PART-TIME LIBRARY ASSISTANT

Huron University; London; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An innovative university is seeking a part-time Library Assistant to enhance the academic experience of students. This role involves delivering exceptional customer service, overseeing library operations, and providing reference assistance. Ideal candidates will be enrolled in a Master of Library and Information Science program and possess strong communication and organizational skills. Join a vibrant community committed to ethical leadership and community engagement, where your contributions will support a diverse and inclusive environment. This is a fantastic opportunity to grow your skills while making a positive impact in the academic world.

Qualifications

• Candidates should be enrolled in an MLIS program and have strong customer service experience.
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional customer service and assist library patrons with inquiries.
• Oversee library operations during assigned shifts and support team-based service delivery.

Skills

Customer Service

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Technology Familiarity

Education

Currently enrolled in MLIS program

Tools

Library Catalogues

Modern Operating Systems (iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows)

Job description

Huron is unique to post-secondary institutions in Canada. With the aim to redefine Liberal Arts education, Huron is creating a university experience unlike any other that prioritizes ethical leadership and community engagement, as much as the pursuit of academic achievement.

As the founding institution of Western University, since 1863, Huron has remained strategically small to best serve the needs of its students. We provide an elite, yet accessible education, because every student with the passion and work ethic to positively change our world deserves to access the knowledge to understand it and the skills to shape it. Huron’s mission is to develop Leaders with heart from all backgrounds and foster a vibrant and inclusive community and prepare students to be engaged citizens who transform the sectors they work within. Our commitment to providing the best possible Liberal Arts education means students have many unique opportunities to enrich their learning experiences.

SUMMARY

Huron Library strengthens and supports the academic pursuits of our University’s students and scholars. We deliver high-quality content and collections and user-centered services and spaces – be they physical or digital – that at once acknowledge our proud past while embracing our everchanging world.

Reporting to the Manager of User Services, the Library Assistant(s) will support Library operations.

Specifically, the Library Assistant will:

• Deliver exceptional customer service (i.e., sign-in and sign-out library materials, technologies; assist with and troubleshoot printing and technology; complete sales transactions; address library patrons’ questions and concerns promptly and professionally using established library and university policies and procedures);
• Independently oversee the Huron Library during assigned evening/weekend shifts (i.e., helping students, faculty, and staff at the Library’s main Service Desk; opening and closing the Library; monitoring tasks assigned to other part-time staff);
• Provide general reference assistance (ex. assisting patrons in navigating OMNI – library catalogue and databases).
• Participate in ongoing, situational-based conversations with Library and Learning team members to improve the quality of the library’s research help across the spectrum of LLS service points;
• Actively participate in, and contribute to, a team-based approach to service delivery (e.g., demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in shift-coverage, seeking out and offering support to peers, as required);
• Organize and arrange library materials;
• Other duties, including project work, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Suitable candidates will be currently enrolled in an MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science) program;
• Experience working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with customer service accountabilities;
• Demonstrated ability both to organize and to engage in multiple tasks with frequent interruptions;
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team of full, and part-time library staff;
• Ability to interact positively and professionally with all library patrons (e.g., students, faculty, and staff, as well as members of the wider campus, and London communities);
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills;
• Well-honed and developed interpersonal skills to represent Huron professionally;
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve effectively and use good judgement in all decisions;
• An open, inviting, and approachable personality that allows the opportunity to build meaningful, trusting relationships;
• Ability to work with diverse communities with respect, sensitivity, creativity, innovation, and cultural understanding;
• Comfort with technology and familiarity with modern operating systems (ex. iOS, Android, MacOS, and Windows); able to troubleshoot and offer technology guidance to library patrons.

This is a part-time contract opportunity expected to commence as soon as possible, ending April 30, 2025. Successful candidates should expect to be scheduled for 10-15 hours per week, with an hourly wage of $20/hr.

Huron seeks to hire one (1) part-time Library Assistant for the term of the contract. The successful candidate should expect to work evenings and weekends, with extended shifts during exam periods at Huron.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their application by Monday, December 2, at 11:59pm. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are submitted. Early application is encouraged. Letters of application, a current resume, including three references, should be submitted as one document (Word or PDF) in confidence to the Huron Library via email to [e-mail].

Huron values its place in an interconnected world and desires to reflect this value, acknowledging our responsibility to strive towards a diverse and equitable employment and educational environment that recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, especially those from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and others who may contribute to the diversification of ideas.

We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected to proceed in the competition will be contacted. Should you require accommodation in making an application, please contact Huron Human Resources by phone at 519-438-7224 or email at [e-mail].