The L.M. Montgomery Institute (LMMI) (https://www.lmmontgomery.ca/) is seeking an undergraduate Digital & Outreach Student Assistant to support the online, multimedia Journal of L.M. Montgomery Studies (https://journaloflmmontgomerystudies.ca). The Journal of L.M. Montgomery Studies is the only journal dedicated to L.M. Montgomery (1874–1942). One of the world’s most enduring writers, Montgomery is the author of Anne of Green Gables, among other works of fiction, as well as poetry, letters, and journals. The Journal is a refereed, open-access digital space. Its mandate is to publish intriguing, highly original, rigorously researched scholarship, as well as creative, multimedia, and other innovative work on all aspects of L.M. Montgomery’s life, influences, work, and legacy. The Journal’s scope is interdisciplinary and international, and is aimed at Montgomery scholars, readers, and enthusiasts. The Journal is the official scholarly publication of the L.M. Montgomery Institute (LMMI) and the Robertson Library at the University of Prince Edward Island. 

The successful candidate for this position will contribute to the development of the Journal of L.M. Montgomery Studies. The position will breakdown into three key parts:

1) Journal content management/communications. Content management/communication includes uploading and formatting submissions for the Journal website and possibly creating multimedia exhibits to enhance submissions.

2) Arts/tourism priorities. Arts/tourism priorities will involve leading, with the supervisor’s support, an exploration of how the Journal can best support local (Charlottetown / Prince Edward Island) arts and tourism communities by building and enhancing the LMMI’s and Journal’s connections with these local communities.

3) Equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. The student will work with the LMMI’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee to develop and begin implementing a plan for the Journal to better engage with content creators and audiences from underrepresented groups, including, for example, Indigenous, visible minorities/racialized, and LGBTQ2 scholars, students, authors, readers, and fans.

The student will enhance their knowledge of publishing and website design, the PEI arts/tourism sectors, and equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. While digital or technical expertise is not required, an openness to learning new technologies is. The successful candidate will be given support and provided with training to develop relevant web skills; this is an excellent opportunity for a Bachelor of Arts student to gain or improve their digital skills. The L.M. Montgomery Institute, including other student assistants, scholars, librarians, and others, provides a supportive, encouraging environment for students. The student will be primarily supervised by Dr. Kate Scarth, Chair of L.M. Montgomery Studies.

This position is funded by the Canada Summer Jobs program and UPEI’s L.M. Montgomery Institute.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Contribute to the ongoing development of the online, open access, multimedia Journal of L.M. Montgomery Studies at the University of Prince Edward Island’s L.M. Montgomery Institute (LMMI) and Robertson Library
• Share the latest in L.M. Montgomery Studies (research, creative responses, multimedia projects) with the Journal’s broad, international audience: interdisciplinary academics, Montgomery enthusiasts, and general public
• Develop digital skills through management of the creating, uploading, and revising of multi-media submissions to the Journal website
• Work with the local and international LMMI/Journal teams
• Take a leadership role (with the supervisor’s support) in engaging new content creators and audiences, with specific emphasis on 1) local Arts/tourism and 2) equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Communicate and provide client service in person and online with local, national, and international collaborators/partners (editors, editorial board, authors, local stakeholders, copyright holders, web developers, UPEI staff, proofreaders)
• Provide general editorial support
• Develop enhanced knowledge of Canadian and PEI history/literature/arts/culture, specifically of L.M. Montgomery’s life and works
• Support the L.M. Montgomery Institute’s mandate to promote “research into, and informed celebration of, the life, works, culture, and influence of the Prince Edward Island-born, acclaimed Canadian writer, L.M. Montgomery.” 
• Perform other duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS:

• UPEI Bachelor of Arts Student
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Highly motivated and responsible
• The ability to work independently and be well organized
• Willingness to learn new digital tools
• Experience with or knowledge of issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion (e.g., from personal, academic, work, or other experience)
• Experience successfully working closely with others
• Experience or knowledge of the PEI arts/tourism industry is desirable but not required
• Experience with technology/digital tools (particularly website design or development) is desirable but not required
• Familiarity with or interest in the life and/or work of L.M. Montgomery and with Prince Edward Island/Atlantic Canadian literature and/or history is desirable

Priority will be given to University of Prince Edward Island students in accordance with Recruitment, Selection, Hiring and Employment Policies and the Procedures manual.