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading applied education institution in Calgary seeks a Collection Development Librarian to enhance library collections and support student success. The role involves strategic planning, managing collections and vendor relationships, and engaging with faculty for curriculum support. Ideal candidates will hold a Master’s degree in Library Information Science and possess 3 to 5 years of relevant experience. Join a community committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion while contributing to a vibrant student culture.

Benefits

Generous salary range

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of professional library or relevant experience.
• Experience with library collections planning and development is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Collections service and oversee library collections.
• Negotiate licensing agreements with vendors for top-tier resources.
• Deliver information literacy instruction sessions to faculty and students.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Strategic thinking

Organizational skills

Education

Master’s degree in Library Information Science/Studies

Tools

Integrated library systems

Web development tools

Job description

SAIT’s Student Services department unlocks learner potential within a vibrant campus culture. Join a team driven by student success, offering holistic services from academic support and counselling to financial advising and social engagement.

The Opportunity

The Reg Erhardt Library, SAIT Archives, and Copyright team provide essential learning resources and innovative support services to help students and programs achieve academic excellence in a rapidly evolving post-secondary environment.

As Collection Development Librarian, you will:

• Report to the Manager, Library, Archives, and Copyright
• Lead the Collections service and the Collections & Technical Services team
• Oversee planning, development, evaluation, and continuous improvement of library collections
• Negotiate licensing agreements with vendors and publishers to ensure access to top-tier resources
• Expected to engage in both Library and Student Services initiatives that enhance the student experience

The Role

Collection Development

• Oversee all areas of the library’s Collections service that supports students, faculty, and program success
• Lead the planning, development, maintenance, organization, access and discovery of the library's collections
• Lead and oversee the work of the Collections and Technical Services team in the selection, acquisitions, management and evaluation of the library's collections
• Oversee and configure the library's discovery system to enhance resource accessibility and the user experience
• Explore and integrate emerging technologies, such as AI functionality, into collection strategies
• Contribute to budget planning for library collections with the Manager and oversee funding allocations for print and electronic collections
• Conduct regular assessments and ensure collections remain current and relevant to SAIT programs.
• Analyze and report on collection data to support evidence‑based decisions to the Manager and as needed for program and institutional reporting
• Identify best practices and emerging collection trends and develop and maintain relevant collections management policies and procedures
• Establish and maintain policies, procedures, and workflows for efficient collection management, in collaboration with the Coordinator of Technical Services
• Evaluate and negotiate new electronic resources in consultation with relevant teams
• Build and maintain relationships with vendors, publishers, library consortiums and other clients, negotiating contracts and pricing
• Engage Library Liaisons in resource identification and collection review
• Promote and build awareness of the library’s collections
• Stay informed on trends and best practices in academic library collections and technologies through ongoing professional development

Library Liaison and Instruction

• Actively engage with academic programs, faculty and Academic Chairs in the assigned School(s) to support their curriculum maintenance and development
• Develop and deliver information literacy instruction sessions, workshops, and presentations to the assigned liaison area(s) and other schools as needed, both in person and online
• Provide in-depth reference services to students, faculty, and staff in the assigned School and other areas as needed
• Identify potential resources relevant to the assigned School(s)
• Participate in the strategic direction and initiatives planning as part of the library’s leadership team
• Participate in library reporting for SAIT programs and other reports as needed and directed by the Manager

Information Desk and Other Initiatives

• Provide circulation and reference services at the Information Desk
• Collaborate with Librarians, Library Technicians, faculty and staff on other projects as needed
• Participate on committees and working groups as needed

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library Information Science/Studies from an American Library Association accredited program or equivalent
• 3 to 5 years of professional library or relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with library collections planning and development
• Experience working with vendors/publishers and license agreements
• Experience or strong interest in teaching
• Experience working on multiple projects, cross-functional teams, and managing competing priorities.
• Experience working in large complex work environments and engaging with a range of users
• Familiarity with library issues and trends, especially those related to collections, systems, and emerging technologies
• Proficiency with technology, integrated library systems, web development tools and e-resources (e.g. LibGuides, Learning management systems, eBooks)
• A demonstrated awareness and commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion

Required Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain relationships with vendors and other departments
• Demonstrated supervisory and coaching skills including the ability to foster trusting and productive relationships amongst staff
• Ability to understand and synthesize complex information
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Capacity to thrive in an environment of change and respond effectively to shifting needs and priorities

Job Classification: SA008 - Librarian III

Salary Range: $73,083 - $105,641

Hours per week: 37.5

Posting End Date: December 11, 2025 at 4PM

About SAIT

At SAIT, we’re building bold futures. We’re a community of tenacious problem‑solvers, inventive thinkers, and passionate collaborators who believe in doing work that matters.

Named one of Alberta’s Top Employers, we’re driven by a desire to create an impact in our community. If you’re looking for a place where purpose meets possibility, you’ve found it here.

We’re committed to community and belonging

Community and belonging is essential to achieving SAIT’s vision to be a global leader in applied education. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities, and/or people with intersectional identities. Learn more about Community and Belonging at SAIT.