What is the job market for academic librarians at Canadian
universities for the short term (1-3 years)?

I have consulted a couple of graduate schools with MLIS programs
about this and have been told that the job market for MLIS graduates
generally is not bad, as long as one is not too picky about where they
want to work. I have not been able to find information about the academic
librarian field specifically. I am thinking of leaving my current job
to pursue an MLIS degree and would like to work in an academic
library. I currently work in the technology sector and am in my
mid-30s.

Thank you very much.

This doesn't exactly answer your question, but you might look at this website: 
http://www.lisjobs.com/jobs/index.asp. It's a list of job openings at
academic, public and corporate libraries, updated daily. Most of the
jobs are in the US, but they also list some Canadian postings, as well
as qualifications and salaries for most jobs.

I'm a current MLS student, and I'm using the site to gauge what areas
of librarianship are "hot", and the skills I'll need to acquire before
I graduate.

Good luck!

As an academic librarian myself, I can probably try answering part of
your question, but many factors must come into consideration for your
own outlook.

If you consult a website like JobFutures
(http://jobfutures.ca/noc/5111.shtml), you will find that librarians'
professional outlook is 'fair' for the next few years. This applies to
all librarians, regardless of whether they work in academic, public,
corporate libraries.

From my own experience, your chances of getting a job will depend on
your experience and background. Getting a part-time at the library
during your degree will make things easier for you after graduation,
as you will be first in line for any position opening. Without solid
experience, you will probably need to relocate or work in smaller
universities and get experience first.

Since you work in the technology sector, I believe your outlook will
be good. Do you have a degree in computer sciences? Would you consider
begin a systems librarian? Then you will have no problem. There is a
shortage of librarians with solid technical skills and this shortage
will continue for the next few years. This also applies to librarians
with a scientific background.

Job openings for librarians with a literature or social sciences
background are harder to secure and generally offer a lower salary,
since the pool of candidates is wider. This does not mean that they
are impossible to come across, but it will simply take you a few extra
months to get your first job.

I hope this will help you. And good luck!