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Student Library Assistant Jobs in Toronto, ON (NOW HIRING)

Arcadis is seeking an Interior Design Co-op Student to join our Design Practice team at our Toronto ... Maintain and organize the product sample library and assist with the coordination of lunch-and ...

Helps organize activities that promote student success (ie. Booking of study rooms around exam times, math tutors to be available in library before math tests, mindfulness sessions, etc). * Answers ...

We are seeking two (2) motivated early-career Co-Op student to join our Oncology Global Medical ... Help build and maintain prompt libraries, use-case repositories, and best-practice documentation ...

Student Library Assistant information

What is a student library assistant?

Student Library Assistants are students who work in campus libraries to support day-to-day library operations. They typically help with tasks such as checking out and shelving books, assisting patrons in finding materials, managing study spaces, and performing basic administrative duties. This role offers students an opportunity to gain work experience, improve organizational skills, and contribute to the campus community. The position often requires good communication skills, attention to detail, and reliability.

What are the common responsibilities of a student library assistant?

Student Library Assistants are usually responsible for tasks such as shelving books, checking materials in and out, assisting patrons with locating resources, and maintaining a quiet, organized environment. They may also help with processing new materials, setting up displays, or supporting library events. The role provides valuable customer service experience and often involves collaborating with librarians and other student staff, making teamwork and communication skills important.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a student library assistant?

To thrive as a Student Library Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and basic computer literacy, often complemented by enrollment in a college or university. Familiarity with library catalog systems, circulation software, and office productivity tools is typically necessary. Excellent customer service, communication, and time management skills help build rapport with patrons and manage multiple tasks efficiently. These competencies ensure smooth library operations, positive user experiences, and effective support for library staff and visitors.

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

AspectStudent Library AssistantLibrary Clerk
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or ongoing student statusHigh school diploma or equivalent
Work EnvironmentSchool or university libraries, part-timePublic or academic libraries, full-time or part-time
Employer & IndustryEducational institutionsPublic, academic, or special libraries
Common Search IntentEntry-level library support roles for studentsSupport staff in library operations

The main difference between a Student Library Assistant and a Library Clerk lies in their typical work environment and employment status. Student Library Assistants are usually students working part-time in school or university libraries, while Library Clerks are employed in various library settings, often with more formal responsibilities. Both roles require similar basic credentials, but their job scope and employer types differ.

How to become a student library assistant?

To become a student library assistant, you typically need to be a current student with good organizational and communication skills. Applications often involve submitting a resume and sometimes an interview; some positions may require a minimum age or academic standing. Prior experience with library systems or customer service can be helpful but is not always necessary.

What degree do I need to be a student library assistant?

A student library assistant typically does not need a specific degree but should be enrolled in a high school or college program. Relevant skills include organization, communication, and familiarity with library systems or tools, and some positions may require a minimum age or work permit.

What qualifications do you need for a student library assistant?

A student library assistant typically needs to be a current student with good organizational and communication skills. Some positions may require basic computer skills and a responsible attitude, but formal qualifications are usually minimal or not required. Availability to work flexible hours is also often preferred.

What are the most commonly searched types of Student Library jobs in Toronto, ON?

The most popular types of Student Library jobs in Toronto, ON are:

What are popular job titles related to Student Library Assistant jobs in Toronto, ON?

For Student Library Assistant jobs in Toronto, ON, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Student Library Assistant jobs in Toronto, ON look for?

The top searched job categories for Student Library Assistant jobs in Toronto, ON are:

What cities near Toronto, ON are hiring for Student Library Assistant jobs?

Cities near Toronto, ON with the most Student Library Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Student Library Assistant job openings in Toronto, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

User Services Librarian (Librarian I/II; Contractually-Limited Term Appointment)

University of Toronto

Toronto, ON

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Title:  User Services Librarian (Librarian I/II; Contractually-Limited Term Appointment)  

Date Posted: 08/21/2026

Closing Date: 09/20/2026

Req ID: 49934

Job Category: Librarian - Contractually Limited Term Appointment

Faculty/Division: Library 

Department: User Services - Research & Education

Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Existing Vacancy: Yes

Are you looking for challenging, meaningful work in a supportive and diverse environment? Are you looking for a career at one of Canada's top employers? Work where the world comes to think, discover and learn. Consider a career at the University of Toronto.

About the University of Toronto Libraries

The University of Toronto Libraries (UTL) system is the largest academic library in Canada and is ranked in the top five among peer institutions in North America. The system comprises 40 libraries located across three university campuses: St.George, Mississauga, and Scarborough. This diverse and extensive network of college libraries, special collections, and specialized information centres plays a pivotal role in supporting the teaching, scholarly, and research needs of nearly 100,000 students enrolled in a wide array of graduate, professional, and undergraduate programs.

