Library Assistant, Public Services

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Saskatchewan Library invites applications for a Library Assistant, Public Services. This role provides high-quality client-focused library services to the USask community and external users, reporting to the Public Service supervisor.

Responsibilities include circulation operations, desk assistance, and ensuring a welcoming, responsive service aligned with the library's strategic framework. Strong communication and customer service skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Completion of a relevant post-secondary program plus minimum of one year's experience working in a library.
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications in a networked environment; experience with a library management system is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide circulation, reserves, serials and collections maintenance support.
• Assist at the Library Services desk with inquiries in person and by phone.
• Address client issues using established methods; refer complex situations to supervisor as needed.
• Complete opening and/or closing duties and assist in space upkeep and safety checks.
• Undertake short or long-term project work to support library priorities.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Organization

Problem solving

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Education

Post-secondary program

Tools

Microsoft Office

Library management system

Job description

Library Assistant, Public Services

As one of Canada’s leading research libraries, the University Library serves as the intellectual hub of USask, providing resources, services, and spaces that facilitate inquiry, discovery, and knowledge creation. The University Library is committed to developing welcoming, responsive, and accessible services and resources to support our diverse clientele, with a strategic focus on Indigenous peoples.

Primary Purpose: To provide high-quality client-focused library services to the USask community and to external users.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Public Service supervisor, this position provides effective and efficient client service in support of the operations and Strategic Framework of the University Library. Work is performed in a dynamic service-oriented environment with competing tasks and priorities. Duties are routine, involving knowledge and understanding of the resources and functions related to the University Library. The professional image of the library must be presented by interacting knowledgeably and courteously with a variety of people as this position is driven by high customer service standards. This role involves frequent interaction with library clients and employees, members of the public, and other university employees who provide services to the library. The work requires strong communication and customer service skills with emphasis on resolving customer needs. Work is performed independently with direct support from the supervisor. Judgment is exercised within established library policies, practices, and guidelines. The need to be flexible and meet a variety of service standards and expectations from clients and colleagues is required.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities

• Provide a range of operational support duties associated with the Public Service group (circulation services, course reserves, serials and collections maintenance, cash handling, etc.).
• Provide work-related guidance, support and direction to student and or/casuallibrary assistants.
• Complete all aspects of circulation of library materials (checkout, check-in, holds, shelving, processing library materials, filing, etc.).
• Provide excellent customer assistance and support at the Library Services desk; respond to general inquiries in-person and by telephone (directional questions; providing assistance in the use of library equipment; providing information on library policies and procedures; assisting patrons with website navigation; assessing information queries and referring appropriately).
• Address client issues and disputes using established methods and practices; refer complex situations to supervisor, as necessary.
• Ensure all work is conducted in compliance with Canadian Copyright Legislation and database licensing.
• Perform various tasks related to collection maintenance (shelving, shifting, inventory, processing library materials, etc.).
• Assist in the general upkeep, monitoring and maintenance of library spaces, report problems to Facilities as necessary.
• Complete opening and/or closing duties.
• Undertake short or long-term project work to support library priorities as determined by the supervisor and/or operations manager.

Education

Completion of a relevant post-secondary program plus minimum of one years' experience working in a library.

Experience

• Relevant library and public services experience would be considered an asset.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively and independently.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications in a networked environment.
• Experience with a library management system is considered an asset.

Skills

• Demonstrated ability to organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, work independently, use initiative, and effectively handle disruptions.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and use a variety of software.
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service in a positive, polite and professional manner.
• Demonstrated ability to use judgment and apply effective investigative, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication (consistently tactful, responsive, pleasant, effective, diplomatic and discrete).
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with others in a team environment.
• Demonstrated flexibility to adapt to change and engage and support others in the change process.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Reliable, dependable, and self-motivated.
• Possesses the physical ability to perform moderately heavy lifting.

Department: Library
State: Permanent
Employment Group: CUPE 1975
Shift: Tuesday to Friday, 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Saturday, 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $20.40 - 24.87 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Operational Services
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 8/5/2026
Closing Date: 8/11/2026 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.

We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.

The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us for assistance.