Job Title: Library Assistant (User Services)
Reference: 27371
Location: UWO Main Campus
Faculty/Unit: Western Libraries
Department: User Experience, Western Libraries
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Employee Group: UWO Staff Association
Appointment Type: Continuing
Appointment Status: Regular Full-Time

Classification & Regular Hours 

Hours per Week: 35 
Level: M 

Please note, multiple vacancies are available. Evening and/or weekend shifts are required of this role as part of the Library service model. 

About Western 

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the “Western Experience” – an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference. 

About Us 

Western Libraries provides the library and archival expertise and infrastructure – information resources, technology, people, and spaces – required to cultivate and mobilize knowledge, and accelerate excellence in teaching, research and scholarship. 

Responsibilities 

The Library Assistant (User Services) is often the first point of contact between a library user and Western Libraries services, facilities and collections. The Library Assistant (User Services) facilitates the seamless connection of library users to these services, facilities, and collections so that users can be successful in achieving their teaching, learning and research goals. The role will support the creation of tools and resources to support library users with accessing services, and will provide general orientation and instructional support to educate both library users and staff on new and existing library services and resources. In completing assigned work, the role performs duties that require frequent independent application of library principles and procedures, and may assist in coordinating the work of others, such as Library Assistant and Casual Assistant staff. 

Qualifications 

Education: 

– 3 year university bachelor’s degree 

Experience: 

– More than 1 year and up to and including 2 years’ experience working in an academic library setting, demonstrating library resources and services to individuals and groups 

– Experience providing reference services in an academic library setting, or similar 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

– Strong customer service orientation, with the ability to identify and understand customer needs, and provide appropriate solutions to meet these needs 

– Excellent oral and written communication skills to clearly express ideas in an objective manner, and adapt communication style to suit the situation and audience 

– Personable and courteous in working relationships with colleagues, students and the public

– Ability to interact professionally with students, staff, faculty, and other members of the University community

– Ability to organize, prioritize, and accomplish a variety of tasks in a fast-paced environment

– Intermediate computer skills using a variety of software, including Internet browsers, Microsoft Office Suite, content management software, and an integrated library services platform 

– Ability to use and demonstrate a variety of library resources, including the Library catalogue and online databases 

– Working knowledge of catalogue standards for bibliographic and item records for serials and monographs – Working knowledge of collections maintenance procedures and relevant classification systems, such as Library of Congress 

– Attention to detail and accuracy to ensure seamless access to Library materials 

– Strong fine motor skills to handle a variety of library materials 

– Library expertise including familiarity with Library of Congress classification system

– Ability to work within a flexible schedule (evening and weekend hours) to accommodate Western Libraries’ events and activities 

– For staff assigned to the Music Library: the ability to read music, understanding of musical terminology in common European languages, familiarity with instruments and ensembles in both classical and popular tradition and understanding of performance conventions. 

Union Statement 

Western welcomes applications from all qualified individuals; however, it is the university’s policy to give first consideration to all qualified UWOSA applicants. 

Western Values Diversity 

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression. 

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwo.ca or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note: 

Effective September 7, 2021, all employees and visitors to campus are required to comply with Western’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. 

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.