Library Assistant

SFU group; Burnaby; Hybrid; CAD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CUPE Local 3338 benefits

Hybrid-work program

Pay in lieu of benefits (14–20%)

Job summary

Simon Fraser University is seeking a Library Access Services role within SFU Library to manage loans, returns, and course reserves, while maintaining patron privacy and handling inquiries. The position also involves shelving, staff supervision, and procedural reviews in a dynamic, diverse team environment.

The assignment runs through February 28, 2027, with hours Tue-Fri 8:45am-4:15pm and Sat 9:45am-5:15pm. CUPE Local 3338 benefits apply, with a hybrid-work option for eligible positions.

Qualifications

• 40 wpm typing with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to use word processing and database applications (e.g. Microsoft Word, Outlook) at a basic level.
• Good knowledge of Library of Congress classification system.
• Good knowledge of Library Loans procedures and terminology.
• Basic knowledge of general Library procedures and terminology.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Good intercultural communication skills.
• Good organizational skills.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to work as a member of a diverse, inclusive team.
• Ability to assign work to other positions.
• Ability to complete high volume of work within deadlines.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to maintain records with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to handle financial transactions (e.g. provide monetary change, use debit/credit card machines).
• Ability to perform repetitive movements for sustained periods of time.
• Ability to push heavily loaded book trucks.
• Ability to climb, bend, reach, and stand for sustained periods of time.
• Ability to work weekends and/or evening hours.

Responsibilities

• Record loans and returns of Library circulating materials.
• Process reserve course requests.
• Maintain on-line patron fine suspension records.
• Respond to patron queries in person and by phone.
• Collect, file, discharge, sort and shelve in-house books and materials.
• Assist with directing and coordinating the work of temporary staff.
• Train and assign work to staff; review procedures; investigate violations of library security.
• Assist in evacuating the building during emergencies.

Skills

Typing 40 wpm

Word processing basics

Library classification knowledge

Library loans procedures

Communication skills

Intercultural communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Customer service

Teamwork

Record-keeping

Financial transactions handling

Independent work

Time management

Ability to work weekends/evenings

Tools

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Job description

Who We Are

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

The SFU Library's Access Services department is the Library's point of first contact with library patrons and also maintains and organizes the physical books and equipment for lending to students, faculty and staff. It is a large team of continuing staff as well as temporary student workers.

About the Role

Provides library loans services at SFU Library's Public Service Spaces by: recording loans and returns of Library circulating materials; processing reserve course requests; maintaining on-line patron fine suspension records; and, responding to patron phone and in person counter queries while continuously maintaining patron privacy and confidentiality. Provides library loans services in the Access Services Spaces and Stacks Maintenance by: collecting, filing, discharging, sorting and shelving in-house books and materials; and assisting with the direction and coordination of the work of temporary staff. Additionally, trains and assigns work to staff; assists in the review and revision of procedures; investigates violations of the library security systems; and helps to evacuate the building during emergencies.

Full Job Description

Qualifications

• 40 wpm typing with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to use word processing and database applications (e.g. Microsoft Word, Outlook) at a basic level.
• Good knowledge of Library of Congress classification system.
• Good knowledge of Library Loans procedures and terminology.
• Basic knowledge of general Library procedures and terminology.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Good intercultural communication skills.
• Good organizational skills.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to work as a member of a diverse, inclusive team.
• Ability to assign work to other positions.
• Ability to complete high volume of work within deadlines.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to maintain records with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to handle financial transactions (e.g. provide monetary change, use debit/credit card machines).
• Ability to perform repetitive movements for sustained periods of time.
• Ability to push heavily loaded book trucks.
• Ability to climb, bend, reach, and stand for sustained periods of time.
• Ability to work weekends and/or evening hours.

What We Offer

At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer temporary employees who belong in the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE Local 3338):

• An additional 14% pay in lieu of benefits
• After 4 consecutive months in the position, pay in lieu of benefits is increased to 20%
• Hybrid-work program for eligible positions

Additional Information

The assignment end date is February 28, 2027.

Days/hours of work are Tuesday to Friday 8:45am to 4:15pm, Saturday 9:45am to 5:15pm.

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.

We are committed to facilitating accessibility within our application and interview processes. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact [e-mail].