Head Library Clerk

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Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Supervisor, Lending & Access Services, oversees the day-to-day operations of the Humanities & Social Sciences Library’s circulation department. Organizes, distributes and verifies the work of others and participates in their training. Develops procedures and makes recommendations to improve unit efficiency. Acts as a resource person, resolves problems, instructs others and provides technical advice. Maintains records. Processes library materials and interlibrary loan requests. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Acts as resource person, resolves problems and instructs others. Provides technical guidance and assistance concerning work methods, the use of equipment and techniques. 

• Receives payments and issues receipts. Checks the Moneris receipts and prepare a monthly report for the Library Finance Team. 

• Provides basic reference service, such as demonstrating the routine use of the public catalogue and other finding aids. Assists users in locating library materials by performing simple title, author, subject and keyword searches. 

• Processes loan, returns, renewals and holds of library materials. Issues borrowing cards. 

• Provides information concerning general library policies, procedures, and the location of library resources. Contacts users concerning matters such as overdues and the arrival of holds. Monitors compliance with library regulations. 

• Compiles data. Prepares reports. Analyzes and discusses results and their interpretation with others. Maintains records and files. 

• Locates, collects, sorts and shelves library materials. Conducts inventory, shelf reading, and collection-shifting projects as required. Performs searches for library materials. 

• Receives interlibrary loans requests. Verifies availability and location of items. Retrieves and prepares items for loan or forwards requests to appropriate institution. 

• Assists in the selection and scheduling of staff. 

• Participates in the coordination of the Course Reserves Service and processes course reserve requests, including: corresponding with users and with other library units; retrieving materials, processing materials, shelving materials. 

• Makes reservations for use of graduate study spaces (carrels, lockers, offices). Provides building access for authorized users. 

• Uses office equipment such as computer, scanner, microfilm reader, and photocopier. 

 
The list of duties and responsibilities outlined above is representative and not a complete and detailed list of tasks, which may be performed by an employee whose position has been matched to this generic job description. 

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities:

DEC in Information and Library Technologies or Bachelors degree (desired). A high level of interpersonal skills. Demonstrated client-focus and service-orientation.  Strong problem-solving skills. Proven ability to address complex enquiries from users regarding hold requests, Network Loan requests, room bookings, and the processing of course reserves.  Ability to take initiative and think creatively.  Proven organizational skills, with strong ability to multi-task and prioritize to meet regular and on-going deadlines.  Proven record of reliability, punctuality, and professionalism. Demonstrated ability to work in a PC environment using word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, e-mail, