Reference Specialist

Date Posted: 11/7/2024
Req ID: 40076
Faculty/Division: Library
Department: Music Library
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

About Us:
The University of Toronto Libraries system is the largest academic library in Canada and is consistently ranked in the top ten among academic research libraries in North America. The system consists of 40 libraries located on three university campuses: St. George, Mississauga, and Scarborough. This array of college libraries, special collections, and specialized libraries and information centres supports the teaching and research requirements of over 300 graduate programs, more than 70 professional programs, and about 700 undergraduate degree programs. In addition to more than 15 million volumes in 341 languages, the library system currently provides access to millions of electronic resources in various forms and over 31,000 linear metres of archival material. More than 150,000 new print volumes are acquired each year.

Your Opportunity:
The University of Toronto Music Library is located inside the Faculty of Music’s Edward Johnson Building, and contains the largest music research collection in Canada. We enjoy a friendly and respectful team atmosphere with a strong service orientation toward our musical community. As part of the central University of Toronto Libraries (UTL) system we build partnerships with colleagues to strengthen our print and digital collections, workflows, and services.

Reporting to the Head of the Music Library, the Reference Specialist provides reference services to library patrons, including faculty, staff, students and members of the external community. Responsibilities may include: assisting in collection maintenance and creation of reference tools; providing support to special collections; providing training to patrons or to other staff and/or providing administrative support to training activities; assisting with the creation, updating and distribution of library publications; booking material; cataloguing; and providing basic technical support for public workstations. May also perform a wide range of other duties and provide back-up for other staff.

Duties and Responsibilities will Include:

1. Reference Services: Assists patrons with selecting and using reference sources such as the library catalogue, as well as a wide range of online and print reference sources. Helps patrons understand library services, procedures and policies as well as the process of searching for information, or may make referrals. Provides leadership in enforcing regulations about appropriate conduct in the library. Services may be provided in person, by telephone, by letter or via e-mail.
2. Reference Collection Maintenance: May assist in maintenance of a collection. This may involve such activities as shelving/reshelving, shifting, reboxing/rewinding, basic splicing of damaged reels, record keeping, retrieving and taking items to storage; routine maintenance for microtext machines; processing and describing newly received items; preparing material for binding; bundling newspapers at the end of the year for storage; withdrawing items from the online catalogue; recommending items for weeding from collection; and occasionally suggesting materials for acquisition.
3. Training Activities: May deliver in-class or one-on-one instruction in using the library catalogue, basic web searching and finding journal articles. May train other staff who provide telephone information assistance.
4. Publications: May update and assist with creating instructional and departmental web pages, brochures and documentation. May create and post signage for a department/building.
5. Booking A/V Material: May arrange and reserve A/V materials for faculty, staff and students; may coordinate requests for A/V materials with classroom and equipment needs.
6. Cataloguing: May catalogue acquisitions, maintain bibliographic files, provide information for labeling/shelving and contact the Cataloguing Department as required.
7. Other Duties: Provides back-up to librarians and other staff as required, and assists with a wide range of special projects. May also be required to: assign work to student assistants, serve on library committees and assist with committee projects; assist with preparations for exhibits and special events; and provide circulation desk services.

Required Qualifications

1. Formal Education: University graduation required; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Music degree preferred.
2. Experience: Minimum of two years related experience required; public service experience in an academic library and an advanced knowledge of the university library’s online catalogue required.
3. Skills: Working knowledge of word processing and e-mail software required; experience with spreadsheet software and web design preferred.
4. Other Skills: Experience working with music library special collections preferred; demonstrated commitment to the values of inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility.

NOTE: This position is 100% on-site at the Music Library and is not eligible for a hybrid work arrangement.

Closing Date: 11/22/2024, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: CUPE 1230
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: CUPE 1230 (4U) - Step 1: $74,384 - Step 2: $77,296 - Step 3: $80,345
Job Category: Library Services