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 routine, 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. Work is performed independently with direct support from the supervisor. Judgment is exercised within established library policies, practices, and guidelines. The need to be flexible and meet a variety of service standards and expectations from clients and colleagues is required.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Provide a range of operational support duties associated with the Public Services group (circulation services, course reserves, serials and collections maintenance, cash handling, etc.)
• Provide work-related guidance, support and direction to student library assistants
• Complete all aspects of circulation of library materials (checkout, check-in, holds, shelving, processing library materials, filing, etc.)
• Provide excellent customer assistance and support at the Library Services desk; respond to general inquiries in-person and by telephone (directional questions; providing assistance in the use of library equipment; providing information on library policies and procedures; assisting patrons with website navigation; assessing information queries and referring appropriately)
• Address client issues and disputes using established methods and practices; refer complex situations to the Public Services supervisor, as necessary
• Assist in the general upkeep, monitoring and maintenance of library spaces, report problems to Facilities as necessary
• Complete opening and/or closing duties
• Undertake project work and other duties, as assigned

Education: Completion of a relevant post-secondary program plus minimum of one years’ experience working in a library.

Experience:

• Relevant library and public services experience
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively and independently
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications in a networked environment
• Experience with Sierra library management system is an asset

Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, work independently, use initiative, and effectively handle disruptions
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service in a positive, polite and professional manner
• Demonstrated ability to use judgment and apply effective investigative, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication (consistently tactful, responsive, pleasant, effective, diplomatic and discrete)
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with others in a team environment
• Demonstrated flexibility to adapt to change and engage and support others in the change process
• Excellent attention to detail
• Reliable, dependable, and self-motivated

Department: Library
Status: Term 12 months with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: CUPE 1975
Shift: Monday to Friday, 9:00-1:00
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 0.57
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $20.38 - 23.75 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Operational Services
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 7/30/2025
Closing Date: 8/5/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. 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 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’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.