Library Assistant, Public Services

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 of moderate complexity, involving 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 work requires strong communication and customer service skills with emphasis on resolving customer needs. Independence and judgement are exercised by applying sound working knowledge and skills within established guidelines. Work is performed with minimal supervision, with oversight and guidance from the supervisor and through established library policies and practices. Self-review of work performance, to ensure that outcomes are achieved, is an expectation of the role. 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 or Accountabilities:

• Actively participate in workflow and activities related to the Public Services group, and the day-to-day operations of the library, 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. Provide work-related guidance, support and direction to other employees as needed.
• Complete all aspects of circulation of library materials (checkout, check-in, holds, etc.).
• Provide excellent customer assistance and support; address client issues and disputes using established methods and practices, referring complex situations to the supervisor, as necessary.
• Provides information assistance at the general/directional level
• Digitizes previously selected materials, including books, photographs, and archival documents, and describes the digitized material according to established metadata standards
• Perform various tasks related to collection maintenance (shelving, minor shifting, inventory, processing library materials, etc.).
• Communicate policies, procedures and practices, as directed by the supervisor.
• Ensure all work is conducted in compliance with Canadian Copyright Legislation and database licensing
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, units, faculty, the broader campus community, and external service partners and providers.
• Participate in working groups and committees as required.
• Undertake short or long-term project work to support library priorities as determined by the supervisor and/or operations manager.
• Assist in the general upkeep, monitoring and maintenance of library spaces, reporting problems to Facilities as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education: Library Technician Diploma or an undergraduate degree plus minimum of one years' experience working within a library or archives. A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience:

• Experience working in a library would be considered an asset
• Relevant public or customer service experience considered an asset
• Experience with an Integrated Library System would be an asset

Skills:

• Effective and flexible interpersonal skills, written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Demonstrated proficiency with relevant Integrated Library Services modules, including circulation, library databases, and/or other online information sites, such as library websites
• Demonstrated ability to learn and use a variety of software; ability to learn and apply knowledge of digitization processes, standards, software and equipment
• Demonstrated flexibility to adapt to change; demonstrated ability to use judgement and apply effective analytical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, work independently, use initiative, and handle disruptions
• Possesses the physical ability to perform moderately heavy lifting.

Department: LibraryStatus: Term up to 18 months with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: CUPE 1975
Shift: Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with occasional evening and weekend shifts to meet operational needs, EDO every third week
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $22.74 - 27.69 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable):Operational Services
Salary Phase/Band:Phase 3
Posted Date: 8/12/2026
Closing Date: 9/9/2026 at 6:00 pm CSTNumber 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, pleasecontact us for assistance.