The PwC Canada Knowledge Management Group is recruiting for a Manager on our Knowledge Management Operations team. To read the role description and apply online, please go to: https://www.pwcrecruiting.com/ifs/hr/RMS_External.nsf/JobPosting/BD85F8A95721635E8525771200460522?openDocument.

I think he’s right. A few excerpts:

Q: Can there be too many of these codified pieces–too much information?

Yes, there can be too much information in the sense that there’s too much to absorb, but you can never have too much knowledge. That’s one of the differences between information and knowledge. Who would ever say they have too much knowledge of something? Would you want to go to a doctor who says, “I know too much about your illness?” You want people who help us in our lives–doctors, politicians, economists–to have a lot of knowledge.

Q: So, where does that leave information professionals? The common perception is that they bring information into the organization and it gets passed up the chain to the top, and along the way it gets filtered and distilled into knowledge.

I would disagree with the chain scenario–I don’t think that’s an accurate description of what happens. I think people at the top of organizations make their decisions based on all sorts of things, but information wouldn’t be at the head of the list. I think they make decisions based on peer knowledge–asking their bankers, their lawyers, their peer executives within the firm. They may read some things, perhaps an article or report, but generally, by the time something’s in print, they already know it. It’s old news. There isn’t that much in print that’s new for business executives.

That’s why librarians don’t have the–what’s the right word here?–the position, the respect, the authority that maybe they think they might, because what they’re dealing with is stuff that’s not absolutely essential to the running of the firm. If it was, it would make a big difference.

Q: It sounds like you’re saying that information professionals need to move away from procuring and maintaining content.

I coined a phrase years ago that I think is useful here: If you have a dollar to spend on either information or knowledge, spend it on connection rather than capture. That’s really an important slogan. You’re much better off connecting people, helping them find one another, than on capturing material. I’m not talking here about university libraries or public libraries–if you run the library at Harvard, you want to capture everything in different forms. I’m talking about organizations.

Q: So, 10 years from now, will we still be talking about information workers and information societies?

It already sounds old hat. Yes, there was a time when information was a hot topic, and it was very exciting, but the costs kept dropping. No one foresaw everybody having personal computers; no one foresaw Google. Information transactions have become ubiquitous, transparent, and almost cost-free. No one predicted this.

And, to be honest, a lot of the information hype was generated by vendors with a commercial aim. I remember when everyone was saying that if you get the right information to the right person at the right time, it will give an organization a tremendous advantage. That’s just not true. I had an economist model that for me, and it would give them some advantage, but there’s just not enough information out there to make a big difference. The real advantage lies in using knowledge better and in innovating. That’s where information professionals should focus their efforts.

The entire interview is available online at “You Can Never Have Too Much Knowledge“, SLA Information Outlook, December 2009.

The author of a new book talks about the secret lives of America’s favorite — and endangered — disciplinarians.

Behold the stereotypical librarian, with her cat’s-eye glasses, bun and pantyhose — a creature whose desexualized persona and desire for us to be quiet has fueled generations of wild sexual fantasies. But there’s bad news for those of you with a shushing fetish; as Marilyn Johnson explains in “This Book Is Overdue!: How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us All,” the uptight librarian is a species that’s rapidly approaching extinction.

A new generation of young, hip and occasionally tattooed librarians is driving them out. They call themselves guybrarians, cybrarians and “information specialists,” and they blog at sites like The Free Range Librarian and The Lipstick Librarian. They can be found in droves on Second Life, but also outside the Republican National Convention, dodging tear gas canisters and tweeting the location of the police.

Johnson, a former staff writer for Life magazine, and author of “The Dead Beat,” a book about the fascinating world of obituary writing, delights in refuting our assumptions about librarians, while making a rock-solid case for their indispensability at a time when library systems are losing an average of 50 librarians per year. Who else is going to help us formulate the questions Google doesn’t understand, or show non-English speakers how to apply for jobs online, or sympathize with your need to research the ancient origins of cockfighting? Librarians, Johnson argues, are one of our most underappreciated natural resources.

Read the entire review at Salon.com.

The University of Guelph Library is extending its search for an experienced and innovative librarian to be the Head of the Library’s new Discovery & Access strategic area.  Discovery & Access is responsible for a suite of inter-related services, systems, and tools connecting users with Library resources and services. The Head will provide leadership for user experience design, web development, electronic resources management, reference, e-learning operations and reserves, circulation and interlibrary services, and the Library Centre for Students with Disabilities. These teams are dedicated to improving the total user experience, in-person and online, by designing and delivering user services grounded in a deep and evolving understanding of user behaviours, expectations and needs. To learn more about this opportunity please see the full posting at: http://www.uoguelph.ca/facultyjobs/postings/ad10-08frweb.html . Applications are due April 2, 2010.

