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Library Services Assistant

Job Category: BCGEU Okanagan Support Staff
Job Profile: BCGEU OK Hourly – Library Technician I
Job Title: Library Services Assistant
Department: Public Services, Library
Compensation Range: $22.75 – $26.12 CAD Hourly
Job Start and End Dates: Sept. 1, 2021 – Apr 30, 2022
Posting End Date: August 14, 2021

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

This position will contribute to a team-based approach in delivering front-line library services.

LIBRARY HOURS:

Monday – Friday 7:00am – 10:00pm
Saturday – Sunday 10:00am – 10:00pm

Hours to be determined based on current operational need with expectation of evenings and weekends. Note that the Library is open until 10:00 pm daily.

Job Summary
This position is responsible for answering circulation, directional and reference questions at the Service Desk; referring to a librarian those reference questions which are complex or which require group instruction. Will assist with project work as requested by coordinators and librarians.

Works with other members of the UBCO Library staff and the public; participates in team activities such as meetings, trainings and skills-building events.

Organizational Status
This position works under the supervision of the Library Services Coordinator and reports to the Undergraduate Services Librarian.

Work Performed
1. Performs Service Desk functions by:
– Providing library assistance at the Service Desk.
– Creating a positive and welcoming customer service environment for all library patrons.
– Answering reference questions using UBC Okanagan Library resources including the catalogue, online databases and electronic resources; referring questions to subject specialists and/or other campus departments, as appropriate.
– Answering questions concerning library resources and services; providing assistance to patrons using library resources and technology.
– Explaining library policies and procedures to patrons; reporting problems to designated individuals or departments.
– Providing circulation services, such as charging, renewing and discharging items.
– Creating and updating patron records, accounts and item records, including the creation of brief item records and barcode maintenance.
– Opening and closing the Library.
– Accepting fine payments, including processing debit transactions.
– Shelving library material and assisting with ongoing stacks maintenance.
– Assisting librarians with orientation or instructional sessions; preparing support or instructional materials for students and faculty as directed; completing reference projects as assigned.
– Participating in team meetings, including ongoing training sessions.

2. Assists with Library Projects by:
– Assisting with background research to support development of new library services and initiatives.
– Participating in evaluations of resources on trial and providing feedback on these items.
– Providing support for processes and procedures on collections, including donations, deselection, and inventories.
– Compiling statistics on a variety of library services including collections, public service instruction, etc.
– Assisting with processing reserves, interlibrary loans, document delivery, and media booking tasks as necessary.

3. 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. Errors in judgment or ineffective communication relating to services offered at the Service Desk have limited effect on library operations.

Supervision Received
The incumbent is supervised by the Library Services Coordinator and the Undergraduate Services Librarian.

Supervision Given
This position does not supervise staff.

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a two-year Library Technician Diploma or equivalent. Minimum one (1) years’ recent experience in an academic library environment is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education or experience may be considered.
– Knowledge of library policies and procedures is an asset.
– Knowledge of using an integrated library system is an asset.
– Computer experience and effective keyboarding skills are required.
– Experience using standard workplace software such as MS Word, Excel, and database applications is required.
– Effective at multi-tasking, organization and attention to detail.
– Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
– Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner.
– Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines, and work in a team environment.
– Excellent customer service delivery skills are required.
– 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 the normal range of library equipment.
– Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Apply through Workday 

Internships (2): Inclusion Action Plan and Indigenous Strategic Plan

The University of British Columbia Okanagan Library is working towards creating physical and online spaces, information, and resources that reflect the diverse student community we serve. We are particularly interested in adding student voices to help us make our spaces and services inclusive and equitable. We are therefore excited to welcome applications for two paid undergraduate student intern positions that will support the equity, diversity, and inclusion work underway in the library.

One position will focus on the Inclusion Action Plan, and the other will focus on the Indigenous Strategic Plan. In these positions, the successful candidates will work in collaboration with library employees, campus partners, and each other, to support, develop, and lead projects that will enact the goals of the UBC Inclusion Action Plan and the Indigenous Strategic Plan. Depending on the students’ interests, examples of projects are collection recommendations, display development (books, digital, etc.), programming or events, outreach initiatives, LibGuides, social media promotions, etc. The aim is for the student interns to identify projects based on each student’s interests and professional goals beyond the internship.

The student interns will work closely with and receive support and guidance from the Learning & Curriculum Support Librarian, as well as the larger Library team, as determined based on alignment with the individual student’s interests and experiences. The student interns will be provided with a peer-mentor for additional support.

In addition, the student interns will be active members of the UBCO Library Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee and may choose to participate on any of the working groups related to this committee. The student interns may also work with the Equity & Inclusion Office and other campus units and student groups to collaborate on campus-wide initiatives.

