WAML Map & GIS Job BlogHEAD, MADGIC - Univ. of Calgary
Head, MADGIC (Maps, Academic Data, Geographic Information Centre)
Consideration of applications will begin after August 31, 2008 and will continue until the position is filled.
Libraries and Cultural Resources at the University of Calgary invites applications for the position of Head, MADGIC (Maps, Academic Data, Geographic Information Centre). This is a full-time, tenure–track academic position with an anticipated start date of November 1, 2008.
MADGIC is a special service area in the MacKimmie Library currently located on the 2nd floor of the Library Tower. It houses the map and airphoto collection and provides access to numeric and spatial data to students and faculty. MADGIC supports the teaching and research programs at the University of Calgary. Although most data files are restricted to the University community, the print maps and airphoto collections are open to the public.
The Taylor Family Digital Library (TFDL), scheduled to open in 2010, will provide space for an integrated Data/Geographic Information Systems/Numerical and Statistical Literacy facility, which will also include a 3D Visualization Centre. The Head, MADGIC will oversee these services and supervise the technician assigned to the Visualization Centre. The incumbent will work closely with University Information Technologies staff, as well as with teaching and research faculty to deliver state-of-the-art programs in Data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Associate University Librarian for Information Technology and Scholarly Communications, the Head, MADGIC supervises four staff (two academic and two support staff) responsible for the delivery of services through the MADGIC service desk.
As part of the overall library liaison team, the Head participates in the development of policy for services and represents MADGIC on the Information Commons Operating team. The incumbent is also expected to liaise with public services staff throughout Libraries and Cultural Resources and to work closely with Collections and Technical Services and with Information Technology Services.
The Head, MADGIC develops and maintains the geospatial collections, both print and electronic, and serves as the liaison librarian for related subject collections (Geomatics Engineering, GIS-related interdisciplinary studies, etc.) As a liaison librarian, the Head develops web-based resources to deliver information to users and provides group and one-to-one instruction. MADGIC has specialized requirements for hardware and software and the Head is expected to facilitate the delivery of information, metadata, and files to users, consistent with our licensing agreements.
The Head, MADGIC is also active in consortial initiatives, such as the Data Liberation Initiative, ACCOLEDS, the Alberta GEODE consortium and DMTI, and is responsible for negotiating access to specialized data files, such as those of the City of Calgary.
Initially, responsibilities will focus on evaluating and developing the MADGIC collection, program and services in the context of the new Taylor Family Digital Library.
As this is an academic staff position, participation and involvement in scholarship, teaching, and service are expected.
Qualifications
A Master’s degree from an accredited program in librarianship, archives, or museology, or recognized equivalent preferred; however, a strong academic background at the Masters or Doctoral level in geography, GIS, or a closely related discipline, with appropriate related experience, may be considered
A minimum of five years relevant experience working in an academic environment
A track record of leadership in the data/GIS community, with a commitment to continued development of research and expertise in these areas
Demonstrated understanding and working knowledge of research methodologies, data/GIS resources, software for data/GIS analysis, and metadata standards
A strong record of service to users, including the delivery of services using technology
Experience managing staff within a service unit
Experience with formal and informal user instruction in a variety of settings