Head, IKBLC Programs and Services

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

University of British Columbia Library invites applications for the Head, Irving K. Barber Learning Centre Program and Services. This senior role partners with library leadership to guide outreach, engagement, and instructional programs across the IK Barber Learning Centre and related units.

The position emphasizes on-site leadership with some remote work possible, and requires extensive collaboration with academic and community partners to advance learning, equity, and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Masters-level degree in library/ information science or equivalent.
• Experience building productive relationships with diverse colleagues and users.
• Six+ years in developing and managing programs and services for diverse user groups.
• Strong communication and leadership skills; commitment to equity, diversity and indigenous knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee IKBLC Program and Services; report to senior leadership.
• Manage and develop staff, budgets and services within the Learning Centre.
• Coordinate with Library branches, campus units and community partners.
• Ensure on-site presence and effective service delivery at the Learning Centre.

Skills

Relationship building

Collegial leadership

Communication skills

Equity, diversity and inclusion

Education

Masters in Library/Info Science

Job description

Academic

Job Category

Faculty Bargaining

Job Title

Head, IKBLC Programs and Services

Department

UBC Library | Irving K Barber Learning Centre | Leadership (Julie Mitchell)

Posting End Date

October 1, 2026

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

This position is subject to the satisfactory completion of required background checks

Job End Date

December 31, 2032

The expected pay (or pay range) for this position is $8034.92 to $13,659.08 per month.

UBC LIBRARY

As one of the world’s leading universities, the University of British Columbia creates an exceptional learning environment that fosters global citizenship, advances a civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada and the world.

We honour, celebrate and thank the xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam) and Syilx Okanagan peoples on whose territories the main campuses of the University of British Columbia have the privilege to be situated.

The University of British Columbia Library is one of the largest academic libraries in Canada and consistently ranks among the top university research libraries in North America. UBC Library has14 branches and divisions across two campuses (Vancouver and Kelowna), including an off-site hospital library; a multi-purpose teaching and learning facility, the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre; and the Xwi7xwa Library, a centre for academic and community Indigenous scholarship. Almost 300 knowledgeable employees – librarians, management and professional staff, support staff and student staff – provide users with the excellent resources and services that they need to further their research, teaching and learning.

The UBC Library is committed to being a respectful, healthy environment that encourages leadership, collegiality, diversity, individual growth and opportunity. Explore our aspirational values that we strive to uphold and actively incorporate into all aspects of our organization. We are committed to eliminating institutional and structural systems of oppression and power (such as colonialism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, ableism, and white supremacy).

Learn more about the UBC Library Strategic Framework and about working with us.

LIBRARY BRANCH/UNIT

The Irving K. Barber Learning Centre (IKBLC) is dedicated to the intellectual, social, cultural, and economic development of the people of British Columbia. We provide educational resources and services, offer open spaces for study, research, and innovation, and collaborate with community partners on initiatives that promote lifelong learning across the province. The IKBLC is home to the Chapman Learning Commons and the Centre for Writing and Scholarly Communication, which support student academic success across disciplines through learning services, writing support, academic skills development, and collaborative programming. In addition, the IKBLC leads a range of innovative community engagement and knowledge mobilization initiatives that connect the university with communities across British Columbia and beyond. These include the EDI Scholars-in-Residence Program, the Writer-in-Residence Program, the Making Research Accessible Initiative, and the BC History Digitization Program, all of which advance equity, public scholarship, lifelong learning, and access to knowledge across British Columbia and beyond.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Head, Irving K. Barber Learning Centre Program and Services works closely with and reports directly to the Associate University Librarian, Teaching, Learning and Engagement and Executive Director, Irving K. Barber Learning Centre. They work with a broad range of partners and stakeholders including the UBC Library, campus units, community service organizations and agencies and representatives from the education and government sectors. The Head, IKBLC Program and Services interacts and consults with relevant individuals at UBC Library relating to information technology, facilities, human resources, and development. The Head, IKBLC cooperates with the other Heads and AULs, including at UBC Okanagan Library, in the provision of programs and services. The Head, IKBLC works in close collaboration with the Head, Music, Art & Architecture Library to support the effective operation of their shared service point, ensuring coordinated service delivery, communication, and planning.

While some remote work is possible, this position requires a significant on-site presence at the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre to meet the operational, service, and partnership requirements of the role.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED

• Masters-level degree from an accredited program of library, or information science, or equivalent internationally accredited program.
• Experience building productive relationships and working collegially with a diverse population of colleagues and/or users in keeping with the UBC Respectful Environment Statement.
• At least six years of experience developing and managing programs and services for diverse user groups, including students, faculty, and non-academic or community audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with staff and colleagues, inspire innovation, and develop and motivate teams and individuals.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing the development, implementation, and ongoing management of digital platforms, including websites and technology-enabled services, such as equipment lending.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; models and demonstrates good communication through active listening and appreciative inquiry and open to providing and receiving timely, constructive feedback.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Commitment to indigenous knowledges.

PREFERRED

• Experience in managing staff, budgets, services and facilities, including experience with library renovation projects.
• Experience working with student facing university units, such as Student Affairs and/or Writing Centres.
• A proven commitment to service excellence and a vision of library services to support 21st century learners.
• Experience with organization change and change management best practises.
• Proven ability to successfully manage a diverse set of responsibilities.
• Community-focused, strong organizational skills and the ability to contribute to the operationalization of the Statement of Purpose and Charter of Principles for IKBLC
• Dedicated to cultivating an inclusive environment that recognizes barriers faced by people and encourages and incorporates contributions from diverse groups and individuals.
• Works to build a team environment built on positive working relationships, provides guidance and resources to teams while trusting them to excel.
• Creates an environment that embraces curiosity, ideas, creativity and innovation and provides opportunities and flexibility to explore new initiatives.
• Ability to write professional reports and to deliver presentations.
• Experience with writing grant proposals.
• Ability to adjust and accommodate changing priorities within libraries and academic institutions.

DUTIES

Administration

• Ensures programs and services support the Statement of Purpose and Charter of Principles for the IKBLC, with a focus on outreach and engagement; fosters community engagement across UBC Library.
• Participates in the long-term planning and development of the Learning Centre and assessment of resource requirements.
• Participates in the development of policies and procedures for IKBLC, including circulation policies which may involve liaison with Borrower Services.
• Responsible for the planning, implementation, management, and assessment of programs offered through the Learning Centre, including IKBLC Program Services, the Chapman Learning Commons, and the Centre for Writing and Scholarly Communication.
• Works directly with these teams to contribute to the vision and mission of IKBLC and its stakeholders.

Supervision and Personnel Management

• Provides leadership for librarians, Association of Administrative and Professional (AAPS) staff and CUPE 2950 staff across IKBLC Program Services, Chapman Learning Commons, and the Centre for Writing and Scholarly Communication. The role includes five direct reports and oversight of a team comprising three librarians, two AAPS staff, five CUPE staff, and three student teams totalling over 30 students.
• Participates in the recruitment and selection of librarians and staff. Manages organizational planning, conducts annual reviews, assesses and recommend training and learning opportunities, makes merit recommendations and engages with librarians and staff through open dialogue.
• Works closely with the Executive Director, IKBLC and Library Human Resources to resolve personnel issues and support staff development and training.
• Enables a collegial, respectful, and inclusive work environment grounded in trust, recognition, and professional growth.

Operations, Facilities & User Experience

• Along with the Executive Director, IKBLC, the Head leads and supports the effective operation of the Irving