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Library Jobs in Ottawa, ON (NOW HIRING)

Public Srvc Assistant

Ottawa, ON

CA$35.06 - CA$41.02/hr

Ottawa Public Library Service: Branch Operations Employment Type: 1 Permanent Part Time Position Work Hours: 24.5 hours per week (** see note **) Affiliation: CUPE 503 - Library/Part Time - Public ...

Ottawa Public Library Service: Branch Operations Employment Type: 1 Permanent Full Time Position Work Hours: 28 hours per week Affiliation: CUPE 503 - Library/Full Time - Public Service Job Salary ...

Senior Executive Assistant

Ottawa, ON · On-site

CA$64K - CA$81K/yr

University of Ottawa Library Campus: Morisset Hall Union Affiliation: SSUO Date Posted (YYYY/MM/DD): 2026/07/23 Applications must be received BEFORE (YYYY/MM/DD): 2026/08/02 Hours per week: 35 Salary ...

Proficient with python data-science libraries ( pandas, numpy, bokeh ) * Expertise in combinatorial and graph optimization algorithms * A Masters or PHD in Computer Science, Engineering. or ...

Proficient with python data-science libraries ( pandas, numpy, bokeh ) * Expertise in combinatorial and graph optimization algorithms * A Masters or PHD in Computer Science, Engineering. or ...

Content Library Management (Responsive) * Own the organization, governance, and continuous improvement of Responsive (proposal management software), * Audit and update content regularly to ensure ...

Maintains proposal templates, style guides, and content libraries. * Supports layout and production to ensure a professional, branded submission. * Tracks version control and organizes proposal files ...

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Library information

See Ottawa, ON salary details

$8

$20

$45

How much do library jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for library in Ottawa, ON is $20.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.05 and $23.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you get hired at a library with no experience?

Library positions such as library assistants or clerks often do not require prior experience and may provide on-the-job training. Having good organizational skills, customer service abilities, and familiarity with library systems can improve chances of hiring, even without previous experience. Entry-level roles typically focus on supporting library operations and customer needs.

Is it hard to get hired as a librarian?

Getting hired as a librarian typically requires a master's degree in library science or information studies and relevant experience. Competition can vary depending on the location and type of library, but strong organizational skills and familiarity with library management systems improve job prospects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Librarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Librarian, you typically need a Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS or MLIS), strong research skills, and organizational abilities. Familiarity with library management systems, digital archives, and cataloguing tools like MARC or Dewey Decimal Classification is essential. Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills help librarians engage diverse patrons and collaborate with colleagues. These competencies ensure effective resource management, support lifelong learning, and enhance community access to information.

What kind of jobs do libraries offer?

Libraries offer a variety of jobs including librarian, library assistant, archivist, cataloger, and technical services staff. These roles often require skills in organization, customer service, and familiarity with library management systems or cataloging tools. Positions may be full-time, part-time, or seasonal, and some roles require relevant certifications or degrees in library science.

Can you work at a library without being a librarian?

Yes, many library jobs do not require a librarian certification and include roles such as library assistants, clerks, or technicians. These positions often involve tasks like shelving, checking out materials, and helping patrons, and may require customer service skills and familiarity with library systems. Certification is typically not necessary unless applying for professional librarian roles with specific qualifications.

What do library workers do?

Library workers assist patrons in finding and borrowing materials, organize and maintain collections, and help with research and technology use. They may also plan educational programs, manage digital resources, and support community events. The specific duties depend on the role, such as librarian, library assistant, or technician, but all focus on making information accessible to the public.

What Qualifications Do I Need to Get a Job in a Library?

Different library jobs have varying qualifications. To become a librarian, you need a master’s degree in either library science or information studies. This is important if you work with students in an academic setting. You also need some research experience and a strong awareness of research procedures and tools. Library technicians and assistants need to have a high school diploma or a GED certificate and strong administrative skills. If you are seeking a job in library computer support, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in information technologies.

What are some common challenges faced by library staff when adapting to digital resources and technology?

Library staff often encounter challenges such as staying current with rapidly evolving digital platforms, assisting patrons with varying levels of tech literacy, and integrating new technologies with existing catalog systems. Balancing traditional library services with digital resource management requires ongoing training and flexibility. However, many libraries provide professional development opportunities and foster a supportive team environment to help staff successfully navigate these changes.

What jobs can you work at a library?

Jobs at a library include librarian, library assistant, library technician, archivist, and library clerk. These roles involve tasks such as managing collections, assisting patrons, cataloging materials, and maintaining library operations, often requiring relevant education or certifications. Staff typically work during library hours and use tools like library management software.

Is librarian a low stress job?

Librarians typically experience moderate stress levels, as their work involves managing collections, assisting patrons, and maintaining organization. Factors such as workload, library size, and public interaction can influence stress, but the job generally offers a calm environment with regular hours. Certification and strong organizational skills are often required for success in this role.

What is the difference between Library vs Archivist?

