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Public Library Assistant Jobs in Coquitlam, BC (NOW HIRING)

ILL & Circulation Assistant

Vancouver, BC · On-site

CA$4.4K - CA$4.6K/mo

Maintains general appearance of library unit and ensures supplies for the public use are stocked ... Coordinates the work of student assistants when working evening and weekend shifts. * Performs ...

Senior GIC Assistant

Vancouver, BC · On-site

CA$4.4K - CA$4.6K/mo

... public clients, providing reference support to students, and assisting with overall library ... The Senior GIC Assistant leads core service activities including air photo search and retrieval ...

... Public Library branch, and a rooftop park. The supply of thermal energy is provided through the ... Perform or assist maintenance contractors in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of equipment ...

Marketing Assistant

Vancouver, BC · Remote

CA$21 - CA$24/hr

... libraries and marketing templates. Website & Digital Marketing * Update website content using ... Public Relations, Digital Media, or a related field. * Previous marketing, communications ...

Marketing Assistant

Vancouver, BC · Remote

$21 - $24/hr

... libraries and marketing templates. Website & Digital Marketing Update website content using ... Public Relations, Digital Media, or a related field. * Previous marketing, communications ...

Public Library Assistant information

See Coquitlam, BC salary details

$8

$20

$40

How much do public library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for public library assistant in Coquitlam, BC is $20.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a public library assistant do?

A Public Library Assistant helps patrons with finding and borrowing materials, answers questions about library services, and assists with using computers and other technology. They are responsible for checking books in and out, shelving returned items, and maintaining the organization of the library. Additionally, they may help prepare materials for library programs and ensure a welcoming environment for all visitors.

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

To thrive as a Public Library Assistant, you typically need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with library catalog systems, basic computer applications, and circulation software like Sierra or Koha is often required. Excellent customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills help you effectively assist patrons and support daily library operations. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient library services, positive patron experiences, and smooth workflow within the library environment.

What are some common challenges faced by public library assistants in managing patron needs during busy periods?

Public Library Assistants often encounter peak times when the library is bustling with visitors seeking assistance, technology support, or searching for resources. Managing multiple requests simultaneously while maintaining a welcoming and organized environment can be challenging. Developing strong multitasking, communication, and problem-solving skills is essential to effectively prioritize tasks and ensure patrons receive timely help. Teamwork is also important, as collaborating with librarians and other staff members helps distribute workloads and provide comprehensive service to the community.

What is the difference between Public Library Assistant vs Library Clerk?

AspectPublic Library AssistantLibrary Clerk
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may prefer library experienceHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training often provided
Work EnvironmentPublic library settings, assisting patrons, organizing materialsPublic or academic libraries, handling circulation and customer service
Employer & Industry UsagePublic libraries, community centersPublic and academic libraries, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonPublic Library Assistant vs Library Clerk

The Public Library Assistant and Library Clerk roles are similar, both working in library environments assisting patrons and managing materials. The main differences lie in job titles used by employers and slight variations in responsibilities. Both positions typically require a high school diploma and focus on customer service, organization, and support tasks within libraries.

How hard is it to get a job as a public library assistant?

Getting a job as a public library assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and good customer service skills. Competition can vary depending on location and the number of available positions, but having relevant experience or certifications in library services can improve chances of hiring.

What qualifications do you need to be a public library assistant?

Public library assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some positions may require previous customer service experience, familiarity with library systems or technology, and good communication skills. Certification is not usually required but can be beneficial for advancement.

What would you do as a public library assistant?

A public library assistant helps patrons find and check out books and other materials, manages library collections, and maintains the cleanliness and organization of the library. They may also assist with computer use, answer questions, and support library programs, often using library management software. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are important for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Public Library Assistant jobs in Coquitlam, BC?

