Staff - Union

Job Category

BCGEU Okanagan Support Staff

Job Profile

BCGEU OK Hourly - Library Technician II

Job Title

Library Services Assistant

Department

UBCO | Library Services Staff | Library

Compensation Range

$27.00 - $30.96 CAD Hourly

Posting End Date

September 4, 2025

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

April 30, 2026

Seeking applicants who are available for evening Library Service Desk shifts.

Available Position:

• 1 x 28 hour term position (Sept 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026)

Please include your availability with your application.

UBC OKANAGAN LIBRARY HOURS:

September 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026

Monday - Friday 7 am - 10pm

Saturday - Sunday 10 am - 10 pm

Closed ALL Statutory Holidays Except Labour Day and Easter weekend.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for answering circulation, directional and reference questions at the Service Desk, and referring to a librarian when appropriate. This position works on a variety of tasks within the Access Services portfolio of the library; from assisting with Interlibrary Loans (ILL) – lending, borrowing, and returning; preparing materials for Course Reserves and processing Document Delivery loans (items that are loaned between the UBC campuses). This position assists with project work as assigned by the Library Services Coordinators, the Manager, Library Services, or librarians. This role also includes assisting with general stacks maintenance.

Organizational Status

This position works under the day-to-day supervision of the Library Services Coordinator(s) and reports to the Manager, Library Services. Works with other members of the UBCO Library staff and the public; participates in team activities such as meetings, training and skills-building events.

Work Performed

Performs Service Desk functions:

• Provides library assistance at the Service Desk;

• Creates a positive and welcoming customer service environment for all library patrons;

• Answers reference questions using UBC Okanagan Library resources including the catalogue, online databases and electronic resources; refers questions to subject specialists and/or other campus departments, as appropriate;

• Answers questions concerning library resources and services; helps patrons use library resources and technology;

• Explains library policies and procedures to patrons; reports problems to designated individuals or departments;

• Uses integrated library software to:

  • Update item record status, provide barcode maintenance and create brief item records;
  • Provide circulation services, such as charging, renewing and discharging items;

• Opens and closes the library;

• Answers questions and troubleshoots issues on evenings and weekends with limited resources and support;

• Accepts fine payments, including processing debit transactions;

• Shelves library material and assists with ongoing stacks maintenance;

• Participates in team meetings, including ongoing training sessions.

Processes Interlibrary loans (ILL) – lending, borrowing and returning:

• Using ILL processing software, monitors and manages campus ILL borrowing requests queue and directs requests through the system as they are processed;
• Processes items as they arrive and makes them available for patrons;
• Tracks due dates and follows up on late items that need to be returned to loaning institutions;
• Ensures proper processes are followed in returning borrowed material;
• Monitors the ILL email account and responds directly to patron inquiries in a timely manner;
• Escalates issues as they arise to the Library Services Coordinator or to UBC ILL colleagues as appropriate;
• Process any ILL requests that are received from other institutions;
• Ensures ILL are promptly provided to requesting institutions.

Course Reserves and Document Delivery:

• Enters reserve requests into the system;
• Assists with preparing material and resources for lending through the library online course reserve system;
• Supports the loaning of documents deliveries, processing incoming deliveries and notifying patrons of their arrival;
• Processes lending requests and prepares items to be sent to Vancouver patrons.

Assists with Library Projects:

• Assists with background research to support development of new library services and initiatives;
• Participates in evaluations of resources on trial and provides feedback as needed;
• Provides support for collections maintenance; including deselection and inventories.

Performs other duties or projects as assigned.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Decisions where clear procedures are not available will be directed to the Library Services Coordinator(s) or the Manager, Library Services. This position is expected to exercise good judgement and tact when working with faculty, students, colleagues, and community members. Errors in judgment or ineffective communication relating to services offered at the Service Desk can have a negative impact and affect relationships with campus partners and patrons; impacting the library’s image. Errors in the processing of library materials have cost implications and can result in poor customer service.

Supervision Received

This position is supervised day-to-day by the Library Services Coordinator(s) and reports to the Manager, Library Services.

Supervision Given

This position does not supervise staff.

Qualifications

• Completion of a two-year Library Technician Diploma, or equivalent education is required;

• Over one year of recent experience in an academic library environment is required, or an equivalent combination of education or work experience in a library setting may be considered;

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own;

• Demonstrated commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion;

• Excellent customer service delivery skills. Will sit/stand for up to 3 hours while working at a service point;

• Attention to detail to ensure accurate processing of requests;

• Computer experience and effective keyboarding skills;

• Experience using standard workplace software such as MS Word, Excel, and database applications;

• Physical ability to handle library collection materials:

  • Ability to lift heavy items, up to 35 lbs – weekly;
  • Ability to pull/push book cart, up to 50 lbs, - occasionally;
  • Ability to twist, bend, lift, reach up to 5 lbs – daily;

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

• Knowledge of library policies and procedures;

• Knowledge of interlibrary loans and the software used to process them;

• Familiarity of copyright laws as they pertain to Interlibrary loan and course reserves requests;

• Effective time management, multi-tasking and organization skills;

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing;

• Ability to deal with diverse people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner;

• Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines, and work in a team environment;

• Ability to exercise tact, courtesy, discretion and sound judgment;

• Ability to apply previously learned concepts to new situations and/or technology;

• Ability to follow and carry out instructions;

• Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and under limited supervision;

• Ability to operate a normal range of library equipment;

• Ability to work independently / alone.