Library Public Services & Physical Collections Technician

COVID 19 On-Campus Requirements

Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status and provide proof that they were fully vaccinated or had an approved accommodation to engage in in-person University activities. These requirements were suspended effective May 1, 2022, but the University may reinstate them at any point.

About Queen's University

Queen’s University is the Canadian research intensive university with a transformative student learning experience. Here the employment experience is as diverse as it is interesting. We have opportunities in multiple areas of globally recognized research, faculty administration, engineering & construction, athletics & recreation, power generation, corporate shared services, and many more.

We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from individuals from equity seeking groups such as women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the LGBTQ+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.

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Applicant Guidance & Information

At Queen's, we are committed to helping people achieve their best. Whether you are beginning your career at Queen's or seeking your next opportunity, we are here to support you. Visit our Applicant Resources for guidance on applying, showcasing your skills and experience, and preparing for interviews.

Disclaimer: As part of the application process at Queen's University, our recruitment system uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), as defined under the Ontario Employment Standards Act, to ask job-related questions and confirm eligibility for hire. All final hiring decisions are made using non-AI related processes.

Job Summary

The incumbent performs diversified and complex library duties requiring specialized knowledge of procedures, policies, and library techniques. They operate within established frameworks, exercising initiative, judgement, and resourcefulness in interpreting procedures, recommending new routines, training and coordinating Library Technicians 2-4 and student assistants, and interacting with the public. Responsibilities include supporting and guiding the operation of assigned service points and fulfillment processes, and supporting shared library services (e.g., Course Reserves, Resource Sharing, and Ask Us). The incumbent has a primary role planning and coordinating fulfillment workflows, collection maintenance, and resource access to ensure physical collections remain accessible and findable.

The incumbent communicates collection maintenance priorities and refers or works collaboratively with specialized units to resolve complex issues. The incumbent provides operational support to the Training and Support Coordinator to complete recruitment, onboarding and continuous training of student assistants. The incumbent will assist with administrative functions including the preparation and coordination of student assistant schedules and projects. The incumbent will also support the onboarding and continuous training of Library Technicians. The incumbent supports the provision of library programming related to library services, special events, orientation tours, and other forms of outreach to faculty, students, and the community. The incumbent assists in the development and continuous improvement of training resources, procedural documentation, guides, and services tools.

While primarily based in Stauffer Library and Douglas Library, duties may extend to other library locations.

Job Description

Special Skills, Knowledge or Ability
Accuracy, efficiency, and the ability to do work requiring great attention to detail while dealing with competing demands are essential; ability to work independently and show initiative; strong analytical, problem-solving and organizational skills are essential. Ability to write documentation; ability to explain and provide guidance in the use of library technology. Must be able to manage time and workflow and respond to emergencies.
Service oriented, flexible and ability to work in a team-based work environment. Good analytical and problem-solving skills, and ability to document work performed or needing to be performed. Ability to adapt to emerging and legacy technologies and evolving physical and information resource management software tools. Skill in searching databases and catalogues required. Ability to communicate effectively with others is required. Appropriate knowledge and skills in the care and handling of library resources. Ability to work with resources in all formats. The incumbent demonstrates leadership with

the ability to explain procedures to others clearly, and to organize work for self and others. Ability to meet the physical demands of the position required as outlined in Working Conditions.

Decision Making (Responsibility)
The incumbent frequently exercises initiative, judgement and resourcefulness within established policies and procedures and independent decisions are made based on specialized knowledge of collections processes, student assistant coordination and scheduling, library services and fulfillment operations and service delivery. Based on highly specialized skills, determines work priorities, decide work priorities for self; prepares schedules, directs, trains, monitors, and assigns work and duties, of casual assistants, students, and volunteers; liaise with other library/archives Units, faculty, and staff; interprets and applies policies, procedures and regulations; determines how to deal with problems and complaints; makes recommendations in procedures or new work routines; decides when to consult more senior staff in the area.

Education & Experience:
1. 38 Points
2. University degree or library technician diploma.
3. Minimum two years of experience working in an academic library with demonstrated experience in public service and collections maintenance.
4. Demonstrated leadership capabilities including the ability to train and direct the work of others including student employees in an academic library environment. Personal factors of ability to train, direct, and communicate are primary importance in selection.
5. Computer and office skills; demonstrated proficiency of Windows based software, especially database management, spreadsheet and word processing applications; Web and information literacy skills; demonstrated working knowledge of integrated library systems, academic search tools, and library classification systems; ability to identify, use and demonstrate library resources and databases; and ability to use and demonstrate standard multi-media equipment.
6. Ability to learn new skills and software as required.
7. Must have the demonstrated ability and willingness to learn new technologies and develop new skills on a regular basis.

Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen's is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized persons, Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to those who are legally eligible to work in Canada.

The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including those with disabilities. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources at [email protected].