For Public Library Assistant jobs in Coquitlam, BC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Public Library Assistant job openings in Coquitlam, BC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,511 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

ILL & Circulation Assistant

Vancouver, BC • On-site


Ubc
5 - 10K employees

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 12 rated unions

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


CA$4.4K - CA$4.6K/mo

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Staff - UnionJob CategoryCUPE 2950Job ProfileCUPE 2950 Salaried - Pub Svc Library Asst 3 (Gr6)Job TitleILL & Circulation AssistantDepartmentUBC Library I Law Library I ReferenceCompensation Range$4,449.00 - $4,676.00 CAD MonthlyPosting End DateSeptember 1, 2026

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

Ongoing

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Description Summary
Performs complex duties and is responsible for interlibrary loans, website activities, signage, in-house library displays, digital signage, and other publications. Performs complex duties in acquisitions, circulation, technology troubleshooting, and administrative support. During evening and weekend work, serves as the sole desk attendant and is responsible for all issues related to patron service, the coordination of student assistant activities, and emergencies.
Organizational Status
Interacts and communicates with employees in the Law Library and other UBC Library branches and units, faculty, students, members of the public, other departments on campus, and external vendors and service providers. Acts as liaison with Interlibrary Loans, UBC Library Communications, and IT. May represent unit regarding websites and digital signage matters.
Work Performed

Interlibrary Loans
  • Coordinates the Law Library's interlibrary loan services and performs detailed routines related to ILL operations. This involves a fee-for-service operation and resource-sharing agreements that UBC has with other institutions. Receives requests, interprets citations, retrieves requested materials, photocopies, scans, invoices, and delivers materials. Determines appropriate sources and may initiate requests for library materials for Allard School of Law students and faculty members.

  • Oversees document delivery service of materials not owned by UBC Library for Allard School of Law Faculty members. Receives requests, interprets citations, and places requests for Faculty.

Signage, Displays, and Website
  • Performs moderately complex duties in creating signs, posters, table tent signs, and related materials, using MS-Office and other publishing software (including but not limited to Pixlr online, Photoshop, iMovie, and Canvas). Ensures physical, digital, and virtual signage and materials are current, clear, visually appealing, and follow branding conventions and guidelines, as appropriate. Consults and interacts with UBC Library Communications' resources and services, including the Confluence page for Library brand compliant signage templates or any other system-wide downloadable signage. Interacts with Allard School of Law Communications, as appropriate. Acts as the Law Library's liaison for signage and publications.

  • Responsible for the Law Library's in-house displays, and publications. Creates displays for the Law Library's bulletin boards, display cases, and physical signage. Formats provided content, initiates ideas, creates original content, selects materials, physically produces and installs content. Oversees the production and distribution of in-house publications. Updates displays and signage to keep information current and follows branding conventions and guidelines, as appropriate.

  • Contributes to the maintenance of in-house displays related to UBC Library content. Works with the UBC Library Communications team, following established processes, to support the distribution or posting of UBC Library materials or content, consistent with UBC Library branding and the Communications Team's guidelines.

  • Creates displays and messages for the Law Library's digital sign. Formats provided content, selects materials, and creates original content as appropriate. Follows established branding conventions and guidelines.

  • Assists in maintaining the Law Library's website. Creates, edits, and maintains web pages following guidelines for the UBC Library website. Creates original content as appropriate, updates and edits existing content, uses statistics software and specific site maintenance tools, and checks links and graphical elements for functionality. Where appropriate, converts print publications to web publications. Participates in developing guidelines for the Law Library website and maintaining knowledge and awareness of changes to procedures, branding, or guidelines. Provides graphic and web design assistance to librarians at the Law Library who teach Legal Research and Writing courses using online modules.

Circulation, Public and Information Services, and Acquisitions
  • Performs moderately complex work at the circulation desk as scheduled which may include evening and weekend shifts. Charges and discharges library materials and equipment. Checks returned materials for holds, damage and completeness. Places holds, recalls, storage requests, and processes rush cataloguing requests. Assists patrons in completing processes related to equipment lending, guest IDs, and other activities related to access.

  • Performs library opening and closing procedures as assigned. Monitors library security gates. Receives, reports and responds to information relating to thefts and other incidents. Contacts Building Operations, Campus Security and/or, RCMP for emergency, safety, security and health issues. Contacts Building Operations for routine maintenance/repairs, and keeps a log of repair requests. Submits requests using Planon and follows up when necessary. Maintains general appearance of library unit and ensures supplies for the public use are stocked. Monitors and reports on equipment condition.

  • Provides information and reference assistance to users at a Law Library service point. This may include conducting reference interviews and assessing user needs, assisting users to locate resources, searching for needed information in a full range of resources in all formats and instructing users on how to use resources. May participate in UBC Library's online chat reference service. Assists with library orientations and tours as required.

