Library Assistant

University Canada West; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent post-secondary institution in Canada is seeking a Library Assistant to provide support for circulation services and respond to patron inquiries. The ideal candidate will have a diploma from an ALA accredited Library Technician program and strong communication skills. Experience in an academic library is preferred. This is a full-time, permanent position that requires the candidate to work onsite, including evenings and weekends as necessary.

Qualifications

• Ability to manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
• Strong commitment to public service.
• Experience working in an academic library preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide circulation services and assist patrons at the front desk.
• Support library collection enhancement under librarian supervision.
• Ensure smooth day-to-day operations of the library.

Skills

Outstanding oral/written communication

Interpersonal skills

Public service commitment

Education

Diploma from an ALA accredited 2-year Library Technician program

Job description

Employment Category: Full-Time, Permanent

Location: Vancouver, BC (Hybrid)

Reports To: Manager, Library and Learning Commons

Primary Purpose

University Canada West is a business and technology focused, independent post‑secondary institution. Our mission is to deliver programs that provide students with the applied and theoretical basis for success in the workplace and future academic endeavors. If you are a Library Technician with a strong record of excellent public service, we look forward to hearing from you!

Reporting to the Library Manager, the Library Assistant will provide circulation services, answer basic reference inquiries, and a broad range of front‑line support. They will work alongside other Library Assistants, full‑time Librarians, part‑time librarians, and UCW Student Assistants. Our campus is open 7 days a week and the role may be asked to work evenings and weekends as operationally needed.

Specific Responsibilities

• Front desk support : Support patrons in using library resources and answer inquiries in a timely and friendly manner. These inquiries are mostly ready‑reference questions, but for most of the students this is the first point of contact with a Canadian academic library, therefore handling these interactions with the utmost professionalism and care is paramount. Library Assistants also provide circulation services and help manage the library’s small print collection, including library equipment.
• Special projects : Under the supervision of one of the Librarians, the Library Assistant will work to enhance the library collection (special focus on cataloging and maintaining resources), support institutional repository metadata development and ingestions, and contribute to library programs and events. The successful candidate may also select other projects or areas of growth based on their own areas of interest.
• The library assistant will play an essential role in ensuring that the day‑to‑day operations of the library are running smoothly.

Position Requirements

• Ability to see multiple tasks through completion with minimal supervision.
• Outstanding oral/written communication and interpersonal skills are imperative.
• A strong commitment to public service.
• Warm and calm demeanor.

Education And Experience

• Diploma from an ALA accredited 2‑year Library Technician program is required; academic library experience preferred.
• Knowledge of cataloguing and preference for candidates with original cataloguing experience.
• Experience working with international students.

This position is open to candidates with up to 2 (two) years of experience. This position will require the successful candidate to work on campus with evening and weekend shifts as required.