The library system provides access to millions of resources in various formats, including electronic, print, audio-visual, data and geospatial materials. UTL also boasts impressive holdings of archival material and substantial digital collections, securely preserved in the libraries' data centre. The staff at UTL are integral to the academic and scholarly enterprise, working closely with faculty and students to support their teaching, learning, and research requirements. They are subject matter experts; they are skilled in research data management, collections, statistics, GIS, metadata, digital preservation, scholarly communications, copyright, teaching, knowledge synthesis, open access and much more. Our work is grounded in our commitment to support equity, diversity, and inclusion. UTL continuously evolves to meet the changing academic priorities and pressures at the University and within the broader landscape of higher education.

The Opportunity


The University of Toronto Libraries seeks a proactive and collaborative librarian to both deliver and facilitate research and teaching support to our user communities for a contractually-limited term to cover a leave. 

Reporting to the Assistant Head of User Services at John P. Robarts Library, the User Services Librarian will engage students and faculty at the Factor-Inwentash School of Social Work-including the Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency program-and the Department of Sociology on the St George Campus. These programs comprise of a diverse student body with a curricular emphasis on social justice and critical praxis. This work will involve teaching research and related skills, consulting with users about their research projects, and assuming collection development responsibilities to support the teaching and research needs of the faculties. Additionally, the librarian will support social science researchers with methods-driven reviews as a consultant and may also work with research teams as a co-author through the Systematic and Scoping Review Collaboration.

As a member of the Research & Education team, the User Services Librarian will also lead UTL's contribution to Ask the Library chat through mentorship, training, scheduling, documentation, resource development, and targeted communication. Ask the Library chat is a consortial chat reference service staffed by colleagues throughout UTL and other Ontario university libraries coordinated through OCUL/Scholars Portal. Student casual workers staff this and other research help services in the unit. Participating in hiring, training, and ongoing supervision with an anti-oppressive management style is critical to success in the role.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the liaison librarian to the Factor-Inwentash School of Social Work, including the Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency program, and the Department of Sociology through community engagement, teaching, research support and collaboration, and collection development
  • Coordinate U of T Library's contribution to Ask the Library chat service including serving on OCUL/Scholars Portal committees like the Chatbot Beta Tester Working Group, Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reference Working Group, and the Virtual Reference Steering Committee
  • Consult with social science researchers on methods-driven reviews, with possible opportunities for co-authorship through the Systematic and Scoping Review Collaboration
  • Participate in student casual employee supervision, hiring, and training
  • Deliver in-depth research support through chat, email, and by appointment
  • Participate in the strategic and operational work of the Research & Education Team within the User Services Department of the John P. of Robarts Library

 
Required Qualifications

  • Master's degree in library, archival or information science from an accredited institution
  • Demonstrated commitment to the values of inclusivity, diversity, equity, anti-racism and accessibility
  • Demonstrated understanding of the role of technology in library services and resources and the impact on diverse user communities
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills including intercultural communication
  • Proven ability to establish and grow professional relationships  
  • Outstanding commitment to user-focused service
  • Track record of successful collaboration and consensus building
  • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
  • An understanding of the diverse experiences of Indigenous Peoples and communities
  • Curiosity and openness to emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence
  • Aptitude for complex, analytical work
  • Knowledge of Information Literacy teaching best practices and approaches 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Work experience in an academic library
  • Teaching experience
  • Public service and research support experience  
  • Experience supporting learners in critically engaging with AI tools and concepts
  • Experience managing or training staff members in a unionized environment
  • Experience developing and managing collections
  • Lived experience or experience working with Indigenous Peoples and communities
  • Familiarity with methods-driven reviews methodology
  • Experience designing, conducting, and documenting comprehensive literature searches
  • An educational background in social work, sociology, or another social science discipline

Salary and Terms of Appointment:  

It is anticipated that this position will be filled at the Librarian I/II level, subject to review and experience. Minimum salary: LIB I:  $88,786; LIB II:  $92,906. (Salary is dependent on rank at hire and qualifications) The expected salaryrange is $88,786 - $92,906, depending on experience. Negotiations beyond this salary range will be considered forexceptionally qualified candidates. This is a contractually-limited term appointment ending on July 31, 2027.

Benefits: We offer generous benefits packages to all employees. Additional information is available at: https://people.utoronto.ca/careers/benefits/

Additional information:

Librarians at the University of Toronto are members of the University of Toronto Faculty Association. 

How to Apply:

Application Materials Required: A cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references of which at least two have supervised your work. Please attach a single electronic file into the "Resume" Field. (MS Word or pdf) with a file name convention of Surname, FirstName, 49934.

The University of Toronto Libraries thanks all applicants but will only contact applicants selected for an interview. 

University of Toronto Library System: https://library.utoronto.ca/

University of Toronto: https://people.utoronto.ca/

Policies for librarians: https://people.utoronto.ca/policies/

This search aligns with the University's commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities to apply.

University of Toronto Libraries' Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Statement:

https://library.utoronto.ca/policy/anti-racism-and-diversity-equity-and-inclusion

University of Toronto Libraries' Anti-Racism Statement:

https://library.utoronto.ca/policy/anti-racism-and-diversity-equity-and-inclusion