Library Technician, Access Services

Algoma University is committed to undoing systemic and institutional discrimination and being
publicly transparent and accountable. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our
Special Mission. In keeping with the Seven Grandfather teachings that are the core values that
inform our decisions as an institution, we are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive,
respectful, and safe environment where everyone belongs. We live these values through the
strength and richness that diversity brings to our workforce and welcome contributors from
equity-deserving groups including: Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women,
Persons with Disabilities, 2 Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer persons.

Job Title:

Library Technician, Access Services
Staff Bargaining Unit

Position Status:

Part-Time, (evenings and weekends) OSSTF

Department:

Wishart Library

Supervision Received:

University Librarian

Supervision Exercised:

Student Assistants, Co-op Students, Interns

Location:

Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Number of Positions:

2

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:

1. Customer Service & User Experience 40%
2. Resource Sharing 30%
3. Library Administration 20%
4. Other Duties 10%

Reporting to the University Librarian, the Library Technician, Access Services is part of the Access Services team, and is responsible for providing assistance to faculty, staff, students, and community users to ensure excellence in service, mentoring, and training, and performs all functions related to the circulation of library materials and services. The Library Technician will possess leadership skills, the ability to respond flexibly to a changing, technology-oriented work environment, innovativeness, and communication and technological skills. The position also requires the ability to problem solve within clear but substantial diversified procedures, with precedents covering many citations, requiring the incumbent to search for solutions in differing situations. The incumbent will work evenings and weekends in order to provide consistent and quality service during all times of library operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Customer Service & User Experience (40%)

• Provide friendly assistance to faculty, staff, students, and community in using library services, including referring to reference services, and ensure the library is a welcoming environment, with user-centered services.
• Process and make available faculty requests for reserve books and readings.
• Create and maintain a manual of circulation policies and procedures.
• Work with the e-Services Librarian to improve and implement Access Services policy changes in the integrated library system.
• Maintain continuing technology and software.

B. Resource Sharing (30%)

• Discuss, clarify, and research client requests for information, considering location, extraction, and evaluation of data from a variety of databases and external library systems, including overlaps between databases and changing terminology in the field.
• Ensure efficient and appropriate follow-up with clients concerning their requests.
• Authorize and perform administration and maintenance of interlibrary loan requests from faculty, staff, students, and registered readers.
• Recommend and implement the adaptation of internal procedures to meet client information requests.
• Work with members of the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) and Scholar’s Portal at the University of Toronto, as required.

C. Library Administration (20%)

• Assist in training staff and student assistants, as required.
• Respond to problems, complaints, and other diverse situations that arise and require professional judgment.
• Assist in monitoring the limited access areas within the Library, as well as instructional areas.
• Manage collections and claims for lost and overdue material according to policies, procedures, and standards.
• Prepare reports to notify the University Librarian of issues in the collections portfolio.
• Receive, process, and make available faculty members’ requests for reserve books and readings in a timely fashion.
• Replenish photocopy supplies for the Library from the Innovation & Technology department, as required.
• Coordinate with Physical Plant staff to ensure the Library environment is clean and safe.

D. Other Duties (10%)

Other duties, as assigned by the University Librarian.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Effort: Moderate - Lifting and moving objects (up to 35lbs) on a regular basis; shifting and rearranging library materials (lifting, stretching, climbing, and bending); standing for long periods of time; frequent stair climbing; frequent and repetitive use of motor skills.

Physical Environment: Minimal - Minimal exposure to unpleasant/disagreeable conditions.

Sensory Attention: Moderate - Need for detailed/precise work to be completed while accommodating frequent interruptions by library staff, patrons, faculty, and students.

Mental Stress: Moderate - Work activities are performed with occasional exposure to one or more mental pressures where the stress could be noticeably disruptive to work and/or result in unpleasant reaction; occasional requirement to assist upset or distressed patrons; required to work evenings and weekends.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree in any field, a Colleges of Applied Arts & Technology (CAAT) Library Technician diploma, and a minimum of two (2) years of experience in a library setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.
• The ability to work evening and weekend shifts is required.
• Experience working in an automated environment, preferably with an integrated library system, is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of AACR2r, MARC21 coding, and the Library of Congress Classification System is considered an asset.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, and the ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds, styles, and abilities.
• Excellent use of technology for collaboration.

Salary Scale:

$52,810 to $66,012 annually.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter Career Centre | Recruitment no later than 4:00 p.m. on May 6, 2025.

Algoma University is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our community and is an equal-opportunity employer. The university invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals who would contribute to the further diversification of our Institution, including equity-deserving groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment (Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQQIPA+ persons).

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, upon request, accommodation will be provided by Algoma University throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.