LIBRARIAN 1 – CHILDREN’S SERVICES - (2 POSITIONS)

We respectfully acknowledge that Burnaby Public Library is located on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) Peoples. Each Nation has distinct histories and distinct traditional territories that fully or partially encompass the city of Burnaby. We encourage you to learn more about the Host Nations whose ancestors have occupied and used these lands, including parts of present-day Burnaby, for thousands of years.

Burnaby is the third largest city in British Columbia, with excellent rapid transit links, significant parkland, and well-equipped recreational facilities. Our 250,000 residents speak 120 languages, and more than half of our culturally diverse population has a mother tongue other than English.

Our four libraries are important public spaces, meeting places and centres for discovery and dialogue, anchored by our broad and deep collections and our commitment to in-person service. Burnaby Public Library is changing to continue to meet the needs of our highly diverse community, with an increased emphasis on community-led approaches and connecting with people outside the library, a greater focus on digital literacy, and a commitment to upgrading and rethinking our public and staff spaces.

Position Title:        LIBRARIAN 1 – CHILDREN’S SERVICES - (2 POSITIONS)

Location:                BOB PRITTIE METROTOWN BRANCH

Status:                   REGULAR FULL-TIME (#1) & TEMPORARY FULL-TIME (#2)

Applicants are to indicate in which position they are interested in their cover letter.

Position Summary:

The Librarian 1 is part of a skilled and dedicated team of staff at the Bob Prittie Metrotown Library, working to deliver exceptional and responsive service to Burnaby’s diverse community. Reporting to the Librarian 2 – Public Service, this position will design and deliver information, reference, reader’s advisory, programming and community work with children and families through the lenses of equity, inclusion and anti-racism.  Spends approximately 40% of time doing direct public service.

This position will be responsible for community development with children and families for the southwest quadrant of Burnaby and may also be involved in some community work in the southeast quadrant.

Duties:

• Provide welcoming, inclusive service to patrons of all ages in Burnaby’s culturally diverse community.
• Assist in the management of BPL’s Children’s collections and help patrons to discover unique items through readers’ advisory, and online and in-branch promotion.
• Provide expert and personal reference and information services that connect patrons with the resources and information that they need. Assist patrons with technology and digital resources.
• Develop, plan and deliver children’s programming.
• Engage with community members to deepen BPL’s knowledge of our community, to identify barriers to library service, and to develop relevant and inclusive library services.
• Attend meetings, workshops, and other professional development activities related to the work.
• Act as Librarian-in-Charge when needed, which entails being responsible for library premises and supervision of other staff.

Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in librarianship.
• Demonstrated training, education or experience working with children, ideally in a public library context.
• Curiosity about the needs of library patrons and community members, and passion for delivering excellent customer service. Customer service experience is a definite asset.
• Knowledge of and enthusiasm for a range of library services, in particular children’s library services.
• Excellent communication skills, a collaborative approach to working with colleagues and community partners, and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• A commitment to apply principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism to the work.
• Sound judgement and good conflict management skills.
• A demonstrated connection to and knowledge of the cultural practices, languages, or histories of communities represented in the library’s service area.

Hours: 75 hours bi-weekly.

The 4-week schedule for these positions are listed below.

POSITION #1: RFT Position Schedule: 75 hours biweekly

Week 1: Mon: 9:00 – 5:50, Tues: 9:00-5:50, Weds: 9:00-5:50, Thurs: 11:25 – 8:15, Fri: OFF, Sat: OFF, Sun: 9:25 6:15

Week 2: Mon: 9:00 – 5:50, Tues: 9:00-5:50, Weds: 9:00-5:50, Thurs: 11:25 – 8:15, Fri: OFF, Sat: OFF, Sun: RDO

Week 3: Mon: 9:00 – 5:50, Tues: 9:00-5:50, Weds: 9:00-5:50, Thurs: 11:25 – 8:15, Fri: OFF, Sat: OFF, Sun: 9:25 6:15

Week 4: Mon: 9:00 – 5:50, Tues: 9:00-5:50, Weds: 9:00-5:50, Thurs: 11:25 – 8:15, Fri: OFF, Sat: OFF, Sun: RDO

POSITION #2: TFT Position Schedule: 75 hours biweekly

Temporary until approximately August 2027

Week 1: Mon: OFF, Tues: 11:25 – 8:15, Weds: 9:00 – 5:50, Thurs: 9:00 – 5:50, Fri: 9:25 – 6:15, Sat: RDO, Sun: OFF

Week 2: Mon: OFF, Tues: 11:25 – 8:15, Weds: 9:00 – 5:50, Thurs: 9:00 – 5:50, Fri: 9:00 – 5:50, Sat: 9:25 – 6:15, Sun: OFF

Week 3: Mon: OFF, Tues: 11:25 – 8:15, Weds: 9:00 – 5:50, Thurs: 9:00 – 5:50, Fri: 9:25 – 6:15, Sat: RDO, Sun: OFF

Week 4: Mon: OFF, Tues: 11:25 – 8:15, Weds: 9:00 – 5:50, Thurs: 9:00 – 5:50, Fri: 9:00 – 5:50, Sat: 9:25 – 6:15, Sun: OFF

Schedules are subject to change to meet operational needs. All staff may be asked to work in other locations at any time

We thank all applicants for their interest in Burnaby Public Library. We encourage you to apply even if you do not have all the qualifications we list here. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

BPL believes that diversifying our staff will make our organization better and more reflective of the community we serve. We encourage people of all gender identities and expressions, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, and life experiences to apply.