Librarian 1

About New Westminster Public Library:

We recognize and respect that New Westminster is on the unceded and unsurrendered land of the Halq'emeylem speaking peoples. We acknowledge that colonialism has made invisible their histories and connections to the land. As a City and as a Library, we are learning and building relationships with the people whose lands we are on.

The City of New Westminster is a socially, economically and culturally diverse community of approximately 92,000 residents. As a core service, New Westminster Public Library aims to engage, strengthen and connect the community by inspiring exploration, imagination, creativity and lifelong learning. We emphasize the development and delivery of innovative programs and services that reflect our commitment to the principles of social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion delivered through the lens of anti-racist and anti-oppressive practice. We are committed to reconciliation with First Nation and urban indigenous communities. We seek to constantly learn, evolve and adapt our practice to the changing needs of our community, seeking always to identify and remove barriers to service.

Who we are looking for:

Reporting to the Manager of Programs and Community Development and under the supervision of the Librarian 2 – Community Development, the Librarian 1 – Adult & Digital Services is a primarily public-facing role based at the Main Branch of the New Westminster Public Library. The position balances front-line service for library users with digital literacy, programming and digital service support.

Due to operational needs desk time may include shifts at all of our service points and locations, as well as, provide programming support internally and outreach events. The successful candidate will deliver high-quality, inclusive service in a busy public service desk environment, providing user services, research assistance, readers' advisory, and technology support. They will demonstrate strong reference interview skills, sound judgment, and the ability to assist customers with a wide range of information needs, including digital literacy, government and community resources, employment, housing, health, and lifelong learning. This position requires a community-focused professional who communicates effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, applies policies consistently, and contributes to a welcoming, safe, and accessible library environment while working collaboratively with colleagues.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Library Information Services

• Provides front-line reference and information services at the Main Branch iConnect Desk and other service points.

• Conducts effective reference interviews to assess user needs and deliver accurate, timely, and relevant information.

• Assists library users with research, readers' advisory, and use of print and digital collections.

• Supports library users with technology use, including computers, mobile devices, printers, scanners, self-service equipment, and library software.

• Assists library users with accessing government, employment, education, health, housing, and community resources.

• Provides library orientations and one-to-one instruction to support information, digital literacy and community development.

• Models excellent user services and inclusive practices in all public interactions.

Digital Literacy, Programming & Digital Services

• Supports the delivery of digital literacy and other library programming for library users, including one-to -one assistance, workshops, or small group sessions.

• Assists with maintaining and updating assigned website content, online guides, or resources related to library services and digital literacy.

• Identifies emerging digital needs, accessibility considerations, and common user challenges to inform service improvements.

• Collaborates with colleagues to support coordinated digital services, communications, and programming initiatives.

• Assists with the creation or updating of instructional or promotional content related to digital literacy and library services.

Service Excellence & Person in Charge (PIC)

• Acts as Person in Charge (PIC) when assigned, in accordance with library policies and procedures.

• Provides on-site leadership and decision-making support during assigned PIC shifts to ensure continuity of service and safe operations.

• Serves as a point of contact for staff during PIC coverage, addressing operational issues and escalating concerns as required.

• Responds to incidents, emergencies, or service disruptions in collaboration with security, building services, and management, as appropriate.

• Applies library policies consistently and exercises sound judgment while maintaining a calm and professional presence.

• Creates a welcoming, respectful, and safe service environment for all library users.

• Communicates effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds.

• Shares knowledge and supports team learning to ensure consistent service delivery.

CONDITIONS OF WORK:

• This is a permanent, full-time position, 35 hours/week.

• The hours for this position include a regularly scheduled weekend day (Sunday), on a three week rotation and will also work a regularly scheduled evening day (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday – To Be Determined).

• Hours and schedules are always subject to change due to operational need and reviewed on an annual basis.

• Library Staff may participate in the City of New Westminster's Compressed Day Off program.

• This position will be required to work on site at the Uptown Main Branch of the library and the Queensborough Branch. Options for some remote work may be considered after successful completion of a 6 month probationary period, though this cannot be guaranteed.

• Required to join CUPE Local #387.

• Required to work at any branch in the New Westminster Library system.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's Degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited library school.

• Minimum 2 years' experience in public library program planning and community engagement or demonstrated equivalent experience.

• Applicants must be able to pass and maintain a clear Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check.

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience providing public service desk support in a busy public library environment or equivalent.

• Experience supporting library users with digital literacy, including basic technology use, online forms, and access to digital services.

• Experience acting as Person in Charge (PIC) or providing on-site operational leadership in a public service setting.

• Experience working with diverse, marginalized, or vulnerable populations, using inclusive and trauma-informed service approaches.

• Demonstrated ability to manage challenging interactions using conflict de-escalation and sound judgment.

• Experience contributing to or maintaining public-facing web content, online guides, or digital resources.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.

• Experience delivering and developing accessible programs and services.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS:

• All applications will be reviewed beginning early February 2026.

• Those selected for an interview will be contacted by telephone or email, for a pre-screening telephone call.

• Interview questions will be provided in advance of the interview.

• Interviews will be conducted in-person led by the Manager of Programs and Community Development and two other members of the library staff.

• Results of the interviews will be reviewed and the candidate will be selected for the position.

• Following successful completion of a vulnerable sector check and a signed letter of offer, the successful candidate would begin their position at a date and time to be determined.