Library Assistant, Service Desk

at  Red Deer Polytechnic

POSITION SUMMARY

The Library Assistant, Service Desk is part of a larger team of service providers in the library that delivers welcoming, responsive and proactive library service, both in person and virtually, to RDP students, faculty, staff and the Central Alberta community.
Under the direction of the Library Coordinator, the Library Assistant, Service Desk, is responsible for providing a variety of responsive services to RDP students, faculty, staff, and members of the public. The incumbent’s main responsibilities include: the provision of patron and membership services, reference support, technology support and troubleshooting, and materials handling and collection maintenance support.
This position exists in a cross-trained learner-centered environment which provides resources, technology and support for creation, collaboration and lifelong learning. The integrated service model requires all employees to maintain the necessary skills to facilitate access to services, direct enquiries appropriately and engage students and other library patrons in their learning.
Library employees are committed to the library’s vision and teaching at the desk (TATD) philosophy, intellectual freedom and other key principles of librarianship, including upholding and modelling the Canadian Federation of Library Associations position statements on Intellectual Freedom and Diversity and Inclusion.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Two (2) years of post-secondary training, completion of a community college certificate including trades apprenticeships or equivalent. In what? Completion of an Information Management/Library Technician Diploma or a directly related diploma with significant course content focused on education, or two years of post-secondary from a recognized institution in any discipline.

Other Required Competencies:

• Experience using reference resources and processes at a post-secondary level, and a demonstrated ability to provide excellent reference and customer service.
• Experience using electronic resources and databases, computers, mobile devices and Microsoft Office, O365 and social software applications.
• Experience with one or more citation styles (APA, MLA, Chicago).
• Effective verbal and written communication, including interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and collaboratively within a changing, progressive, team-oriented environment.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and demonstration of effective judgment, problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Strong customer service orientation and strong self-motivation and initiative.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience working for Red Deer Polytechnic Library may be considered an asset.
• Experience using integrated library systems (ILS), preferably SIRSI, is an asset.

Responsibilities of the Library Assistant include:

• Deliver consistent, student and customer-focused Circulation & Patron Services to ensure these services meet the highest quality standards and adhere to RDP policies and Library procedures.
• Provide responsive and timely technology support and troubleshooting to contribute to the success of students and other library users and facilitate access to and use of library and RDP resources.
• Utilize the Teaching at the Desk Philosophy (TATD) to provide reference services and promote the development of digital and information literacy skills to empower students and other patrons to become independent and critical information seekers and consumers.
• Provide materials handling and collections maintenance to develop a broader knowledge of the RDP collections and connect collections with students and other library users in a timely fashion.
• Contribute to individual and Divisional success so we are nimble and adapt to evolving technologies and trends and the changing needs of students and other library users.