Position Overview

The scholarly communictions librarian provides high level expertise to the university and individual researchers on the changing modes of scholarly publishing and communication. The Scholarly Communications Librarian is responsible for coordinating the development, delivery and evaluation of library research services that contribute to the JCU University plan and strategic intent. The incumbent will collaborate with other Library and Information Services (LIS) staff to ensure that innovative research services are delivered within the liaison service model; and to promote an integrated service delivery model that includes all library research support and services provided by the LIS Directorate.

The Scholarly Communications Librarian engages with, and provides specialist consultation services to, JCU researchers and research students.

Division of Student Life

The Division of Student Life is responsible for the overall strategy in relation to learning and teaching, academic quality, student services, careers and counselling, equity and library and information services at JCU. The Division plays a critical role in working with and across the Colleges and Divisions at JCU and also works in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Deputy-Vice Chancellor in driving and meeting the University’s objectives and Strategic Intent. The Division of Academic and Student Life oversees a large component of the student experience within James Cook University.

The Division includes the Learning, Teaching and Student Engagement Directorate, Library and Information Services Directorate, and the Student Services Directorate.

Library and Information Services Directorate

The Library and Information Services Directorate provides innovative, high quality, client-focused library services including research skills, digital and information literacies and use of technologies; information resources, scholarly and cultural collections; and learning facilities that contribute to and enhance the University’s learning, teaching, and research priorities. The Directorate has a library and information commons at the Townsville and Cairns campuses and delivers a wide range of online resources and services to all campus and study locations and to clients both on and off-campus.

Organisational Charts

James Cook University

Principal Accountabilities

1. Coordinate the planning, delivery, and evaluation of library research services to support JCU researchers and higher degree research students (HDRs) in navigating the complex issues in scholarly communication and publishing environments through working with Library staff, in particular liaison, repository, metadata and research teams.
2. Build and maintain strong and effective communication within LIS teams including the development, delivery and evaluation of LIS instructional programs and resources to build the scholarly communication skills of library staff (e.g. researcher-identity, open access, research quality, impact and assessment, research data management, peer review and copyright).
3. Use expert knowledge to provide professional advice, training, recommendations, and support across campuses to JCU researchers, HDRs, and research groups to assist with traditional scholarly publishing, open access, innovative publishing models, publisher contracts, copyright, benchmarking, communicating and promoting research activities, and develop strategies to enhance research quality and impact.
4. Collaborate across LIS to provide a whole library approach to oversee the provision of resources relating to the research lifecycle and scholarly communication via online guides, and face to face and online training.
5. Maintain knowledge and monitor national and international trends, legislation and changes in scholarly publishing, and information technologies that affect access and preservation of scholarly information. Provide advice to the University community on these matters, including copyright, open access and developments in the field e.g. F.A.I.R and Plan S.
6. In collaboration with university units relevant to research, contribute to the development of policies, procedures and guidelines for JCU researchers, and HDRs relating to open access, research data management, copyright and other research related issues.
7. Represent Library and Information Services on internal and external committees and working parties contributing to research and research education, to promote library research services and initiate and maintain networks and professional relationships with researchers and research librarians.
8. Contribute to the operational planning and continuous improvement of the LIS Directorate, Information and Research Services team to ensure a culture of high performance, quality client service and innovation, participating in planning and development of policies and procedures, and maintaining statistics and records as required.
9. Support the University's commitment to the principles of reconciliation, which exemplify respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and the valuing of justice and equity for all Australians.
10. Demonstrate a commitment to the University values.
11. Support the principles of the TropEco program and engage in commitment to JCU sustainability goals and objectives.

Descriptors

There are generic responsibilities that apply to all James Cook University staff.

Your specific level descriptor can be found within the Enterprise Agreement.

Generic Accountabilities

There are generic responsibilities that apply to all James Cook University staff.

1. The Scholarly Communications Librarian is required to observe the lawful and reasonable directions, policies and decisions of the University Council, understand and comply with the Enterprise Agreement, the Statutes and Rules of the University, the policies and decisions of the University Council and other appropriate University authorities, as in force from time to time.
2. The Scholarly Communications Librarian is required to demonstrate a personal commitment to ensure personal safety and the safety of others and contribute to the continuous improvement of our WHS performance. This includes the effective implementation and compliance with James Cook University WHS policies, procedures and safe systems of work, together with all relevant legislation, duties and obligations. Contribute to the continuous improvement of our WHS performance.
3. The Scholarly Communications Librarian is required to exercise proper discretion in all matters affecting the well-being of the University which involve public writing or speaking in accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct.

Special Conditions

Selection Criteria

Selection and appointments will be assessed against selection criteria.

Essential

1. Degree or a postgraduate qualification in a library or information related discipline with 4 years subsequent relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education /training.
2. Demonstrated well developed written and verbal communication, negotiation, advocacy, interpersonal and presentation skills with an ability to build and maintain effective working relationships in a collegial, client service environment; and to work as partners with academic and other staff/stakeholders to deliver research outcomes.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of the research lifecycle, processes and issues in the higher education research environment; and the ability to assist with research training, research quality and impact.  
4. Demonstrated experience with scholarly communication, including open access publishing, research repositories, data management principles, copyright and intellectual property in a digital environment.
5. Proven ability in the innovative use of information and communication technologies for information discovery and access, scholarly communication and research education.
6. Demonstrated experience in providing research support services including the creation of an online presence for research profiles and social media.

Desirable

1. Experience in conducting research and/or research administration/repository or data management.
2. Demonstrated understanding of research innovation and infrastructure trends and issues.