Member Services Assistant

Posting #25-03x

Part-Time, Contract (12 months)

As a Member Services Assistant, you will be responsible for front line member service transactions including front line, first-level reference and reader’s advisory services. Responsible for program facilitation for the location as required.

What You’ll Do

• Answers member questions in person, by telephone or by internet:
  • General Inquiries.
  • Catalogue search and use of available reference tools.
  • Readers Advisory including assisting patrons to find resources using the library catalogue, electronic databases and the internet and making recommendations to members regarding leisure reading, viewing and listening material.
  • Assists members with public computers, printing, scanning, faxing, microfilm and photocopy usage by providing operating instructions and handling routine upkeep of equipment as required.
  • Registers new members and updates membership cards.
• Checks out all circulating library materials and assists members in the use of RFID check out equipment.
• Checks in returned materials and sorts materials for re-shelving or redirection to the appropriate location. Works with equipment, including sorters, to manage workflows and items requiring special consideration.
• Instructs members in the use of library equipment, including signing on to WIFI, gaming equipment and makerspace technology.
• Responsible for addressing inappropriate or disruptive behavior of members according to Cambridge Public Library’s Code of Conduct.
• Creates and maintains displays of library materials and programs following merchandizing guidelines and signage templates.
• Handles receipts and financial transactions including replacement costs, fees, and various program registrations. Responds to initial overdue inquiries, identifies problems with members’ accounts. Escalates any issues to the location manager or Queen’s Square Supervisor of Member Services.
• Performs site specific administrative operational functions including, sorts and distributes mail, opens and closes Member Services desk, and prepares float as requested, includes check in, processing and shelving of magazines and newspapers, emptying delivery bins.
• Promotes Cambridge Public Library and use of its services by orienting new members to the facility.
• Provides some direction to shelving staff and volunteers, including scheduling pickup and drop off of items for VLS volunteers. 
• Reviews condition of returned materials and cleans, makes minor repairs or redistributes as required. Assists with storing and discarding weeded library materials and assists with book sales.
• Opens and closes the building when requested and assists with building security when scheduled.
• Performs other related duties including covering for other Assistants in their absence at the request of the Manager.
• Supports adult programming at the location in coordination with the Outreach and Programming team and the location manager as needed.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

To be qualified for and successful in the role, you should have:

• Required – An Ontario Secondary School Diploma/OSSD completion
• Required – Prior related experience working in a service environment:  One (1) year
• Required – Demonstrated proficiency with task-specific software (Microsoft Office Suite)
• Preferred – Prior experience working in a public library
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Experience working with computers, common software/applications, and other technologies
• Excellent communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• The ability to follow detailed processes and balance multiple tasks and responsibilities
• An inclusive and empathetic approach with a service-oriented mindset
• A passion for supporting the diverse interests and needs of the Cambridge community

Pay: Starting at $27.00 per hour (Level 5 in our Salary grid)

Hours: 39 hours in a two-week period

Schedule: working various day, evening, and weekend shifts

Week 1

Monday 9:30am - 1:00pm (3.5 hrs)

Tuesday 12:30pm - 8:30pm (7 hrs)*

Wednesday OFF

Thursday OFF

Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm (7 hrs)*

Saturday OFF

Sunday OFF

Week 2

Monday 9:30am - 1:00pm (3.5 hrs)

Tuesday 12:30pm - 8:30pm (7 hrs)*

Wednesday OFF

Thursday OFF

Friday OFF

Saturday 9:30am - 5:30pm (7 hrs)*

Sunday 1:00pm - 5:00pm (4 hrs)**

*Includes a 60-minute unpaid lunch break

** Closed on Sundays from May 18 to August 31. Schedule goes to 35 hours in a two-week period during this time.

Note: schedules are service-driven and as such are subject to change. 

How to Apply

To be considered for the position, please apply by January 24, 2025.

1. Tell us why we should consider you for this position! Please provide both a cover letter and resume, combined as a single PDF document.
2. Submit your application by email to recruitment@ideaexchange.org
3. Please quote “25-03x” Member Services Assistant” in your email subject line.

The anticipated start date for this position is February 2025.

The position is open to internal and external candidates. We thank everyone for their interest, however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Additional Information

• Cambridge Public Library aspires to employ a staff complement that fully represents the diversity of the community we serve. All qualified individuals who would contribute to the further diversification of our organization are encouraged to apply.
• Cambridge Public Library is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to accommodating individual needs in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact Human Resources at hr@ideaexchange.org.
• A Security Clearance Check may be required.