Casual Public Services Librarian

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.

Surrey Libraries invites applications for the positions of casual Public Services Librarians to provide technology help, information services, reader’s advisory, and programming to people of all ages, and assume responsibility as the person in charge when required. This position is responsible for the planning, organizing, leading, staffing, delivering and promoting of a range of public library services, in accordance with the Library’s vision, mission, values and strategic plan. The position coordinates and provides services related to a branch, community or department, providing assistance to the branch or department manager. The position may be assigned duties with an area of responsibility such as youth, information, digital or other services. Work is performed without direct supervision and with considerable independence of judgment and action within established policy. This position reports to the Manger, Training and Public Services.

Hours of work vary and availability to work evenings, weekends and peak vacation times (spring break, summer break, winter break and the days preceding/ following statutory holidays) is required. This is an on-call casual position, working up to 35 hours per week. Applicants must be willing to travel to all 10 branches.

Start date: May 2025

Students completing their MLIS in April 2025 are encouraged to apply.

Major Responsibilities and Duties

• Acts for the Branch/Department Manager when they are absent or unavailable to coordinate, direct and represent the branch/department.
• Directs the day-to-day activities and workflow of the branch/department. Assists in the day-to-day operation of the physical facility.
• Directs, supervises and co-ordinates employees reporting to this position.
• Administers and provides a broad range of public services in the branch and in the community.
• Develops and recommends policy, methods, procedures and practices for public services.
• Participates in the recruitment and training of employees reporting to this position. Reviews employee performance on a continuing basis and prepares appraisals. Recommends and ensures work standards are met.
• Participates in the planning, promoting, leading, delivery and evaluation of branch and system initiatives, services and programs.
• Publicly represents the library in various civic activities. Engages and liaises with community organizations in and out of branch to promote library use and increase community engagement.
• Manages and maintains library collections, including online resources.
• Leads or participates in committees and special projects as requested.
• Prepares reports, service plans, budgets, presentations and other documents as requested.
• Performs other related duties.

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills

• Master of Library Science degree from an accredited university program or equivalent.
• Minimum one year experience working in a library environment or equivalent public service experience.
• Knowledge of current trends and best practices in public library services in areas of responsibility such as youth, information, digital or other services.
• Excellent working knowledge of computer hardware and software applications, and online resources related to the work performed.
• Thorough understanding of library services, collections, technologies and resources.
• Ability to assess community interests and needs, and to plan services accordingly.
• Excellent skills in customer service, organization, communication, public speaking, and technology.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with colleagues, outside organizations and community partners.
• Ability to exercise discretion, problem solving and decision making under minimal direction.
• Demonstrated leadership competencies, including the ability to lead, coach, supervise and develop others.
• Ability to carry out job functions with flexibility, creativity, initiative, and accountability.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous development and growth.
• Basic budget management skills.
• Ability to work positively in a fast paced and stressful environment.
• Oral fluency in another language is an asset.
• Youth Services education and/or experience is an asset.

Rate of Pay: $38.00 - $45.31 per hour