Full-time Library Assistant

About University Canada West 

University Canada West is a business and technology focused, independent post-secondary institution. Our mission is to deliver programs that provide students with the applied and theoretical basis for success in the workplace and future academic endeavors. If you are a Library Technician with a strong record of excellent public service, we look forward to hearing from you! 

Reporting to the Library Manager, the Library Assistant will provide circulation services, answer basic reference inquiries, and a broad range of front-line support. They will work alongside other Library Assistants, full-time Librarians, part-time librarians, and UCW Student Assistants. Our campus is open 7 days a week and the role may be asked to work evenings and weekends as operationally needed.  

Specific Activities and Responsibilities 

 Library Assistants are key members of the Library team and act as the first point of contact for student inquiries related to front desk support, circulation, and simple reference transactions. Additional duties may include cataloguing, managing circulation fines, supporting Interlibrary Loans, updating and maintaining web pages, supporting librarians with institutional repository management, and other duties (according to the library’s needs and the successful candidate’s interests). 

• Front desk support: Support patrons in using library resources and answer inquiries in a timely and friendly manner. These inquiries are mostly ready-reference questions, but for most of the students this is the first point of contact with a Canadian academic library, therefore handling these interactions with the utmost professionalism and care is paramount. Library Assistants also provide circulation services and help manage the library’s small print collection, including library equipment. 

• Special projects: under the supervision of one of the Librarians, the Library Assistant will work to enhance the library collection (special focus on cataloging and maintaining resources), support institutional repository metadata development and ingestions, and contribute to library programs and events. The successful candidate may also select other projects or areas of growth based on their own areas of interest. 

• The library assistant will play an essential role in ensuring that the day-to-day operations of the library are running smoothly. 

Position Requirements 

 Education and Experience:  

• Diploma from an ALA accredited 2-year Library Technician program is required; academic library experience preferred. 

• Knowledge of cataloguing and preference for candidates with original cataloguing experience. 

• Ability to see multiple tasks through completion with minimal supervision. 

• Experience working with international students. 

• Outstanding oral/written communication and interpersonal skills are imperative. 

• A strong commitment to public service. 

• Warm and calm demeanor. 

This position is open to candidates with up to 2 (two) years of experience. This position will require the successful candidate to work on campus with evening and weekend shifts as required. The annual salary range will be between $50,000-$60,000. 

 University Canada West is strongly committed to equity, diversity and inclusivity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ persons and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. 

 The University recognizes that applicants may have had obligations outside of work that have negatively impacted their record of achievements (e.g., parental, elder care and/or medical). You are not required to disclose these obligations in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, the University will ensure that these obligations do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position. If you require any accommodation at any point during the application and hiring process, please include this note in your application. 

 Together, UCW and its staff strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.  We are privileged to do this work on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh (Squamish) and Sel̓íl̓witulh/səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We thank them for having cared for this land since time immemorial, honour their graciousness to the students who seek knowledge here and iterate our dedication to valuing the ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples and communities.