Library Assistant - Access Services

Ontario University Athletics; Guelph; On-site; CAD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Guelph's Library Learning and Curriculum Support team seeks an Access Services Assistant for temporary full-time coverage. You will assist patrons, teach resource use, and manage Interlibrary Loan in a fast-paced frontline setting.

The position requires a two-year Library Technician Diploma and strong digital and communication skills. Applicants should value equity, inclusion and accessibility, and be able to work days, evenings, late nights or weekends.

Qualifications

• Two-year Library Technician Diploma and at least 6 months library work experience.
• Advanced digital fluency with library systems, e-learning tech and content management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to handle pressure with tact.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Provide patron services and instruction on library resources and policies.
• Oversee Resource Sharing and Interlibrary Loan activities for the community.
• Collaborate with staff and train student library assistants in frontline service.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Digital fluency

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Library Technician Diploma

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Tools

Alma LSP

Job description

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Primary Category Page: Staff and Management

Division: Associate University Librarian Academic

Requisition ID: 2749

Department:Library Learning and Curriculum Support
Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

Temporary full-time from 09/18/2026to08/13/2027

Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent

General Purpose

As part of the Learning & Curriculum Support team, Access Services develops and implements services that connect library users with experts, collections, technology, and spaces to help users study, engage in research, learn and explore. We do this by providing timely, proactive patron services in Circulation, Research Help, Interlibrary Loan services, and Stack Maintenance.

As members of the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) network and partner in the shared OMNI discovery system with other Ontario universities, the Access Services Assistant uses a shared library catalogue and patron database to assist faculty, students, staff and researchers. They provide immediate instruction and support to patrons accessing and using library resources and services in-person, by phone, by email, and by chat. Access Services Assistants are also responsible for all aspects of Resource Sharing and Interlibrary Loan for the University of Guelph community. This position is a member of a team of staff that provides services at the Library’s Ask Us Desk during days, evenings, late nights and weekends. Team members are expected to perform a variety of duties in a fast-paced, frontline service environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Access Services Assistant reports to the Manager, Access Services, and is responsible for the following:

• Patron services and instruction on library resources including communicating and enforcing library policies, instructing students on finding research resources, creating and managing patron accounts, troubleshooting technology and access issues, ensuring confidentiality and privacy for Library users, and referring library users to specialized supports based on their needs.
• Resource Sharing and Interlibrary Loan services including assessing requests for copyright compliance, creating AODA compliant digital documents, fulfilling requests, and liaising with partner libraries.
• Team collaboration and student staff training support including attending and participating in team and library meetings, serving on committees, assisting supervisory staff to train and guide student library assistants, and offering peer support to fellow Access Services Assistants in the performance of their work.

Requirements

Two (2) year Library Technician Diploma and at least 6 (six) months relevant library work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Advanced digital fluency, including proficiency in library systems, e-learning technologies and content management platforms as well as an ability to create, edit and manage online documents and files. Outstanding customer service ethic and proven customer service skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to build positive relationships with stakeholders and to exercise empathy, diplomacy and tact while working under pressure. Strong self-motivation and dependability. Ability to work independently and in teams. Strong information organization and retrieval skills. Demonstrated problem-solving ability and willingness to take initiative in a service environment. Awareness of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility principles in service delivery. Strong understanding of the academic environment and library user services.

Preferred Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in any subject. Evidence of education or experience in library user services, interlibrary loan, copyright, records management training and/or certificate.

Evidence of training or experience in the Alma LSP environment.

Employee Type: Temporary covering regular incumbent
Position Number:10400089
Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary:Band 4

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date:08/17/2026
Closing Date:08/23/2026