Full-time Library Services Cataloguer/Bookseller

We are looking for a full-time (35-40h/week) librarian or library tech for MARC/processing work and book sales. This position will split the work week between in-store and remote work.

Background

The Beguiling is an independent comic shop in Toronto (est 1987) with an extensive selection of comics, manga, graphic novels, bandes dessinées and more. In addition to the retail store, The Beguiling has had a Library Services business for over 20 years that works to build collections for a variety of customers from schools and public libraries to universities, colleges and special collections Canada-wide and beyond!

Candidate Criteria

Applicants should have at least a general knowledge of the comics landscape, and be able to talk about what kinds of comics they’ve read and enjoyed. We are looking for candidates who have the ability to be both detail-oriented in their work and also have highly effective communication skills.

The ideal candidate would have:

• at least a year of experience making and customizing MARCs and processing books;
• some sales or client-facing experience from working in a book store, comic shop, library, or other retail or book-industry setting;
• the ability to split the work week between in-store and remote work
• the ability to stay focused in a busy environment.

While knowledge of MARC creation and customization is a must for this position, we’re open to hearing from candidates at different stages in their careers.

Library Processing work includes:

• Creating and/or customizing original MARC records for a number of our public library accounts
  • Knowledge of RDA conventions is a requirement
  • Knowledge of MARC Edit is an asset
• Performing processing tasks for a number of our public library accounts including barcoding, stickering, stamping, wrapping books, etc
• Working closely with our Collection Development Specialist to ensure Automatic Release Program (ARP) orders are co-ordinated and on-schedule
• Keeping to deadlines so as to keep Automatic Release Program (ARP) orders flowing out to public library customers on-schedule
• Ability to adequately research and assess titles being worked on so that MARC records are up-to-date and accurate
• Ability to work remotely and keep on top of deadlines and tasks is a must

Bookselling work includes:

• Learning about and keeping up with current titles and trends in comics
• Using computers to assist in sales, including using our inventory management/POS system and producing invoices for customers
• Assisting librarians, teachers, teacher-librarians, and other institutional purchasers with collection development and purchasing in-store and at offsite events
• Assisting with set-up and sales at seasonal, off-site library fairs
• Occasionally assisting with events, promotions, and other special activities in the shop and off-site
• Occasional general retail sales in-store

Requirements:

• Qualified as a Library Technician or Librarian (MLIS)
• Knowledge of RDA conventions
• Some experience in a customer- or public-facing role
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work both remotely and in-store
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities
• Weekend availability
• Knowledge of comics/book industry
• Ability to lift and carry boxes of books weighing up to 50lbs

Assets:

• Ontario G driver’s license
• Experience working in/with schools and/or libraries
• Familiarity with Excel, Photoshop and Bookmanager
• Ability to speak/read/write/understand French or Japanese

About our workplace:

• We are a Queer-friendly workplace and have many staff who call the LGBTQ+ umbrella home! We welcome everyone who can respect a Queer-positive environment.
• As a business, we do not use nor do we condone the use of Generative AI in our work and are looking for candidates who will not use Generative AI in their work.
• We are a COVID-conscious workplace where all staff and customers are required to wear a surgical/respirator face-mask at all times.
• We’re a flexible workplace and believe in good work-life balance. We offer health/dental benefits after three months for employees who work more than 20 hours/week, an employee discount, and a handful of other nice perks.