Student Library Assistant at Brock University

St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

16 May, 26

Salary

17.6

Posted On

15 Feb, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Customer Service, Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Active Listening, Problem Solving, Time Management, Cash Handling, Point of Sale Software, Troubleshooting, Library Catalogue, Database Navigation, Microsoft Office, Confidentiality, Reliability, Flexibility, Attention To Detail

Industry

Higher Education

Description

Brock University is located on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Agreement. We are one of Canada’s outstanding comprehensive universities, where excellence and innovation thrive! Brock has been recognized as a Top Employer in Hamilton-Niagara for seven consecutive years. We have been ranked #3 as Canada’s Best Employers and top 10 as one of Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity. For 2025, Brock has been proudly recognized as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Company Culture, ranked seventh by Forbes in partnership with Statista. At Brock, you will find a welcoming, inclusive community and an exciting range of meaningful career opportunities. Ignite new possibilities for your career. Break through at Brock. Post End Date: March 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM This job advertisement is to fill an existing vacancy in the Part-Time Contract Positions (Employee Group) After successful completion of orientation and training, the Student Library Assistant provides assistance with the circulation of library materials; informational, directional, basic research assistance; and copying/printing services to Library/Learning Commons' users at the Ask Us desk. Depending on departmental needs, the incumbent may work a variety of days/shifts including day, evening, or weekend. There will be approximately 10-15 hours of work per week between August 24, 2026 and April 30, 2027. Shifts could start as early as 7:45AM or end as late as 11:15PM. Training shifts will be held during the weeks of August 24-September 4, 2026, will have different hours than regular set weekly shifts, and will work around availability. Responsibility 1: Front-desk services Act as the first point of contact for all users by responding to inquiries in-person, online, or by telephone at the Ask Us desk; Assist users in locating, using, and borrowing library material, including retrieval, distribution, check-out, check-in, shelving, and shelf-reading of material; Maintain and update patron system records accurately, including collecting payments (using point-of-sale software), and/or creating temporary user accounts for visitors; Explain and administer library policies in a firm but courteous manner; Provide support to users to operate equipment, such as computers/printers/ photocopiers, self-check machine; troubleshoot problems; refer to Library Systems and Technologies staff as necessary; Process photocopy requests; Accurately handle payments for fees/ fines, supplies, printing vouchers via cash, debit, and credit; Accurately handle payments using the Point of Sale System. Participate in relevant training opportunities; monitor and compose email correspondence; Circulate through the building as scheduled to record occupancy counts; to identify and report maintenance and security issues. Assist with the response to occasional building fire and security alarms and related building maintenance emergencies. Responsibility 2: Directional, informational and basic research help Provides basic reference or information service: giving general information about the catalogue and access to online databases and other Library and Learning Commons resources and services. Provides referrals to appropriate service points. Refers user to User Services & Engagement colleagues or Librarians for further assistance and instruction. Provides directional/reception service, responding to questions about internal library and university departments/locations. Collects user statistics, as necessary. Guides users in using the University's web pages (ex. registration, course software). Requires an ability to navigate the Library's and University's web pages and good communication skills to explain and demonstrate these functions. Provides technical assistance and learning support to users (ex. MyLibrary Account, reserves, room bookings). This may include workshops that are delivered in the Learning Commons classrooms. Promotes upcoming workshops and events of the Library/Learning Commons; Consults with colleagues, senior staff and/or immediate supervisor as necessary when unusual queries/issues arise. All other related duties as required and/or assigned by the Manager, User Services & Engagement. Job Qualifications: The position is open to currently registered full-time Brock University undergraduate students who have completed their first year. Certification (required by law): N/A Prior Work Experience: Previous experience in a peer-helping-peer role (e.g. SMART Start, Information Desk, Peer Assistant, Teaching Assistant, Residence Life Staff, Career Assistant, etc.) is preferred. Customer Service experience is required. Previous library experience would be an asset. Knowledge (specific skills): Familiarity with the Library catalogue, website, and electronic databases to which the library subscribes; Knowledge of and ability to provide basic information regarding the use of the Library/Learning Commons is an asset; Knowledge of the Library of Congress classification system; Understanding of and adherence to library policies, procedures, and best practices; Strong computer literacy and technical aptitude in order to assist users in navigating the university and library web pages, basic troubleshooting with equipment (laptops, photocopiers, desktop computers, projector), use of email and Microsoft Office; General working knowledge of the responsibilities of library departments and library staff, in addition to the services offered by Learning Commons' partners and other university units; Ability to count and handle cash; Working knowledge of circulation software functionalities, as well as circulation policies and procedures; Ability to learn independently and keep pace with the changing information environment; Ability to maintain confidentiality of patron information. Successful applicants must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills; Punctuality, excellent attendance, reliability and flexibility. Human Relation Skills: Strong customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills; Active listening, oral, and written communication and reference interview skills; Flexibility and sensitivity to meet the needs of a diverse user population; Ability to work independently and as part of a team; Demonstrate enthusiasm and a strong proactive commitment to customer service. Problem Solving, Analysis & Innovation: Strong problem solving skills; ability to use good judgement & discretion; Ability to organize work and establish priorities; Ability to remain focused and calm to resolve problems and defuse potential confrontation; Additional Information: Salary:17.60/hour 3 positions available We are committed to offering flexible work arrangements where possible as outlined in our Flexible Work Arrangement Policy. As a student-centered organization, all employees are required to work on campus as needed. Brock University is committed to creating a respectful and equitable workplace. We strive to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion in our work and learning environments. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and actively encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Indigenous Peoples, people who identify as Black, African and/or Caribbean, as racialized and/or as from ethnic and cultural minority groups, and other underrepresented demographic groups at Brock and in the Niagara region. Brock also recognizes intersectionality and the interconnected identities, histories, and experiences of these aforementioned groups. We are committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment, and we accommodate the needs of applicants throughout all stages of the recruitment process, as outlined in our Employment Accommodation Policy and consistent with the requirements of the Ontario Human Rights Code. Please contact talent@brocku.ca if you require a disability related accommodation so we can ensure your participation needs are met. Brock University does not use AI Technology at any stage of the recruitment process. We appreciate all applications received. Candidates that are selected for an interview will be contacted. Learn more about Brock University by visiting www.brocku.ca. Brock University is a comprehensive institution with rich academic programs and world-class research activity. Located in Ontario’s scenic Niagara region on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, Brock is situated in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. With nearly 600 full-time faculty members and researchers, Brock's robust academic scope offers more than 70 undergraduate programs and 50 graduate programs in seven dynamic Faculties. The University’s 19,000 students come from across Canada and around the world. Brock’s renowned student experience is enriched by an emphasis on experiential education, as illustrated by community partnerships, volunteerism and one of Ontario's largest and most successful co-op programs. Learn more at brocku.ca.

Responsibilities

The Student Library Assistant primarily handles front-desk services, acting as the first point of contact for users by responding to inquiries, assisting with circulation, maintaining patron records, and processing payments. They also provide directional, informational, and basic research help regarding library resources, databases, and equipment operation.