Course Material & Reserve Services Library Assistant

Department: Library Collections and Content
Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. 
Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

General Purpose

In addition to facilitating teaching, learning and research on the University of Guelph campus, the Library provides services and collections to the University of Guelph-Humber and to the Regional Agricultural College at Ridgetown. As a member of the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) network and partner in the shared OMNI discovery system with other universities, the library also serves the broader Ontario university community. The Collections & Content (C & C) team is responsible for a budget of $8M and the provision and management of resources and collections. C & C encompasses the following units: Collection Development, Acquisitions & Resource Management, and Course Material & Reserve Services.

Reporting to the Manager, Course Material and Reserve Services (CMRS), the CMRS Library Assistants are responsible for a wide range of tasks in support of the provision of course-related learning materials via the Library’s Course Reserve service (Ares) and the University’s course management system (CourseLink).  

Duties and Responsibilities

Working with course instructors, Course Material and Reserve Services Assistants create, process, and catalogue course-related learning materials and facilitate students’ access to these resources. Content includes materials from the Library's collections, materials provided by faculty, course notes, assignment and exam materials, streaming media, web content, and documents in both print and electronic formats. This position provides support and assistance to instructors by assessing incoming content for copyright compliance, obtaining copyright permissions, arranging for payment of royalties, and scanning and uploading content to integrate directly into CourseLink.  The assistant is responsible for ensuring that all content meets current AODA accessibility requirements, providing stable links to full text articles in electronic journals, e-books, and databases, and initiating the purchase of relevant content if the library does not already own it. The incumbent also organizes and archives electronic course content for use in future courses, maintains records of copyright and licensing information, and sets up and manages the physical course reserve collection. 

Course Material and Reserve Services supports course material provision in collaboration with other university departments, including the School of Continuing Studies, Computing and Communications Services, as well as the University of Guelph-Humber and the Ridgetown Campus.  This work involves investigating and troubleshooting student access issues, including issues with vendor and publisher platforms, various library systems, as well as campus enrolment management and authentication systems.

This role requires an understanding of library systems and library IT infrastructure, as well as experience using library online content platforms that include e-journals, e-books and streaming media.  Attention to detail along with advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, numeracy skills, and strong written and oral communication skills are essential.  CMRS assistants also require a strong customer-service focus, with a commitment to service excellence.

Requirements

• Diploma from a 2-year College Library and Information Technician program, with 18 months of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of the policies, goals/objectives and services of academic libraries.
• Understanding of Canadian copyright law as it applies in an academic environment.
• Familiarity with AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) accessibility standards with respect to the provision of educational materials, as well as a commitment to inclusive service delivery.
• Strong computer literacy skills, including the ability to adapt quickly to new technologies (both hardware and software).
• Experience with library discovery systems (e.g. Primo) as well as online content platforms that include e-books, e-journals, and streaming media.
• Proficiency with core organizational technologies (email, word processing, spreadsheets, web apps, PDF software) and collaborative tools(OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams).
• Customer service experience and a client-focused attitude. Ability to build positive relationships with stakeholders and to exercise empathy, diplomacy and tact.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; active listening skills, and above-average numeracy and organizational skills.
• Highly-developed analytical and problem-solving skills, intellectual curiosity, and an ability to synthesize information and respond quickly and accurately to issues.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team environment, with a commitment to personal and professional development.
• Broad understanding of the academic environment, semester cycle, and the learning objectives and curricular goals of a university.

Knowledge of a course reserve system such as Ares would be an asset, as well as familiarity with the course management system Brightspace.  Additional preferred qualifications include experience using ABBYY FineReader (digitization/document editing software), intermediate-level Microsoft Excel skills, and knowledge of customer ticketing systems (e.g. Footprints), as well as familiarity with the Alma Library Services Platform. Basic knowledge of accessible document creation would also be an asset.

Employee Type: Regular 
Position Number: 10922166 
Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 4  
USW Local 4120 Wage Grid

*Tentative evaluation; subject to final review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 06/02/2025  
Closing Date: 06/09/2025