Library Technician (Access and Information)

Closed for Applications

The role of Library Technician (Access and Information) supports the daily operations of the John M. Kelly Library’s Public Services Department. Working in partnership with several other functional teams across the library, the Access and Information Services team provides patron support on all aspects of the library’s patron services.

  • Start Date
    January 1, 2025
  • Department
    John M. Kelly Library — Supervised by: Manager, Access and Information
  • Compensation
    $30.92 per hour (Hiring Rate)
  • Hours
    35 hours per week
  • How to Apply
    sarah.stiller@utoronto.ca
  • Terms

    UNIVERSITY OF ST. MICHAEL’S COLLEGE

    JOB OPPORTUNITY

     

    This position is covered by United Steelworkers “All Employee” Bargaining Unit

     

    Position Title: Library Technician (Access and Information)
    Job Number: 34B
    Office: John M. Kelly Library
    Supervisor Manager, Access and Information, John M. Kelly Library
    Hours: 35-hour Work Week
    Compensation: $30.92 per hour (Hiring Rate)
    Pay Band: 7
    Terms: Full-Time Temporary Contract. 12-month Term Vacancy.

    Expected Start Date: January 1, 2025

    Posting Date: November 4, 2024
    Closing Date: November 26, 2024
    Apply to: sarah.stiller@utoronto.ca

    Attention: Manager, Access and Information

    (please include position title in subject line of email when submitting resume and cover letter)

    Applications should address the selection criteria with a letter of interest and curriculum vitae that includes the names and contact information for three references. Please submit these items as a single PDF with a file name that begins with applicant’s last name.

    PROFILE

    The University of St. Michael’s College, federated with the University of Toronto, is a Catholic institution of higher learning founded by the Congregation of St. Basil, whose motto, “Teach me goodness, discipline and knowledge,” sets the tone for campus life. Committed to the pursuit of knowledge, meaning and truth, USMC is a dynamic center where Catholic intellectual thought thrives in a context of academic freedom and rigorous debate. The University of St. Michael’s College boasts a large and dynamic undergraduate division, an acclaimed Faculty of Theology and one of the busiest and most important libraries on the University of Toronto campus.

    POSITION SUMMARY

    The role of Library Technician (Access and Information) supports the daily operations of the John M. Kelly Library’s Public Services Department. Working in partnership with several other functional teams across the library, the Access and Information Services team provides patron support on all aspects of the library’s patron services.

    There are several library technicians in the Public Services Department. While all technicians are expected to execute all duties as necessary, some duties are assigned to specific technicians. Each technician is responsible for the duties of others during absences.

    DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    Opening and closing the library. Library Technician (Access and Information) are responsible for the regular opening and closing of the library. This includes unlocking and locking doors; changing signage; turning on/off computers, photocopiers, and other equipment; preparing deposit slips; and other tasks as required.

    Providing primary patron support. Library Technician (Access and Information) will provide primary patron support at the library’s Circulation Desk on a regular schedule. Duties may include:

    • Charging, discharging, and renewing items in person, through email, and by telephone;
    • Place holds on items in person and by telephone;
    • Negotiating fines and overdue items according to defined procedures and in collaboration with the Head of Public Services;
    • Recording items as lost or claimed returned;
    • Recording items reported as missing;
    • Processing rush catalogue requests;
    • Registering extra-mural readers;
    • Processing payments for fines and other services;
    • Supplying keys to authorized persons;
    • Helping patrons to find specific library materials;
    • Answering basic reference questions;
    • Referring complex reference questions to a librarian;
    • Replying to general inquiries received by phone or email;
    • Other duties as required.

    Maintaining library equipment. Library Technicians – Access and Information Services Library Technician (Access and Information) will assist patrons with the use of electronic equipment as necessary (e.g., laptop wireless connections, computer workstations, photocopiers, printers, T-cards). Technicians will also be responsible for requesting maintenance from outside contractors re: printer repairs and ordering supplies as necessary (e.g., printer paper, toner).

    Maintaining library collections. Library Technician (Access and Information) will assist ensure the library collections remain accessible to patrons. This may include shelving materials; conducting inventory; shelf reading; and other duties as necessary.

    Recording lost and found items. Library Technician (Access and Information) will record lost items; investigate the ownership of lost items and contact persons; retrieve items for claimants; and conduct a semi- annual donation of unclaimed items to local charities.

    Monitoring the use of graduate student carrels. Library Technician (Access and Information) will assist the Faculty of Theology in assigning and monitoring the use of graduate student carrels. Technicians will periodically check carrels for library materials; maintain statistics about carrel usage; and enforce relevant usage policies.

