Systems Supervisor/ Librarian

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.

Burnaby Public Library (BPL) invites applications for the following positions. Forward your application, resume and cover letter in confidence to careers@bpl.bc.ca and quote competition 2026-08.

Position Title:        SYSTEMS SUPERVISOR/LIBRARIAN

Location:                BOB PRITTIE METROTOWN BRANCH

Status:                   TEMPORARY FULL-TIME (approx. 7 months)

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Director, Collections and Technology, you will be responsible for managing library technology projects and initiatives across Burnaby’s four library branches. You will lead a small team of library systems staff to assess and implement new systems and technologies, and manage and support existing technology, including the library’s integrated library system and discovery layer. You will also play a key role in supporting digital literacy, technology lending and other initiatives that advance the library’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan.

This is a temporary full-time position for an expected duration of 7 months, with the possibility of extension.

Duties:

• Performs technical, supervisory and professional work in managing the operation, development and maintenance of library systems, including the library’s integrated library system and discovery layer.
• Acts as a resource on matters related to technology, including on the acquisition, maintenance and troubleshooting of hardware and software.
• Identifies technology needs for the library system, prepares proposals and advises on the capabilities and benefits of specific hardware and software solutions. Set priorities, prepares short and long-term implementation plans and recommends budgets.
• Oversees the implementation of new or updated library systems. Schedules, develops and documents procedures and resolves problems as required. Oversees customization within systems and develops formats for reports, menus, records and files.
• Works collaboratively with colleagues at BPL and in the City of Burnaby to deliver on library strategic priorities and address community needs. Acts as a liaison between library staff, City of Burnaby IT staff and library vendors.
• Keeps up-to-date on developments in library technology. Provides advice, information, training and assistance to library staff in the use of library systems and technology.
• Plans, assigns and supervises the work of a small team of library systems support staff. Supports and motivates staff to develop, grow and stretch in an organizational culture that reflects BPL values and in a rapidly changing library environment.

Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in librarianship plus courses in computer science, considerable related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Curiosity about the needs of library patrons and community members and a passion for developing and delivering services that respond to those needs.
• Experience implementing and supporting an integrated library system and/or managing data in complex systems. Working knowledge of software applications needed to manage the ILS environment, including knowledge of SQL.
• Experience in a public library, and knowledge of public and technical services operations and cataloguing standards and formats, including MARC and RDA.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, a collaborative approach to working with colleagues, and the ability to interact professionally with a variety of internal and external contacts. Experience in training, customer support and writing technical documentation.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. Proven ability to manage multiple projects and assignments concurrently and effectively.
• A commitment to applying principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism to the work.
• 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 biweekly.

Evening and weekend work will be required. The 9-day fortnight schedule for this position is listed below.

Week 1: Mon: 8:00-4:50, Tues: 8:00-4:50, Weds: 8:00-4:50, Thurs: 8:00-4:50, Fri: 8:00-4:50, Sat: OFF, Sun: OFF

Week 2: Mon: 8:00-4:50, Tues: 8:00-4:50, Wed: 8:00-4:50, Thurs: 8:00-4:50, Fri: RDO, Sat: OFF, SUN: OFF

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

We encourage you to apply even if you do not have all the qualifications we list here.

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.