Student interns will work in collaboration with the Learning and Curriculum Support Librarian to develop learning goals, work plans, project ideas, and professional development goals. Regular feedback and ongoing support will be provided. The student will be encouraged to self-reflect throughout the internship; will receive mentoring and supervision from the Learning and Curriculum Support Librarian and the peer-mentor; and will be given a mid-point review and a final review at the end of the internship. These positions are based on successful pilot internships in 2020-21, and this year’s students will also have the opportunity to provide feedback and input into the ongoing nature of the internships.

An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from marginalized people on any grounds under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

Application process:

Please subject your application through the student job board, including a cover letter and resume. Cover letters should include a brief description or outline of your experience and interests related to:

• Equity, diversity, inclusion and/or social justice initiatives or projects
• UBC’s Indigenous Strategic Plan
• UBC’s Inclusion Action Plan
• Work, student, or lived experiences you think would make you successful in this role related to required and preferred qualifications if applicable

STUDENT JOB BOARD

Start and end date: September 7th 2021 – April 30th 2022
Hourly wage is $17.85, for approximately 6-8 hours/week*.
*Hours can be adjusted to accommodate the student’s abilities and availability.

Contact Sajni Lacey for more information on this position.

Graduate Academic Assistants (2)

Position Type: Graduate Academic Assistant
Employment Period: September 1, 2021 to April 30, 2022
Application Deadline: August 6, 2021
Department: Centre for Scholarly Communication, Library, University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus
Supervisor: CSC Associate
Time Commitment: Flexible hours to a maximum of 12 hours/week or 144 hours during each term

Number of Positions: 2

Centre for Scholarly Communication
The Centre for Scholarly Communication (CSC) is an information hub for UBC Okanagan researchers at all levels and offers one-on-one consultations on written and oral communication, workshops on a wide range of topics and scholarly genres, and communities of practice. The goal of the Centre is to support scholars and researchers as they communicate their research in a variety of forms to their peers and community at large.

Summary of Position
The CSC Assistant will provide one-on-one instruction in consultations, develop instructional materials, and facilitate workshops.

Supervision Received
The position reports directly to the CSC Associate and indirectly to the Senior Manager for Writing and Language Learning Services and will be housed in the UBC Okanagan Library. The CSC Assistant will receive ongoing training and will meet regularly with the supervisor and other members of the team.

Work Performed
The CSC Assistant will:

1. Provide instruction on a one-on-one/individual basis

• Provide feedback in key aspects of undergraduate and graduate student writing and publishing
• Instruct upper-level undergraduate students, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and staff in the iterative process of writing and revising their own writing
• Work with individuals with diverse experiences and in a range of disciplines
• Refer to campus services as appropriate

2. Develop instructional materials and facilitate workshops

• Facilitate interactive and engaging instructional workshops on a variety of research writing topics, which may include online and in-person delivery
• Research and develop instructional materials following Universal Design for Learning principles, including materials for the LMS (Canvas), handouts and PowerPoint slides
• Co-deliver workshops with other members of the CSC team

3. Support the learning of Student Learning Hub Writing Consultants

• Communicate effective practices for writing consultations
• Observe sessions and provide feedback and support as needed

Working Conditions
Both remote and in-person work may be required and vary from day-to-day. In-person work takes place in a shared CSC office space on the second floor of the UBC Okanagan Library. Remote work requires appropriate computing equipment, including stable internet. Typical work hours occur during the Centre’s open hours (Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm PT). UBC requires employees to perform this work while residing in Canada.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from marginalized people on any grounds under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

How to Apply
Apply online by 11:59pm August 6, 2021, on the UBCO Student and Alumni job board (you can search for this posting using the posting ID: 823651).

Please attach the following to your application:

• A cover letter
• A writing sample on any topic or from any discipline (for example: a published article, a written component of a directed study, an essay from recent coursework, etc.) that includes references/citations in a manner appropriate to the discipline
• A CV that describes your previous related experience

All applicants will be notified by email about their application results upon completion of the search. Short-listed candidates will be asked to provide at least 2 references, which may either be academic or professional.

If you have any questions, please contact the CSC at csc.ok@ubc.ca.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program at the UBC Okanagan Campus.

The successful candidate must demonstrate:

• Interpersonal skills required to instruct and/or tutor undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and staff. The successful candidate must demonstrate skill in working closely with people who have diverse lived experiences, perspectives, and styles of communication.
• Communication skills required to operate within a team, both in-person and remotely. The successful candidate must demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills and follow inclusive practices. The successful candidate must demonstrate knowledge of key academic writing and publishing conventions in their discipline of study.
• Knowledge of inclusive and learner-centred teaching and/or tutoring practices. The successful applicant must demonstrate the ability to instruct diverse populations using learner-centred approaches in both individual and group environments.

Location
Kelowna, British Columbia Canada

Required Additional Documents
Cover Letter, Writing Sample, CV

Is this position remote?
Partial remote work environment

Salary Level
34.00 per hour

Student Job Board