On-Call Senior Library Public Service Associate

On-Call Senior Library Public Service Associate

Requisition :45803

Company: Vancouver Public Library is a place where learning, joy, community, and recreation (see also: fun) come together. This is where we introduce people to the ideas and information that could change their lives and where everyone is truly welcome.

We are the third largest public library system in Canada, with more than 800 staff members offering services at 21 locations across the city. We lend over 5 million items per year to our community, including books, streaming content, musical instruments, and more. Nearly 200,000 people attend our programs and events to learn, be inspired, and connect with others.

We are looking for positive people with excellent customer service skills, who can confidently and respectfully deliver library services to our incredibly diverse communities. We are constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of the public; being adaptable and open to learning will help you as you start your career with VPL.

Does this sound like you? This innovative, inclusive, and rewarding workplace could be the next step in your career journey, so reach out to us today.

Worksite: Various (on‑call) – SLPSAs work at all VPL branches

Job Summary: Senior Library Public Service Assistants (“SLPSAs”) are the foundation of the library’s in‑person customer services. SLPSAs work at all VPL locations across the city to answer questions from the public about books and reading, library services and resources, technology, community services, and so much more. Your broad knowledge base and confident technology skills will help you search for answers and troubleshoot computer, mobile device, and printer issues with ease.

As an SLPSA, you will most often be found at one of our public service desks, supporting the public with their questions and technology troubleshooting needs in a friendly and welcoming way. The library welcomes people from all walks of life. We deliver friendly, respectful and responsive service for everyone, regardless of their income, housing situation, or background. A genuine desire to help people will be a great asset in this role!

SLPSAs deliver many Library programs for adults, kids and teens. You will present preschool Story times to help young children learn and grow, host community programs where adults connect over shared interests, lead technology programs to teach about e‑readers and basic computer applications, support English Language Learners conversation circles, and much more. With over 5,000 programs per year at VPL, you’ll never be bored!

You will often assist with sorting, moving and shelving books and other materials during your day. This requires the ability to perform repetitive work, lift physical items, stand, reach and bend to shelve items, and move around the library. You will be part of a system that circulates over 5 million items per year.

Job Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must possess the Education/Qualifications/Experience in category 1 or category 2 listed below in order to be deemed as meeting minimum qualifications. Please ensure these minimum qualifications are clearly listed in your application.

For the SLPSA role, “considerable experience” equates to 3 cumulative years of experience in any one of the four categories (programming, information services, collection maintenance, community collaboration).

Education/Qualifications/Experience

Category 1:
Completion of an approved Library Technician diploma program and 2 years of experience in a customer service environment.

OR

Category 2:
Completion of an undergraduate degree from a recognized university and two years’ experience in a customer service environment, and 3 cumulative years of experience demonstrated in at least one of the following areas: program delivery, public‑facing information/customer services, collection/inventory maintenance, and/or community collaboration/partnerships.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Libraries are all about people. We want folks with excellent customer service skills and who come to work with patience, warmth, and curiosity for other people.

Considerable knowledge about library methods…