Library Assistant - Access Services

Original job posting

The Access Services Assistant provides frontline support to library users, including research help, circulation services, and interlibrary loan management. They also assist in training student staff and ensuring the effective operation of library resources and spaces.

Job details

Department: Library Learning and Curriculum SupportPosition covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120 If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. Career Opportunities (sapsf.com) General Purpose As part of the Learning & Curriculum Support team, Access Services develops and implements services that connect library users with experts, collections, technology, and spaces to help users study, engage in research, learn and explore. We do this by providing timely, proactive patron services in Circulation, Research Help, Interlibrary Loan services, and Stack Maintenance. As members of the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) network and partner in the shared OMNI discovery system with other Ontario universities, the Access Services Assistant uses a shared library catalogue and patron database to assist faculty, students, staff and researchers. They provide immediate instruction and support to patrons accessing and using library resources and services in-person, by phone, by email, and by chat. Access Services Assistants are also responsible for all aspects of Resource Sharing and Interlibrary Loan for the University of Guelph community. This position is a member of a team of staff that provides services at the Library’s Ask Us Desk during days, evenings, late nights and weekends. Team members are expected to perform a variety of duties in a fast-paced, frontline service environment. Duties and Responsibilities The Access Services Assistant reports to the Manager, Access Services, and is responsible for the following: Patron services and instruction on library resources including communicating and enforcing library policies, instructing students on finding research resources, creating and managing patron accounts, troubleshooting technology and access issues, ensuring confidentiality and privacy for Library users, and referring library users to specialized supports based on their needs. Resource Sharing and Interlibrary Loan services including assessing requests for copyright compliance, creating AODA compliant digital documents, fulfilling requests, and liaising with partner libraries. Team collaboration and student staff training support including attending and participating in team and library meetings, serving on committees, assisting supervisory staff to train and guide student library assistants, and offering peer support to fellow Access Services Assistants in the performance of their work. Requirements Two (2) year Library Technician Diploma and at least 6 (six) months relevant library work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Advanced digital fluency, including proficiency in library systems, e-learning technologies and content management platforms as well as an ability to create, edit and manage online documents and files. Outstanding customer service ethic and proven customer service skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to build positive relationships with stakeholders and to exercise empathy, diplomacy and tact while working under pressure. Strong self-motivation and dependability. Ability to work independently and in teams. Strong information organization and retrieval skills. Demonstrated problem-solving ability and willingness to take initiative in a service environment. Awareness of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility principles in service delivery. Strong understanding of the academic environment and library user services. Preferred Qualifications A bachelor’s degree in any subject. Evidence of education or experience in library user services, interlibrary loan, copyright, records management training and/or certificate. Evidence of training or experience in the Alma LSP environment. Employee Type: Regular Position Number: 10400095 Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 4 USW Local 4120 Wage Grid At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution. Posting Date: 09/30/2026 Closing Date: 10/06/2026

What you’ll do

The Access Services Assistant provides frontline support to library users, including research help, circulation services, and interlibrary loan management. They also assist in training student staff and ensuring the effective operation of library resources and spaces.

Requirements

Candidates must possess a two-year Library Technician Diploma and at least six months of relevant library experience. Proficiency in digital library systems and strong customer service skills are essential for this role.

Listed skills

• Customer service · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Team Collaboration · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Library services
• Customer service
• Interlibrary loan
• Digital fluency
• Information retrieval
• Problem-solving
• Communication
• Technology troubleshooting
• Resource sharing
• Patron support
• Team collaboration
• Records management
• Copyright compliance
• Alma LSP
• AODA compliance
• Empathy
• Tactfulness
• Information Organization
• Diplomacy
• Digital Literacy
• Ethical Standards And Conduct
• Self-Motivation
• Research
• Customer Service
• Confidentiality
• Content Management
• Electronic Documents
• Records Management
• Interlibrary Loan
• Problem Solving
• Proactivity
• Troubleshooting (Problem Solving)
• Instructing
• Collections
• Peer Support
• Teamwork

Job areas

• Education
• Customer Service & Support
• Administrative
• Library Services Assistant
• Library Assistant / Technician
• Library Clerks
• Library Assistants, Clerical