Library Assistant - Temporary Part-Time

Employment Details

This temporary part-time role is available until September 5, 2027, at the Sixteen Mile Branch. It is offered due to a leave of absence and involves working 20 hours per week across various shifts including days, evenings, and weekends. The hourly wage ranges from $24.81 to $29.19. Applications are welcomed from both current public library employees and external candidates.

Role Overview

As a Library Assistant, you will support public services, manage collections and materials, and assist in branch operations under the guidance of branch leadership. Key aspects include fostering service excellence, embracing continuous learning, collaborating with colleagues, and promoting literacy and innovation in the public library setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Welcome and assist patrons with a customer-first approach, actively promoting library services and directing users to appropriate personnel.
• Gain a thorough understanding of the library’s collections, spaces, programs, services, and technologies to accurately communicate policies and procedures.
• Help patrons access materials by answering navigation queries, locating reserved items, supporting self-checkout operations, and ensuring a smooth visitor experience.
• Perform materials handling tasks such as emptying book returns and sorters, checking in items using RFID technology, sorting, shelving, maintaining display organization, and troubleshooting sorting equipment.
• Support general branch upkeep including program room setup, managing bookings, tidying areas, and handling branch opening and closing duties.
• Address or escalate operational issues to designated staff or leadership as necessary.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and contribute to knowledge sharing initiatives to improve service delivery.
• Comply with relevant accessibility standards, occupational health and safety legislation, and library health and safety policies.
• Perform any other assigned duties.

Candidate Profile

• Deliver excellent service in fast-paced settings, embody values such as equitable access, inclusivity, curiosity, lifelong learning, intellectual freedom, and outstanding customer care.
• Possess comprehensive knowledge of library offerings and communicate them proactively and enthusiastically.
• Exhibit sound judgment to prioritize patron needs and make decisions aligned with organizational values.
• Maintain strong organizational skills to multitask efficiently while ensuring accuracy and attention to detail.
• Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing, listen attentively, and follow instructions precisely.
• Work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team with strong interpersonal skills.
• Adapt positively to change with a growth mindset.
• Meet physical demands such as lifting materials, shelving, pushing carts, and frequent standing, walking, and bending.

Experience and Education

• A Secondary School Diploma along with at least one year of relevant customer service experience, preferably within library environments, is required.
• Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), RFID technology, Microsoft Office, and library technologies is an asset.

About the Employer

The Oakville Public Library is dedicated to connecting people with information and ideas to enrich lives and contribute to community well-being. They emphasize exceptional customer service and adaptability to meet the diverse needs of patrons of all ages.

Additional Information

• Applications are accepted online until midnight on August 7, 2026.
• The recruitment system uses AI tools to screen applicants.
• Accommodations are provided in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) upon request during recruitment.
• A recent Security Clearance Check is required before employment commencement.
• Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.