Library Assistant, Reference and Resource Sharing

University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon
CAD 30,000 - 60,000
Job description

Library Assistant, Reference and Resource Sharing

As one of Canada’s leading research libraries, the University Library serves as the intellectual hub of USask, providing resources, services, and spaces that facilitate inquiry, discovery, and knowledge creation. The University Library is committed to developing welcoming, responsive, and accessible services and resources to support our diverse clientele, with a strategic focus on Indigenous peoples.

Primary Purpose: To provide high-quality client-focused library services to the USask community and to external users.
Nature of Work: Reporting to the Public Services supervisor, this position provides effective and efficient client service in support of the operations and Strategic Framework of the University Library. Work is performed in a dynamic service-oriented environment with competing tasks and priorities. Duties are varied with above average complexity, involving broad knowledge and understanding of the resources and functions related to the University Library. The professional image of the library must be presented by interacting knowledgeably and courteously with a variety of people as this position is driven by high customer service standards. This role involves frequent interaction with library clients and employees, members of the public, and other university employees who provide services to the library. The ability to work effectively and efficiently across the University Library, while balancing competing deadlines, priorities, and needs, is essential. The work requires a high level of attention to detail, sound judgement, and the ability to prioritize to ensure that performance standards and outcomes are achieved. Work is performed independently with oversight and guidance from the supervisor and through established library policies and practices. The need to be flexible in an evolving and innovative environment, while meeting a variety of service standards and expectations from clients and colleagues, is required.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

  • Actively participate in workflow and activities related to Reference and Resource Sharing and the day-to-day operations of the Murray library, to ensure the smooth and consistent delivery of services.
  • Work collectively with library assistants to determine daily operational priorities and timelines for completing work, and support others to meet those goals.
  • Provide evening and weekend support to other public services employees.
  • Ensure all work is conducted in compliance with Canadian copyright legislation.
  • Provide support for the creation, maintenance and updating of the library website and knowledge base articles.
  • Continually develop, revise and communicate procedures and practices related to Reference and Resource Sharing, in consultation with the supervisor.
  • Provide excellent customer assistance and support; address client issues and disputes, referring complex situations to the appropriate functional group supervisor, as necessary.
  • Provide excellent reference assistance to clients, referring difficult or complex questions to the liaison librarian.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues, units, faculty, the broader campus community, and external service partners and providers.
  • Undertake short or long-term project work to support University library priorities as determined by the supervisor and/or operations manager.
  • Assist in the general upkeep, monitoring and maintenance of library spaces, reporting problems to Facilities as necessary.
  • Participate in working groups and on committees as required.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Education: Library Technician Diploma is preferred; or undergraduate degree with minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience working within a library.

Experience:

  • Relevant library and public services experience.
  • Demonstrated experience working collaboratively and independently, coordinating workflows, balancing competing demands, using initiative, setting priorities and meeting deadlines.
  • Demonstrated familiarity with Interlibrary Loan & Document Delivery related software, programs, and equipment.
  • Experience working with automated interlibrary loans systems, in particular Relais and WorldShare ILL, is an asset.
  • Experience in the provision of reference services in a library setting.
  • Experience using an Integrated Library System.
  • Experience using Microsoft Office applications in a networked environment.

Skills:

  • Demonstrated ability to organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, work independently, use initiative, and effectively handle disruptions.
  • Demonstrated understanding of Interlibrary Loan protocols.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with the library website, library databases and information sources, other online information sources, the public catalogue, and relevant Integrated Library System modules.
  • Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service in a positive, polite and professional manner.
  • Demonstrated ability to use judgment and apply effective investigative, analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrated effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication (consistently tactful, responsive, pleasant, effective, diplomatic and discrete).
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with others in a team environment.
  • Demonstrated flexibility to adapt to change and engage and support others in the change process.
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated self-motivation, reliability and consistent attendance are required.

Department: Library
Status: Term up to October 14, 2025 with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent
Employment Group: CUPE 1975
Shift: Sundays 10 AM-6 PM, Mondays and Tuesdays 1-9 PM, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9 AM-5 PM (Sept-April); Sunday-Thursday 10 AM-6 PM (May-August)
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $23.35 - 30.61 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Operational Services
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 4
Posted Date: 1/2/2025
Closing Date: 1/15/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

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