Job Title Library Assistant (User Services)
Reference 36102
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 Term
Appointment Status Temporary Full-Time

Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 35 Salary Grade: Level N

Please note, this is a temporary full-time contract opportunity covering a secondment with an expected end date of December 19, 2025.

Secondments are Welcome

Click here for more details on secondment opportunities.

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

As the academic commons of Western University, 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 Western.

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. This role will support the creation of tools and resources to support library users with accessing services and will provide a range of orientation and instructional support, ranging from entry to advanced, to educate both library users and staff on new and existing library services and resources. In completing assigned work, the incumbent performs duties that require frequent independent application of library principles and procedures, and may assist in coordinating the work of others, such as Library Assistants, and supervises the work of Student Library Assistants and Work Study Students.

This role may receive on-site supervision from a User Services Manager and/or a Library Director, depending on the location of service delivery.

Qualifications

Education:

3 year University Bachelor’s Degree Experience:

3 years Experience working in an academic library or similar setting reference or informational services and demonstrating resources and services

3 years Experience providing customer service, issue resolution and cash handling and reconciliation Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of Western Libraries’ procedures and policies as they relate to circulation and the Access Code for Western Libraries preferred

Strong customer service orientation in supporting diverse users, with the ability to identify and understand information needs, library resources, and university services, and to 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

Ability to collaborate effectively with library staff from across Western Libraries to deliver programming and evaluate/report on methods for service development

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

Ability to interact professionally with diverse stakeholders including students, staff, faculty, community members, and library partners

Ability to organize, prioritize, and accomplish a variety of tasks in a fast-paced environment to monitor projects and complete duties

Ability and willingness to stay abreast of technological developments

Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals

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 general or subject-specific, specialized 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 from Western Libraries and global library partners

Strong fine motor skills to handle a variety of library materials

Library experience 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, understanding of performance conventions, and a basic understanding of musical eras and styles

Familiarity with Western policies and guidelines preferred

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 or phone 519- 661-2194.

Please Note:

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