Library Assistant (User Services)

at  Western University

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.

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.

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

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.