Public Services Technician- Youth Services (Newton)

Surrey Libraries is an innovative and award-winning library system that provides a wide range of materials, programs, and information services to the community. We are a growing library system, recognized for our ability to respond creatively to our active and diverse community through outreach to community groups and partnerships with agencies. In addition to our collections, progressive use of technology and a wide variety of digital resources, we specialize in genealogical materials and multilingual collections in 16 languages. Our 10 branches, together with our website www.surreylibraries.ca and Mobile Library serves a population of more than 575,000.

There is an opening for the position of Public Services Technician –Youth Services at Newton Branch. This is a temporary full-time (35 hours per week) for up to 18 months with the possibility of extension.

The Public Services Technician – Youth Services performs a variety of duties related to providing exceptional customer service and children’s programming, to maintain efficient, welcoming and inclusive library operations. This position reports to the Public Services Librarian and is also accountable to the Branch Manager, Department Managers and Public Services Supervisor.

Major Responsibilities and Duties

• Answers general queries in the branch or community, assisting the public at the point of contact.
• Answers information services, reader’s advisory and other inquiries.
• Prepares and delivers a broad range of programming.
• Assists and instructs on use of and access to library resources, equipment and technologies. Performs troubleshooting.
• Engages and liaises with community organizations in and out of branch to promote library use and increase community engagement.
• Deals with member queries, completes registrations and resolves issues relating to accounts, programs and events.
• Maintains and updates specialized files and finding aids e.g., booklists, information sources, etc.
• Checks library materials in and out of the system, including using automated tools. Sorts, shelves and cleans library materials.
• Designs and prepares a variety of visual media e.g., displays, signage, etc., and promotes library services, initiatives and merchandise.
• Recommends materials for the library collection, including online resources.
• Prepares reports, statistics or other documents.
• Participates in collection maintenance duties, e.g. shelf reading and weeding.
• Keeps library in neat and orderly condition.
• Performs other related duties

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills

• Diploma in Library Technology from a recognized Library Technician’s program, or an equivalent combination of directly related work experience, training and courses.
• Accurate keyboarding speed of 35 words per minute.
• 1 to 2 years work experience in customer service.
• Knowledge of library resources and collections, as related to the work performed.
• Knowledge of current trends and best practices in public library services in areas of responsibility such as youth, information, digital or other services.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software applications, and online resources related to the work performed.
• Knowledge of programming techniques and materials.
• Knowledge of community needs.
• Excellent customer service skills including strong problem-solving skills required to interpret needs and offer solutions.
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills.
• Ability to learn new technologies, applications and software, processes and skills.
• Ability to complete monetary transactions.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with colleagues, outside organizations and community partners.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with other staff.
• Ability to meet physical demands of the work including safe handling of materials.
• Ability to work positively in a fast paced and challenging environment.
• Ability to work with flexibility, creativity, initiative, and accountability.
• Commitment to continuous development and growth.