Feel free to contact Catherine Steeves, csteeves@uoguelph.ca, for more information.

Thank you for considering this opportunity.

This position provides a unique and exciting opportunity for a highly motivated information professional with an appreciation of scientific discovery, and an enthusiasm for working in an environment which bridges science, industry and commerce.  MaRS Discovery District is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to maximizing the economic and social impact of Canadian innovation.  The University of Toronto is a founding member of MaRS and is represented on its Board of Directors. The information specialist will in particular be serving researchers, professors and student entrepreneurs associated with MaRS Innovation and its research member institutions (15 members) and other University affiliates in the province.

This position is one of two University of Toronto Information Specialist positions at MaRS.  The position provides opportunities for interacting collegially with other librarians and for continuing professional development through MaRS and the University of Toronto Libraries.

RESPONSIBILITIES:   Provides in-depth reference and search services to MaRS Innovation and member institution clients and University affiliates using a broad range of science, technology and medicine (STM) databases and related market research business sources.  Conducts high quality secondary market research in the areas of Life Sciences (Agriculture, Foods and Natural Products, Diagnostics and Imaging, Healthcare and Related Industries, Medical devices and Therapeutics), Information Communication Technology (Computational & Information Digital Multi-media, Hardware, Online Applications, Software, Telecommunications and Wireless) and Cleantech and Physical Sciences (Energy, Environment, Advanced Materials and Manufacturing). Gathers and analyses data in support of strategic decision making and provides client-based current awareness service in areas of emerging markets. Maintains documentation, templates and reference sources relevant to client needs and in support of the MaRS business development group.  Develops outreach services with MaRS Innovation member institutions and nurtures positive client relationships.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Applicants must be a graduate of an ALA accredited library school with an MLIS/MISt degree or an acceptable equivalent.  An undergraduate degree or related experience in health science, science, engineering or business preferred.  Two to five years experience working in an academic, hospital or special library or in a market research related area.  Experience in searching scientific, technical and related business databases.  Familiarity with patent databases and ability to conduct patent searching would be an asset.  Demonstrated commitment to service and the ability to work creatively and effectively in a cross-disciplinary environment.  Excellent oral and written communication skills.  Excellent interpersonal skills. Client focused and results oriented.  Strong time management skills with experience working independently in a deadline driven environment.  Experience in provision of competitive intelligence services would be an asset.

MINIMUM SALARY:  Commensurate with qualifications and experience:
Librarian II:      $ 54, 600 per annum
Librarian III:    $ 70 600 per annum

Applicants interested in applying for this position should submit their letters of application, curriculum vitae and the names of three referees in writing to the Library Human Resources at utlhr@utoronto.ca or to Robarts Library, 130 St.George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A5, or fax (416) 946-5543 by Feb 10th, 2010.

Key URLs – MaRS Discovery District – http://www.marsdd.com/index.html , MaRS Innovation – http://www.marsinnovation.com/

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Toronto Libraries thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

In January 2009, I began to list digital library and library IT jobs on the DigitalKoans blog.  My motivation for doing so was simple: times were hard, unemployment was soaring, and my readers needed help.

I haven’t looked for a job in well over a decade.  However, having worked in technology jobs for over thirty years, I think I can effectively select jobs that might be of interest.  The scope is deliberately wide, ranging from entry level (or mixed responsibility jobs that may not be 100% IT) to highly specialized jobs requiring fairly esoteric skills. Wherever possible, my posts are based on the actual job ad at the employer’s website. Jobs are categorized as either digital library jobs or library IT jobs based on my perception of the primary focus of the job.

Keep in mind that DigitalKoans is not primary a job site, and it may not continue to list jobs indefinitely.

Moreover, the number of available jobs ebbs and flows.

However, I hope that in some small way it helps.

Digital Library jobs archive: http://bit.ly/RKaHc

Library IT jobs archive: http://bit.ly/8N9H3v

DigitalKoans blog: http://bit.ly/Pmzdz

DigitalKoans FeedBurner RSS feed: http://bit.ly/60NSvR

Job Field: Tenure Stream
Faculty / Division: Faculty of Information

Department: Faculty of Information

Campus: St. George (downtown Toronto)

Job Posting: 17/Dec/09

Closing Date: 31/Jan/10 Open until filled

Description:

The Faculty of Information at the University of Toronto is extending  its reach in terms of research and teaching scope; the Faculty is  expanding both in terms of number of people and in scope.

The Faculty invites applications for one tenure-stream appointment at  the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor to begin on July 1, 2010.

The Faculty seeks a scholar who transcends traditional divisions and we invite applications from candidates with active research agendas within one or more of the following areas: (i) new media and
children’s literature; (ii) new media and youth and young adult’s resources and information services; (iii) new media and children.