AspectLibraryArchivist
Required CredentialsLibrary degree or certification, MLS/MLISArchival certification, MLS/MLIS often preferred
Work EnvironmentPublic, academic, or special librariesArchives, museums, historical institutions
Industry UsageInformation management, education, public servicePreservation, historical records, cultural heritage

Libraries and archivists both manage information resources, but libraries focus on providing access to current materials for the public or specific groups, while archivists preserve historical records and rare collections. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Ottawa, ON? The most popular types of Library jobs in Ottawa, ON are:
What job categories do people searching Library jobs in Ottawa, ON look for? The top searched job categories for Library jobs in Ottawa, ON are:
What cities near Ottawa, ON are hiring for Library jobs? Cities near Ottawa, ON with the most Library job openings:
Infographic showing various Library job openings in Ottawa, ON as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,942 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

CA$35.06 - CA$41.02/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Requisition ID: 22994

Department: Ottawa Public Library 

Service: Branch Operations 

Employment Type: 1 Permanent Part Time Position 

Work Hours: 24.5 hours per week (** see note **)

Affiliation: CUPE 503 - Library/Part Time - Public Service Job

Salary Information: $35.060  - $41.020  per hour (2026 rates of pay)

Location: Elmvale Acres Branch, 1910 St. Laurent Boulevard | Greenboro Branch, 363 Lorry Greenberg Drive  

City: Ottawa, ON 

Job Category: Ottawa Public Library

Application Close: 03/08/2026 

** NOTE: This position is 21 hours per week at Elmvale Acres branch, with a bi-weekly 7 hour Sunday shift at Greenboro branch, for a bi-weekly average of 24.5 hours. 

JOB SUMMARY

Ottawa Public Library (OPL) provides accessible, innovative library and information services throughout the City of Ottawa, that meet the unique needs of diverse communities, delivered through a range of vehicles and reflecting a citizen-centred approach. The Public Service units are responsible for customer-centric public library activities, programs and services for the Library's 33 branches, mobile and digital services, to meet the needs of branches in their catchment area.

You are responsible for: providing information, reference and readers advisory services in the Library and/or the community and/or mini-libraries, nursing homes and other locations; providing circulation and page services in the Library and/or the community and/or mini-libraries, nursing homes and other locations; performing routine collection maintenance duties; and promoting Library services.

You may be the senior person in charge or exercise responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the library branch.

Work is performed within the context of the policies and framework of the Library corporate culture as embodied in the Mission Statement, Core Values, Customer Experience Guidelines and the Canadian Federation of Library Association position statements on Intellectual Freedom and Diversity and Inclusion, with particular emphasis on providing customer service excellence.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 2-year college diploma in Library and Information Technician Program, or related field 

Minimum of 1 year of related experience.

KNOWLEDGE
  • Adult/children's literature in a variety of formats, readers' advisory services, trends in reading, literacy, ESL collections and library programming.
  • Reference resources in print, microform and electronic formats and of current developments in reference services.
  • Electronic database and other bibliographic searching techniques.
  • Principles of collection development and maintenance.
  • Methods and techniques for sorting and shelving library materials according to alphabetical, Dewey Decimal or other prescribed sequence and procedures.
  • Library circulation procedures and practices.
  • Knowledge of multiple technology platforms (e.g. tablets, phones, e-readers, Android, Apple, Blackberry) as it relates to library offerings
  • Methods and techniques of responding to inquiries and resolving patron complaints.
  • Desktop applications, intranet and internet and keyboarding procedures, to the extent where it may be required to demonstrate such usage to colleagues or library patrons.
  • General knowledge of library policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers.
COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Use tact, discretion and confidentiality.
  • Excellent verbal communication skills.
  • Exercise effective judgement and independent decision-making capabilities.
  • To carry out a range of circulation/page activities, including registration, collecting fees, and to respond effectively to a range of library service inquiries and resolve complaints.
  • To perform routine clerical tasks.
  • Minimum keyboard skills of 25 wpm.
  • Data entry, retrieval and keyboarding skills including use of standard office equipment and operation of an IBM compatible computer in Microsoft windows.
  • Ability to think quickly.
  • Ability to learn on the job and apply learning to new technologies as required.
  • Ability to create and design thematic displays.
  • Ability to handle and account for cash and to prepare bank deposits.
  • Perform multiple tasks concurrently.
  • Customer service orientation, including the use of tact, discretion and confidentiality
  • Ease of comfort with technology.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, ability to deal with the public and handle problems as they arise.
  • Flexibility, ability to adjust priorities.
  • Ability to work effectively as a team member.
  • Strongly committed to quality customer service.
  • To perform routine manual tasks and maneuver book carts and lift boxes up to 40 pounds.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • Language Requirement: Designated Day 1 Ready - immediate requirement for language proficiency: French: oral, reading, writing English: oral, reading, writing Candidates must meet language requirement for position upon hire.  
  • Police Record Check: The successful candidate will be required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check (Level 3) with the Police Services detachment in their jurisdiction to the Ottawa Public Library's satisfaction.; Note: Under the age of 18, requires a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters (Level 2) check in place of the Vulnerable Sector Check.; Police record checks completed by a third-party company will not be accepted.    
  • Additional vacancies may occur during the competition process. 
  • Alternative educational credentials combined with job-related experience, demonstrated performance, and ability may be considered in lieu of stated academic requirements. 
  • Please save a copy of the job poster. Once the closing date has passed, it will no longer be available.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. 

The Ottawa Public Library promotes the principles of diversity and inclusion and adheres to the tenets of the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We encourage applications from women, Aboriginal peoples and persons of all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities and expressions.

The Ottawa Public Library provides accommodation to applicants during all parts of the hiring process, upon request. If contacted to proceed to the selection process, please advise us if you require any accommodation.

Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. Please contact the Employee Service Centre at 613-580-2424 extension 12211 or via email at esc-cse@ottawa.ca.