    Public Services Manual. Library Technician (Access and Information) will, in consultation and collaboration with the Head of Public Services, ensure the Public Services Manual is kept up to date to reflect current policy and procedures.

    Kelly InfoExpress and Syllabus Service programs. Library Technician (Access and Information) are responsible for the execution of the library’s InfoExpress and Syllabus Service programs. Duties may include:

    • Receiving email, written, telephone, and in-person requests from faculty and instructors;
    • Determining location, accuracy, and availability of requested items, including in print and electronic;
    • Communicating with liaison librarians about subject specific requests;
    • Retrieving requested items (electronic and physical) from campus libraries;
    • Recalling required items from patrons if they are charged;
    • Reproducing and making available requested items;
    • Charging, discharging, and renewing requested items;
    • Returning books to libraries with special loan requirements;
    • Submitting interlibrary loan requests;
    • Retrieving and returning interlibrary loan requests;
    • Contacting authors and publishers about difficult-to-find requests;
    • Communicating with faculty about status of requests;
    • Promoting the Kelly InfoExpress and Syllabus Service programs.

    Maintaining statistics and preparing reports. Library Technician (Access and Information) are responsible for maintaining usage statistics and preparing reports as required. This may include tracking turnstile usage, number of questions answered, circulation statistics, preparing monthly circulation reports of charged and renewed items, preparing weekly reports of items on hold, and other recording of work done.

    Interlibrary Loans and Intercampus Deliveries. Library Technician (Access and Information) will fulfill all aspects of interlibrary loan and intercampus delivery services. This may include responding to loan requests; identifying and retrieving items for loan; charging and discharging items for loan; packaging items for loan; preparing invoices and customs forms; and maintaining statistics.

    Missing, damaged, and lost library materials. Library Technician (Access and Information) are responsible for locating library materials identified as missing or claimed returned, or to communicate the need to replace lost items to the Collection Development department. Technicians are also responsible for handling fees related to lost or damaged items. These tasks may include assigning student assistants to search for missing or claimed returned items; communicating applicable policies to patrons; changing the status of library materials; and monitoring items mislaid in transit.

    Library communication and promotion. Library Technician (Access and Information) will contribute to the promotion of the library. This may include ensuring the library website is current; creating and posting content on a regular schedule to social media; and monitoring website comment boxes and the general library email account.

    Student Assistants and Clerks. Library Technician (Access and Information) may contribute to the hiring, training, and supervision of student assistants and library clerks. This could include hiring library clerks and library assistants with the Head of Public Services; overseeing and coordinating student schedules for student assistants and library clerks; co-training student assistants and library clerks with the Head of Public Services; and supervisions students’ daily workflow and tasks.

    Public programming. Library Technician (Access and Information) will contribute to public library programming. This may include providing support with library-related academic events; assisting external departments with event planning; providing support in assessing the needs of patrons (e.g., surveys, focus groups).

    Course reserves and reading lists. Library Technician (Access and Information) will prepare and maintain course reserves and reading lists in consultation with instructors and teaching faculty. This may include locating, recalling, and retrieving items to be placed on course reserve; providing a temporary location change for items; and assigning a relevant loan period.

    Miscellaneous

    • Walking through on a regular basis to ensure patron compliance with library policies;
    • Enforcing library policies;
    • Alerting relevant security or policing services to address security or safety concerns;
    • Accepting and arranging deliveries;
    • Preparing requisitions and follow-up for Facilities and Services Department;
    • Ordering general office supplies;
    • Other duties as assigned.

    SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

    • Library Technician Diploma required.
    • Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required.
    • Library Technician Diploma required.
    • Bachelor’s degree is preferred, but not required.
    • Some supervisory experience;
    • People oriented; enjoy working directly with customers and the general public;
    • Knowledge of various electronic library databases and reference tools;
    • Knowledge of basic copyright laws and practices;
    • Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and multimedia platforms;
    • Ability to communicate effectively in English in person, on the telephone, and in writing;
    • Ability to deal effectively and tactfully with other employees and library patrons;
    • Demonstrated ability to perform detailed work;
    • Demonstrated ability to establish priorities and to complete work assignments independently;
    • Ability to collect resources from campus libraries year-round;
    • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills;
    • Ability to find library materials in a variety of languages;
    • Ability to carry 10 kg of books;
    • Ability to push book trucks, shelve books, lift heavy boxes, and move material;
    • Must be flexible with work hours and can cover others’ shifts on occasion throughout the year.

    We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

    The University of St. Michael’s College is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous/Aboriginal people of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, people who take a religiously informed view of human experience, and others who may contribute to further diversification of ideas.

    All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

    If you require accessibility accommodation, please contact Human Resources at hr.stmikes@utoronto.ca.