  • Accepts and responds to queries on library policies and procedures. Explains and enforces library policies and procedures. Answers directional and information questions regarding library holdings. Interprets patron and circulation records. Assists with accessibility needs of users.

  • Coordinates the work of student assistants when working evening and weekend shifts.

  • Performs basic troubleshooting on Law Library equipment including copiers, printers, computers, micro reader/printer, and staplers. Stocks, cleans, and provides operational assistance on this equipment and reports problems as needed.

  • Orders, organizes, and maintains office supplies.

  • Provides administrative support to a wide variety of projects. Organizes, formats, and maintains files and documents. Gathers, records, compiles, reports, maintains, and generates reports related to statistics of varying types. Records minutes of staff meetings.

  • Performs complex monograph acquisitions duties including pre-order searches for library materials. Finds and copies bibliographic records from Libraries and Archives Canada and the Library of Congress to create online order records. Creates original cataloguing if required. Places orders, distributes the purchase orders to the appropriate vendors and receives purchase orders from Collections Services.

  • Receives non-GOBI monographic items from vendors, receives invoices and forwards them to Library Finance for payment processing. Physically prepares books for cataloguing (e.g., stamping, tattletaping), and sends the books to Collections Services. Identifies, investigates, and resolves damaged or missing items, receiving errors, and bibliographic changes.

  • Participates in project work and performs other duties related to the qualifications and requirements of the job.


Consequence of Error/Judgement


Works under general supervision and within established methods and procedures with latitude for organizing work, exercising judgement, and exercising creativity. Errors in judgement related to public service interactions may result in poor user experience. This can have a negative impact on the Law Library's image and reputation, including, relations with the Allard School of Law. Circulation work is monitored to ensure adherence to library policies and procedures. Tasks are clearly defined, and unusual problems are referred to the Head, Law Library. Works independently during evening and weekend shifts.
Supervision Received
Position is accountable to the Head, Law Library (or designate) and receives daily supervision from the Law Library Technical Services Supervisor relating to personnel and acquisitions matters. Receives general direction from the Senior Circulation Assistant on circulation and shelving related duties. Performance reviews are conducted by the Head, Law Library or designate.
Supervision Given
May explain work procedures to new or inexperienced staff. Oversees the work of student assistants when on evening and weekend duty to ensure that assigned tasks are completed. Reports unresolvable circulation issues to the Senior Circulation Assistant.
Minimum Qualifications

High school graduation, plus two-year Library Technician diploma, and three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own.

  • Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion


Preferred Qualifications

Completion of relevant graphics, design, display, photography, and web design courses. Experience with web design maintenance of database driven websites. Solid working knowledge of computers and related web editing tools. Knowledge and experience with operations of Windows based computer programs, printers, and other system related equipment and communication networks an asset. Knowledge of relevant integrated library system modules (e.g. Voyager Circulation and Acquisitions and Relais) preferred.

Ability to effectively use word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, electronic mail, desktop publishing, local area networks at an advanced level (MS Office, Word Press, Wiki, Adobe Professional and Photoshop) preferred.

Ability to operate the normal range of library equipment. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Ability to provide quality service to library users in a courteous, patient manner. Ability to resolve library user complaints in a calm, non-confrontational manner, and by exercising sound judgement. Ability to remain calm, decisive, effective, and safe in emergency or crisis situations.

Ability to understand and apply policies, procedures, and instructions. Ability to analyze and interpret data, determine implications, and provide recommendations. Ability to make thoughtful, informed and thorough decisions. Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve. Ability to interact with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner.

Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities. Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to exercise tact and discretion. Ability to work both independently and within a team environment. Ability to lift up to 20 kgs of boxed materials and to push fully loaded book trucks. Ability to work a five-day work week including evening and weekend shifts as required.

Ability to build and maintain productive relationships and work collegially with a diverse population of Library employees and users in keeping with the UBC Respectful Environment Statement. Takes initiative in learning about language and issues relating to equity and diversity. Ability to recognize, respect and work effectively with individuals and groups with diverse perspectives and backgrounds, and to appreciate their contributions. Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships and engage in workplace culture. Committed to demonstrating respect to colleagues at every level by trusting in their abilities and their knowledge to perform their roles and earning respect through meeting commitments.



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