Virtual Reference Library jobs

Position Job Title: Library Assistant

Location: University of Niagara Falls Canada (FT 40 Hrs - Onsite)

Reports To: University Librarian

About The University Of Niagara Falls Canada
Innovation Flows Here.
Officially opening its doors in 2024, the University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF) is an innovative and digitally oriented institution that prepares graduates for leadership in the digital world. We believe in delivering programs that provide a direct pathway to meaningful careers in high-demand industries. UNF is part of the Global University Systems Canada group of institutions and Global University Systems, an international network of higher education institutions.

Our location
Our campus is located in historic downtown Niagara Falls. Beyond being Canada’s #1 travel destination, Niagara Falls is a small vibrant city that offers up a slice of metropolitan living at a different pace. From world-class dining and entertainment options to luxury shopping and cultural experiences. Our location offers the amenities of a large urban centre within a comfortable, liveable community.

General Description

The Library Assistant supports the University of Niagara Falls Canada library by providing front-line services to students, faculty, and staff. Key responsibilities include circulation operations, research assistance, collection maintenance, and technical support for library systems and databases. The role requires proficiency with integrated library systems, thorough knowledge of library policies and procedures, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with academic library operations.

Representative Duties & Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for users of all types. Answer or redirect general inquiries in person, via email, and through virtual chat; respond independently to inquiries that are specific in nature and require a thorough knowledge of established policies and procedures.
• Apply an understanding of the broader context and philosophy of both the library and the University to serve patron needs.
• Provide circulation services, such as signing out loanable items (headphones, chargers, etc)
• Provide research help by interpreting patron requests for research materials and finding solutions to their research needs by constructing search queries of various online systems and networks. Complex search queries are referred to the appropriate librarian.
• Refer requests to appropriate internal and external sources and offer alternatives as required.
• Extract, interpret, and integrate information from a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional resources.
• Use citations and bibliographic information to determine whether the library owns/subscribes to requested research materials.
• Update and maintain all files and databases required to provide access to and control over course material, circulating and digital collections.
• Review course reading lists to ensure resources are freely available to students and copyright legal.
• Liaise with faculty to locate library materials according to course demands and requirements.
• Locate and obtain requested materials and inform patrons of alternative sources of information, as required.
• Create and maintain library website content, and ensure information is accurate, up to date, and relevant.
• Create and maintain digital learning objects, including course/research guides, tutorials, how-to guides and videos. Work closely with librarians on information literacy tutorials and guides.
• Design and deliver library tours and work closely with librarians and Student Success to deliver library content in New Student Orientation.
• Collaborate with University Librarian to develop and maintain staffing schedules for desk, opening/closing, and off-desk shifts.
• Compose general and email correspondence when communicating with users, staff, faculty and community users.
• Daily input of relevant data into statistical tool, and gather statistics on research help, circulation, and reserve transactions as needed for reporting.
• Track overdue materials that have not been returned by patrons and contact them to request the return of materials.
• Assign guest access for non-UNF users (permission for access determined by the University Librarian)
• Maintain accurate system records for patrons and materials included in the library system.
• Maintain the confidentiality of patron information.
• Maintain organization and condition of library space.
• Open and close the building and liaise with building services or campus security as required.
• Read, understand, and remain current with legislative and policy documents regarding copyright restrictions.
• Update and maintain knowledge of the operational and administrative processes relating to the functions of library policies and procedures.
• Share with and/or train colleagues and users on library system and procedure information.
• Adapt to changes to library technologies and knowledge base.
• Assist students who have encountered difficult situations such as lost or stolen personal items in the library.
• Assist library staff and patrons with library printer account, access, and problems.
• Set up and maintain electronic records and document management.
• Assist patrons with problems in accessing resources and report systems problems to the University Librarian.
• Report building maintenance problems.
• Maintain and troubleshoot library systems (Folio, Discovery, databases, SpringShare, website, etc).

Leadership

• Ensure adherence to quality standards and procedures for student employees.
• Provide orientation and training on operational procedures.
• Collaborate with library staff to supervise and support student employee responsibilities.

Qualifications

• 2-year Community College diploma in Library and Information Technology.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience, including customer service in an academic library setting.

Working Conditions

Physical Environment:

• Oversee and perform routine cleaning and maintenance of technology equipment (computers, keyboards, mice, printers) and supplies.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming Services Desk workspace.

Psychological Environment:

• Interact with library patrons who may occasionally be frustrated or upset.
• Remain at assigned workstation during scheduled hours.
• Manage multiple and competing patron requests and research inquiries simultaneously.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary
• 3 weeks of vacation
• Extensive paid time off, including annual birthday leave
• 2 paid volunteer days to support your community
• Extended Health and Dental coverage, Emergency Medical Travel assistance
• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• A generous annual Wellness Spending Account (WSA) And more!

Application process
Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae (CV) including evidence of teaching experience and scholarly accomplishments, a sample syllabi and teaching portfolio (if applicable), as well as the names of three references.

All documents must be submitted in electronic format (a single PDF document is preferred) Note: file maximum of 5MB per attached upload.

Use of AI Disclosure
University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF), UNF is committed to a fair and transparent recruitment process. While AI tools assist us in identifying and communicating with candidates, applications are reviewed by our dedicated Talent Acquisition team to ensure a thorough evaluation of all candidates.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility at UNF
The University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF) is committed to equity, diversity, inclusivity and accessibility within its community and invites applications from all qualified candidates. Racialized persons / persons of color, women, Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas are encouraged to apply. We are situated on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Hatiwendaronk and Anishinaabe peoples. We also acknowledge the many other First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples who call this region home. We commit to building relationships based on respect, reciprocity, and reconciliation as we work, learn, and gather on this land. Furthermore, we acknowledge that the Niagara region is situated on treaty land, and we stand with all Indigenous peoples, past and present, in promoting the wise stewardship of the lands on which we live.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.We will accommodate the needs of applicants and the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the selection process. Please advise jobs@unfc.ca to ensure your accommodation or accessibility needs are supported. Information received relating to accommodation will be maintained confidentially.

We value diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment where all individuals have an equal opportunity to succeed. We comply with all relevant laws and regulations in Ontario and adhere to the highest standards of ethical hiring. We are committed to protecting your personal information and ensuring that all data collected during the recruitment process is handled with the highest level of confidentiality.

As part of the recruitment process, selected candidates will be required to successfully complete applicable background and/or credential verifications, or other role-related screenings, in accordance with organizational policy and applicable legislation.

We appreciate all applications received; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.