Careers

The Haliburton County Public Library is recruiting for on-call, part-time Branch staff to fill shifts when needed at all branch locations across Haliburton County, including in Algonquin Highlands, Dysart et al., Highlands East, and Minden Hills.

Branch staff provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all patrons. Incumbents ensure that library policies and procedures are properly followed and assist patrons with a variety of requests including accessing materials, locating required information, and assisting with technological resources.

Successful applicants will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and demonstrated proficiency in computer software and internet applications. Experience using e-books and mobile devices is required. Enthusiasm for creating and running library programs is a must. Educational requirements include an Ontario Library Service (OLS) EXCEL certificate in the management of small public libraries, or a Library Technician Diploma, a Master of Library and Information Studies degree, or a combination of education and related experience.

A copy of the detailed job description is included with this posting. The hourly wage range for this position is $26.86 - $31.31.

Please submit a detailed cover letter and resume indicating your skills and experience no later than Wednesday April 16th, 2025, at 4:30pm. Please send your resume to:

Hillary Montgomery, Public Services Manager/Deputy CEO
info@haliburtonlibrary.ca

We thank all who apply for this position; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Haliburton County Public Library is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodation can be provided in all steps of the hiring process. For accommodation options and to ensure full and equal access during the recruitment and selection process, contact Human Resources.

In accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the information gathered will be used solely for the purpose of job selection.

POSITION SYNOPSIS AND PURPOSE

Reporting to the Public Services Manager/Deputy CEO, this position provides excellent front-line circulation and information services to library patrons in alignment with the library’s mission, vision, and values.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Public Service (75%)

• Engage and assist patrons and provides an excellent standard of customer service.
• Undertake circulation duties including checking in and out materials, registering new patrons and placing holds.
• Call patrons for holds and overdue notifications and other account-related matters.
• Handle funds collected in branches.
• Participate in programming for children, teens, and adults including preparation, promotion and implementation.
• Perform reference searches, review patron requests, make interlibrary loan requests, perform readers’ advisory functions, and assist patrons in accessing library materials.
• Assist patrons with technology needs including: assistance with laptops, e-readers, and or other devices. Assists with basic introduction to software including email and social media.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive patron inquiries and complaints with the assistance of the CEO and/or Public Services Manager/Deputy CEO if available.
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters relating to staff and patrons.
• Other duties as required.

Branch and Collection Maintenance (25%)

• Tidy the library as needed.
• Receive and process bins from other branches.
• Empty book drop, check in and shelve materials.
• Shelf-read for order, placement, and condition.
• Assist the Collection Development Coordinator with collection maintenance, including assessing and processing discards, sending floating collections to other branches as needed, etc.

*Note: All activities are expected to be performed in a safe manner, in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its Regulations, along with Corporate Safety policies, procedures and programs. In addition, all necessary personal protective equipment must be used and maintained in good condition.

DECISION MAKING AND INDEPENDENCE

a) 3 examples of the types of decisions that are made or issues/situations that are dealt with on a regular basis and how judgement is used to resolve them:

1. Resolving patron inquiries when items have been lost or damaged, whether by charging the patron or waiving the fee depending on the situation.
2. Balances library patrons’ need for quiet study space with louder patrons’ need for a safe space to play, learn, and create, including children, and intervenes when necessary.
3. Deciding the appropriate amount of time to spend with a patron to teach them technologies such as using the internet or Microsoft Word while balancing the needs of other patrons in the branch and administrative tasks.

b) 3 examples of situation or problems that are referred to the supervisor for direction or resolution:

1. Requests from law enforcement or other agencies to access confidential information.
2. Confrontational patrons whose behaviour cannot be de-escalated at the branch level.
3. Major software troubleshooting, such as when the integrated library system or website is not working.

REQUIRED TRAINING

Orientation which includes (all employees)

• All Corporate Policies/Procedures
• WHMIS GHS Training
• Respect in the Workplace
• MOL Worker H & S Training
• AODA

Additional training required:

• Standard First Aid

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
a) Education

• Some high school

b) Experience

• At least one year of experience in a public library or customer service environment

c) Knowledge/Skill/Ability

• Interested reader who will share the love of reading with others
• Strong interpersonal skills combined with excellent written/verbal communications skills
• Strong conflict management and leadership skills
• Ability to problem solve and work independently
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Windows, email and internet applications
• Ability to manage confidential information and uphold requirements of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (asset)

• Grade 12 or post-secondary completion
• Library Technician diploma or OLS EXCEL certificate preferred