Library Assistant, Circulation (part time)

Cape-Breton-University; Sydney; On-site; CAD 22,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Cape Breton University is seeking a part-time Library Assistant, Circulation (Sessional) to join the Department of Library and Cultural Resources. The role focuses on evening and weekend shifts, providing circulation services and supporting library operations for approximately one year.

The successful candidate will handle in-person and virtual circulation, assist with fines, holds, and curbside pickup, respond to inquiries, and support equipment booking and general library questions.

Qualifications

• Minimum six (6) months of experience in a public-facing role; library experience is an asset.
• Proficiency with Office 365 tools, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, and video conferencing.
• Comfort working with technology such as laptops, projectors, printers, and 3D equipment.
• Familiarity with Library Discovery Systems, web-based tools, and databases.
• Knowledge of library systems such as Alma is considered an asset.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality is essential.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a commitment to student success.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-person and virtual circulation services, including registering patrons, checking materials in and out, managing fines and holds, and facilitating curbside pickup.
• Respond to inquiries by phone and email, prepare correspondence and signage, and process transactions for overdue fines, lost items, and printing.
• Educate patrons about library services, support room and equipment booking, and offer guidance on general library and university questions.
• Provide technical support for library equipment such as 3D printers, scanners, photocopiers, microfilm readers, and the One Button Studio.
• Monitor account issues using the Integrated Library System and the university’s Student Information System.
• Overseeing student assistants, addressing patron concerns, and performing daily opening and closing procedures.
• Processing responsibilities include preparing newly acquired items for circulation, scanning barcodes, applying spine labels, and activating security features.
• May be assigned to participate in circulation team projects.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Organization

Teamwork

Tools

Office 365

Alma library system

Library Discovery Systems

3D printers

Printers

Projectors

Job description

Library Assistant, Circulation (part time)

Cape Breton University, 1250 Grand Lake Rd, Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada

Job Description

Posted Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 2:00 AM | Expires Friday, August 21, 2026 at 1:59 AM

Cape Breton University (CBU) is seeking applications for a limited-term, part-time Library Assistant, Circulation (Sessional) position within the Department of Library and Cultural Resources. The successful candidate will primarily work evening and weekend shifts during the regular academic year, from September through April, providing circulation services and supporting the library\'s operations for approximately one (1 ) year.

The CBU Library is the primary academic information resource for Cape Breton University. The Library promotes learning, supports teaching, and enhances scholarly, research and creative activities by building collections and providing expert services and innovative access to information.

The successful candidate will provide in-person and virtual circulation services, including registering patrons, checking materials in and out, managing fines and holds, and facilitating curbside pickup. They respond to inquiries by phone and email, prepare correspondence and signage, and process transactions for overdue fines, lost items, and printing. The role includes educating patrons about library services, supporting room and equipment booking, and offering guidance on general library and university questions.

The successful candidate will also provide technical support for library equipment such as 3D printers, scanners, photocopiers, microfilm readers, and the One Button Studio. They monitor account issues using both the Integrated Library System and the university’s Student Information System.

The role also involves overseeing student assistants, addressing patron concerns, and performing daily opening and closing procedures. Processing responsibilities include preparing newly acquired items for circulation, scanning barcodes, applying spine labels, and activating security features. The successful candidate may also be assigned to participate in circulation team projects.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Minimum six (6) months of experience in a public-facing role; library experience is an asset.
• Proficiency with Office 365 tools, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, and video conferencing.
• Comfort working with technology such as laptops, projectors, printers, and 3D equipment.
• Familiarity with Library Discovery Systems, web-based tools, and databases.
• Knowledge of library systems such as Alma is considered an asset.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality is essential.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a commitment to student success.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively under pressure.

Applications for the successful candidate will include a:

• cover letter describing the expertise of the applicant
• complete resume
• list of at least three references.

Please upload all required documents to Additional Documents if no designated area is listed. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Applications must be received by 11:00PM on August 20th, 2026.

The union affiliation of this position is with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3131. Salary level is Band A3.

Cape Breton University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, our faculty and its scholarship including, but not limited to, women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply but applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

CBU is committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and applicants are encouraged to self-identity if they are part of a marginalised community, or have experience working with Indigenous communities.

If we contact you for an interview and you are a person with a disability who requires technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance.

Cape Breton University, 1250 Grand Lake Rd, Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada