The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) is actively seeking an experienced student-focused leader to serve as their next University Librarian.

Located in Charlottetown, the capital city of Prince Edward Island, the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) has a rich history with roots in two founding institutions, Prince of Wales College (est. 1834) and Saint Dunstan’s University (est. 1855). Since time immemorial, the Mi’kmaq People have walked gently on the traditional territories of Epekwitk, which is where the University of Prince Edward Island is located. UPEI acknowledges that Mi’kma’ki is the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People, who, in 1725 first signed Treaties of Peace and Friendship. UPEI recognizes Elders past and present who have cared for, and continue to care for, the land. In offering this acknowledgement, UPEI affirms the history, experiences, and resiliency of Indigenous people who are still here today. The UPEI community is grateful to live, work, and learn here and are committed to building relationships based in honour and respect.

The University Librarian is the chief administrator of UPEI’s Samuel Napier Robertson Memorial Library (Robertson Library), leading a 32-person team of professional librarians and support staff. As a senior manager, the University Librarian plays a collaborative leadership role in fostering a dynamic learning and research environment. Working collegially with UPEI faculty, staff, students, and other key internal and external stakeholders, the University Librarian guides the Library in continuously improving its support of the University’s mission: “assisting people in acquiring the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary for critical and creative thinking.” A key player in UPEI’s success, the Library has developed an international reputation for innovation and excellence. The Library’s work is guided by its 2023 - 2026 Strategic Plan. A major UPEI capital campaign, “Love Our Library”, is also in progress, raising funds for the renovation and rejuvenation of the Robertson Library building.
 

Reporting to the Vice-President Academic and Research, the University Librarian has overall responsibility for the strategic direction and operational management of the Library. The University Librarian has overall responsibility for the Library’s budget, collections, services, projects, facilities, and the operation of all its units, along with the University’s Central Printing office.

The Robertson Library is a unionized environment. Librarians are members of the UPEI Faculty Association and most support staff are part of a CUPE local. So many of its workplace policies and practices are governed by the relevant collective agreements. This includes the operation of the Library Council, comprised of the librarians and with representation from the support staff and student body. This council discusses issues in a collegial setting and makes recommendations on the formulation of Library policy, operations, long-term planning, and future directions of the Library.
 

The University Librarian serves (ex-officio) on the UPEI Senate, and on the Senate’s Library Committee. Other elements of the University Librarian’s diverse portfolio include fundraising and planning for ongoing renovations, membership on the LM Montgomery Institute Committee and the University Art Committee, and an important advisory and educational role on copyright issues. The position can also expect to continue playing an administrative oversight role in the University’s development of Open Education Resources, including Open Textbooks.

Qualifications and Experience:

● ALA-accredited Masters degree in Library Studies or an equivalent combination of education and experience; although not required, additional academic qualifications, including Masters and/or PhD, would be an asset.
● Ten or more years of professional experience in increasingly responsible positions in academic libraries, including management responsibilities in unionized and/or shared governance environments.
● Demonstrated success in collaborative leadership and evidence-based planning.
● Proven management experience for budgets, materials and personnel.
● Effective communication, negotiation, and consensus-building skills.
● A strong commitment to the educational and research role of the library.
● A clear understanding of current and emerging and Open Source technologies and their place in academic librarianship.
● A record of building Library capacity to facilitate Open Access Publishing, Data Management, and Open Education Resources.
● An established record of contributions to the discipline of academic librarianship, including involvement in professional organizations, community outreach, and the Library’s role in the community.
● A track record of successfully balancing innovation and sustainability.

Application Instructions:

Letters of application should include a current curriculum vitae as well as a cover letter that includes a statement of interest, and a vision for serving as University Librarian, which links the candidate’s qualifications with the requirements of the position. Also, applicants should provide a one-page statement outlining their commitment and interest in equity, diversity, inclusivity, and reconciliation, as well as the names of three references.

Applications should be sent electronically to:

Donna Lawless 
Office of the Vice-President, Academic and Research
Email: vpar@upei.ca

Please include your name in the file name(s).

The salary range for this position, including an administrative stipend over the duration of the appointment, is $140,000 - $184,000.

Requests for more information including the position profile, or other inquiries about the position, can be sent to: 

Dr. Greg F. Naterer 
Vice-President, Academic and Research 
University of Prince Edward Island 
550 University Avenue 
Charlottetown, PE, Canada C1A 4P, 
Email: gnaterer@upei.ca

UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and believes in providing a positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute.

UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Review of applications will begin on June 20, 2025