Job Summary
About the Library
Housed in the Riddell Library and Learning Centre, the University Library is an integral part of the MRU experience. The services, facilities, programming and expertise available in the Library support innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship across campus.
The Library includes the Archives and Special Collections, and specialized and technology-enriched teaching and learning spaces, including information literacy classrooms, a Maker Studio, audio production rooms, and a range of visualization, simulation, and immersive spaces. The Library team consists of approximately 60 employees. The Library values a healthy inclusive workplace, encourages a culture of innovation and teamwork, and provides support for professional development.
About the Role
Reporting to the Manager, Collections & Content, the Collections Services Technician (Replacement term to December 23, 2025) is responsible for acquisitions, cataloguing, and metadata functions within the Collections Services unit. They play a vital role in the mission of the Library, helping to ensure that materials needed to support university programming are ordered and received in a timely manner and made findable and accessible for those who need them. The successful candidate will have a collaborative and user focused approach to library collections work and will actively support and contribute to MRU Library’s ongoing efforts towards Indigenous reconciliation and diversity, equity, justice, inclusion and accessibility. This position is full-time (35 hours per week on-campus, working Monday to Friday).
Responsibilities:
-
Order Processing: Processes orders supporting various purchasing models (e.g., one-time, subscription, patron-driven) using ILS and acquisitions tools, and reconciles invoices and credit card statements to ensure accurate and timely payments.
-
Resource Access & Coordination: Assists with maintaining electronic resource access, verifies entitlement lists, and coordinates with subject selectors and vendors.
-
Workflow Optimization: Adopts new tools and methods and optimizes ALMA LSP functionality to improve acquisitions processes.
-
Cataloguing: Catalogues and classifies a variety of materials, applying national, international, and local standards (including MARC and RDA) to ensure accurate and accessible records.
-
Inclusive Practices: Applies critical and inclusive cataloguing principles to enhance user access and address representation in metadata.
-
Metadata Management: Utilizes knowledge of bibliographic records, subject headings, and metadata management tools (including MarcEdit and Alma Metadata Editor) to manage local and shared records, enhancing resource discoverability.
-
User Assistance: Deliver point of need services to Library users at the Service Desk or through chat/email to facilitate the use of library resources
Qualifications and Skills:
-
Library Information Technology diploma required; MLIS or bachelor's degree an asset.
-
Knowledge of acquisitions and access models (e.g., approval plans, firm orders, subscriptions, open access).
-
Familiarity with library ordering systems (e.g., GOBI) or online bookstores (e.g., Amazon).
-
Familiarity with recording of financial information and reconciling statements and invoices
-
Strong knowledge of cataloguing principles and standards for bibliographic records (eg MARC, RDA, LCC), inclusive cataloguing and metadata management practices, as well as experience with original or copy cataloguing.
-
Industry knowledge of current and emerging metadata standards (e.g., Dublin Core, OAI, MODS, BIBFRAME, linked data), integrated library systems, electronic acquisitions processes, and resource management processes.
-
Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with high accuracy.
-
Comfortable with spreadsheet and office software for workflow management (eg. Google Workspace, Microsoft suite)
-
Understanding of and familiarity with the post-secondary environment and the needs of academic Library users.
-
Strong written and oral communication.
Previous work experience in academic libraries, preferably in collections, experience with Alma LSP, Primo discovery layer, GOBI, MARCEdit, OpenRefine, or Springshare products, and experience in managing electronic resources and/or an understanding of trends in electronic resource management are assets. Experience in a public-facing customer service role is also an asset.