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How Do I?Posting #25-15x
Senior Branch Assistant
Full-Time, Contract (6 months)
The Senior Branch Assistant is responsible for helping create and maintain a positive and welcoming services at the Hespeler location. The Senior Branch Assistant will provide information services, help our members learn about and navigate library and community resources, and plan and participate in adult programming.
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 members to find resources using the library catalogue, electronic databases, and the internet and making recommendations to members regarding leisure reading, viewing and listening material.
- Instructs members in the use of computers and/or software for users with all skill levels.
- Instruct members in the use of a variety of technologies, including maker equipment and library electronic resources.
- Performs clerical duties associated with circulation and materials handling when scheduled on the circulation desk.
- Responds to initial members’ account issues. Identifies problems for follow up and escalates any issues to the location manager.
- Responsible for addressing the conduct of members and visitors that violates Idea Exchange’s Code of Conduct.
- Facilitates or conducts adult programming and group tours at the location in coordination with the Location Manager, Community Engagement division or other teams (as required).
- Promotes Idea Exchange and use of its services by writing articles, material reviews, and website content as requested.
- Maintains and updates reserved book list by running available holds lists, checking for materials and initiating an activate hold and/or runs clear holds list to pull expired holds as necessary.
- Acts as a resource for cataloguing, processing and RFID tagging issues at the location. Reports problems back to Processing at Queen’s Square if follow-up is required.
- Makes recommendations regarding the selection, acquisition and withdrawal of library materials, in consultation with the manager and according to Idea Exchange’s collections manual.
- Responsible for the appearance and maintenance of the collections including the display and shelving of materials and maintaining order of browsing collections (shelf reading).
- Balances the daily cash and prepares deposits for the branch in addition to handling receipts, including fines and fees.
- Undertakes projects and performs other related duties at the request of the Location Manager.
- Makes recommendations regarding systemwide collections and circulations procedures as part of the Collections and Processing Committee.
- Makes recommendations to the Location Manager on location specific procedures.
- Under the direction of the Location Manager, trains and directs shelving staff and volunteers assisting with the processing activities and materials handling.
- Acts as Person in Charge when assigned.
What You’ll Need to Succeed
To be qualified for and successful in the role, you should have:
- Required – Post-secondary diploma or degree
- Required - Relevant experience in a public library or related field: Two (2) years
- Required - Previous experience working in a customer service environment: One (1) year
- Preferred – Demonstrated experience with program facilitation
- Ability to deliver exceptional customer service
- Excellent verbal and written communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to adjust to change
- Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills
- The ability to follow detailed processes and balance multiple tasks and responsibilities
- An inclusive and empathetic approach and a service-oriented mindset
- The desire to learn and apply new knowledge to perform work and provide instruction to others
Pay: Starting wage is $34.67 (Level 8 in our Salary grid)
Hours: This is a full-time, contract position where you will work 70 hours in a bi-weekly period.
Schedule: working various day, evening, and weekend shifts
The position may require work from multiple branch locations within Cambridge.
Week 1
Monday 9:30am - 5:30pm (7 hrs)*
Tuesday 9:30am - 5:30pm (7 hrs)*
Wednesday 12:30pm - 8:30pm (7 hrs)*
Thursday 9:30am - 5:30pm (7 hrs)*
Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm (7 hrs)*
Saturday 9:30am - 5:30pm (7 hrs)*
Sunday OFF
Week 2
Monday 9:30am - 5:30pm (7 hrs)*
Tuesday 9:30am - 5:30pm (7 hrs)*
Wednesday 12:30pm - 8:30pm (7 hrs)*
Thursday 9:30am - 5:30pm (7 hrs)*
Friday OFF
Saturday OFF
Sunday OFF
Week 3
Monday 9:30am - 5:30pm (7 hrs)*
Tuesday 9:30am - 5:30pm (7 hrs)*
Wednesday 12:30pm - 8:30pm (7 hrs)*
Thursday 9:30am - 5:30pm (7 hrs)*
Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm (7 hrs)*
Saturday OFF
Sunday OFF
*Includes a 60-minute unpaid lunch break
Note: schedules are service-driven and as such are subject to change.
How to Apply
To be considered for the position, please apply by May 15, 2025
- Tell us why we should consider you for this position! Please provide both a cover letter and resume, combined as a single PDF document.
- Submit your application by email to recruitment@ideaexchange.org
- Please quote “25-15x Senior Branch Assistant” in your email subject line.
The anticipated start date for this position is May/June 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.