Parliamentary Libraries as Workplaces

In parliamentary libraries the pace can be fast, the skills utilized and developed are wide and deep, and the opportunity to use new tools and resources is exciting. Yet, the core work remains constant: offering a confidential and non-partisan service that provides parliamentarians with accurate and timely information.

Library staff need to be nimble and innovative to find, curate and make discoverable authoritative information; super-sleuths to answer questions; adept at creating information products on a myriad of subjects; and able to provide training on tools and resources.  Staff anticipate client needs by staying informed of Chamber proceedings and current events, and acquiring and maintaining materials in physical and electronic collections. Individual libraries are supported by the cross-Canada APLIC community and are key players in the democratic process.

Parliamentary libraries need staff that have good technical and search skills, familiarity with the latest technologies, experience in customer service and a willingness to learn.  If you want to build your skills and knowledge in areas such as reference services, catalogue and classification, collection development, government documents, records management and online retrieval, you will find working at a parliamentary library engaging and rewarding.

Open Competitions

Director General, Information and Document Resource Services (IDRS) – The Library of Parliament

The Library of Parliament is a legislative library that serves Canada’s Senate and House of Commons. It contributes to Canadian parliamentary democracy by creating, managing, and delivering authoritative, reliable, and relevant information and knowledge for and about Parliament. Committed to workplace and organizational excellence, the Library has been recognized as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers for 2022 and 2023. The Library is seeking a strategic leader for the role of Director General, Information and Document Resource Services (IDRS).

Reporting to the Parliamentary Librarian, the Director General (DG) leads the IDRS team in providing parliamentarians and their staff access to five library branches and a comprehensive collection of print and digital resources, keeping clients informed with news and discovery tools, and offering reference services. The DG, IDRS is also responsible for preserving Parliament’s documentary heritage and offering historical information about Parliament to the public. As a member of the Library Executive Committee, the DG also plays a critical role providing insight, guidance, and advice to the Parliamentary Librarian on Library priorities and corporate initiatives. The new Director General will work collaboratively to anticipate future client needs in positioning IDRS and the Library to meet the challenges of delivering services in an ever-changing information environment.

Ideally-suited candidates will possess the following key credentials, experience, and knowledge:

  • A Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or equivalent. A PhD in the field would also be welcome;
  • Senior leadership experience within a similarly complex organization;
  • Significant experience at the executive level leading an organization’s library programs including integrated library systems, collection development, preservation, and reference services;
  • Experience leading the development and implementation of information management policies and frameworks including records management in a physical and digital context;
  • Experience managing human, financial and information resources;
  • Experience with change management methods and practices to respond to evolving needs, build engagement, and deliver on priorities;
  • Experience working in, or closely with, a political/governmental/parliamentary organization and with senior officials;
  • Knowledge in a wide range of library and information science and information management principles, theories, techniques and practices;
  • Knowledge of the statutes that apply to the Library, including the Parliament of Canada Act and the Official Languages Act;
  • The ability to build trusting and collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
  • The ability to foster a culture of excellence with a client-centred approach in leading and developing high performing teams;
  • The ability to communicate effectively in both official languages;
  • A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion;
  • Personal attributes of being strategic, collaborative, innovative, decisive, personable, respectful, client-centric, and team-oriented.

Salary range: $174,802 to $205,650

To apply for this position, please submit your application and related materials to rrankin@boyden.com and state “Director General, IDRS” in the subject line of your e-mail.

Closing Date: June 9, 2023

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those under consideration for the role will be contacted.

The Library of Parliament is committed to building diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible working environments and particularly encourages applications from those who would contribute to the further diversification of our workforce including, but not limited to racialized persons, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Please advise us if you require any accommodation throughout the process.

Your privacy and the protection of your personal information are important to us. The information you provide is protected under the Privacy Act and kept in the strictest confidence.