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Library Assistant, Public Services at University of… · Saskatoon
Job Description
Library Assistant, Public Services
As one of Canada’s leading research libraries, the University Library serves as the intellectual hub of USask, providing resources, services, and spaces that facilitate inquiry, discovery, and knowledge creation. The University Library is committed to developing welcoming, responsive, and accessible services and resources to support our diverse clientele, with a strategic focus on Indigenous peoples.
Primary Purpose: To provide high-quality client-focused library services to the USask community and to external users.
Nature of Work: Reporting to the Public Services supervisor, this position provides effective and efficient client service in support of the operations and Strategic Framework of the University Library. Work is performed in a dynamic service-oriented environment with competing tasks and priorities. Duties are varied with above average complexity, involving broad knowledge and understanding of the resources and functions related to the University Library. The professional image of the library must be presented by interacting knowledgeably and courteously with a variety of people as this position is driven by high customer service standards. This role involves frequent interaction with library clients and employees, members of the public, and other university employees who provide services to the library. The ability to work effectively and efficiently across the University Library, while balancing competing deadlines, priorities, and needs, is essential. The work requires a high level of attention to detail, sound judgement, and the ability to prioritize to ensure that performance standards and outcomes are achieved. Work is performed independently with oversight and guidance from the supervisor and through established library policies and practices. The need to be flexible in an evolving and innovative environment, while meeting a variety of service standards and expectations from clients and colleagues, is required.
Typical Duties and Accountabilities:
- Actively participate in workflow and activities related to Public Services and to ensure the smooth and consistent delivery of services.
- Work collectively with library assistants to determine daily operational priorities and timelines for completing work, and support others to meet those goals.
- Develop, revise and communicate policies, procedures and practices related to Public Services, in consultation with the supervisor.
- Ensure all work is conducted in compliance with Canadian copyright legislation and database licensing.
- Provide excellent customer service and reference assistance to clients.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, units, faculty, the broader campus community, and external service partners and providers.
- Undertake short or long-term project work to support Public Services as determined by the supervisor or operations manager.
- Perform various tasks related to collection maintenance (shelving, shifting, inventory, processing library materials, etc.)
- Assist in the general upkeep, monitoring and maintenance of library spaces, reporting problems to Facilities as necessary.
- Address client issues and disputes, referring complex situations to the appropriate supervisor, as necessary.
- Participate in working groups and on committees as required.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education: Library Technician Diploma is preferred; or undergraduate degree with minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience working within a library.
Experience:
- Relevant library and public services experience
- Demonstrated experience working collaboratively and independently, coordinating workflows, balancing competing demands, using initiative, setting priorities and meeting deadlines.
- Experience in the provision of reference services in a library setting.
- Experience using an Integrated Library System.
- Experience using Microsoft Office applications in a networked environment.
Skills:
- Demonstrated ability to organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, work independently, use initiative, and effectively handle disruptions.
- Demonstrated proficiency with the library website, library databases and information sources, other online information sources, the public catalogue, and relevant Sierra modules.
- Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service in a positive, polite and professional manner
- Demonstrated ability to provide one-on-one or group assistance.
- Ability to conduct library tours, orientation sessions, presentations, and other events that may involve public speaking.
- Demonstrated ability to use judgment and apply effective investigative, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication (consistently tactful, responsive, pleasant, effective, diplomatic and discrete).
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with others in a team environment.
- Demonstrated flexibility to adapt to change and engage and support others in the change process.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Demonstrated self-motivation, reliability and consistent attendance are required.
- Possesses the physical ability to perform moderately heavy lifting.
Department: Library
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: CUPE 1975 - Restricted
Shift: Tuesday-Friday 1:00-9:00 pm, Saturday 10:00-6:00 pm
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $24.74 - 31.37 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Operational Services
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 4
Posted Date: 11/11/2026
Closing Date: 11/18/2026 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus
The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us for assistance.