Candidates with expertise in non-traditional classes of literature and new media (e.g. games, immersive online environments, novel forms of storytelling) would be welcomed.

We seek candidates with excellent research and teaching abilities and a commitment to shaping the future of the Faculty and the field of information. The candidate’s research agenda should fit with the
Faculty’s focus and mission. The Faculty’s 2004-10 Academic Plan recognizes that society’s information practices are being reconfigured and transformed by material shifts in infrastructures as well as
political and cultural shifts in our attitudes toward information as a social phenomenon. In this context, as part of a multi-year process of Faculty renewal, a faculty member is sought to help rethink and reshape the information profession through innovative teaching and collaborative research projects. The University of Toronto offers the opportunity to teach, conduct research and live in one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. The Faculty of Information provides a context in which to work in an emerging interdisciplinary environment and in a range of collaborative programs including
Addiction Studies; Aging, Palliative and Supportive Care Across the Life Course; Book History and Print Culture; Environment; Knowledge Media Design; Sexual Diversity Studies; Women’s Health; and Women and Gender Studies.

Candidates must have a PhD (or equivalent), a proven record of scholarship, experience with multidisciplinary research, and strong teaching experience. Additional qualifications for those applying at the Associate or Full Professor level include experience leading research projects and working with graduate students. Experience developing new curricula is an asset. Rank and salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Evidence of excellence in teaching and research is necessary.

Faculty website: http://www.ischool.utoronto.ca

Faculty academic plan:  http://www.ischool.utoronto.ca/images/documents/about/fisacademicplan.pdf

Applicants should send curriculum vitae, teaching dossier, copies of three representative papers/publications, a statement outlining current and future research interests, and a list of three references to the address below. (Applicants at the Assistant Professor level should arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent, under separate cover, to the same address.)

Application deadline is January 31, 2010 but the search will remain open until the position is filled.

We strongly encourage you to submit your application online by clicking on the following link:
https://utoronto.taleo.net/careersection/10050/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=0901099

If you are unable to apply online, please submit your application and other materials to the following address:

Submissions: areti.vourinaris@utoronto.ca
Inquiries: h.macneil@utoronto.ca

ODAI is charged with developing a digital information management strategy for Yale and building digital collections and technical infrastructure in a coordinated and collaborative manner across the entire campus.  Programs include the development and deployment of large-scale digital asset management systems, long-term preservation repositories for Yale digital content in all formats, cross-collection search capabilities to enable discovery of collections hosted by numerous departments, and many other innovative initiatives (see the ODAI web site for further information: http://odai.research.yale.edu/).

Interested candidates may apply via STARS, Yale’s recruitment gateway:  http://www.yale.edu/hronline/stars/application/ .

Reports to the Corporate Risk and Compliance Director

Job Responsibilities:
• Develop, implement and oversee a global strategic records management program that ensures compliance with Canadian federal, Ontario provincial and local legislation, corporate policy and procedures and financial and regulatory accountabilities.
• Lead the implementation and enforcement of corporate-wide records policies applicable to all locations and involving records in both paper and electronic formats.
• Coordinate and manage onsite and offsite record storage.
• Maintain records management policy and procedures, corporate classification and records retention schedule.
• Coordinate management of records resulting from Acquisitions, Licensing agreements or Corporate Dispositions.
• Develop and lead record officers to assist with the deployment of the Corporate Records Program.
• Update records retention schedule, Records Management policy and procedures as required.
• Oversee implementing the Records Management program including implementation of Records Retention schedule
• Maintain effective enterprise-wide communication and training to coordinate the Records Management program on an ongoing basis.
• Coordinate with IT for implementation of an Electronic Records Management System

Job Requirements:
• BA in Business, Library, Information Science or related field, or related experience and training.
• Minimum of 7 years of Records Management experience, preferably with a multinational, public corporation.
• Superior oral and written communications. Ability to make presentations to internal groups.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of management
• Experience working in a regulated industry.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively. Some travel required.
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and Sharepoint
• Knowledge of manufacturing, and Good Manufacturing Practices
• References required.

To apply please submit resume and provide salary expectations to paula.lederman@imergeconsult.com before Dec. 18. 2009.

Paula Lederman, B.Sc., M.L.S., M.B.A. , ERM(m) IMERGE Consulting Inc. (Canada) www.imergeconsult.com

Colleagues,

I’m pleased to announce that, in an expansion of its Data Services unit, the Cornell Institute for Social and Economic Research (CISER) is seeking to hire a Research Data Management Librarian. This position represents an exciting opportunity for an innovative, collaborative, and service-oriented professional to help build an exemplary university-based environment for social science research data management. Full details on this new position are available at: http://ciser.cornell.edu

Bill

–
William C. Block
Director, Cornell Institute for Social and Economic Research
Executive Director, Cornell Census Research Data Center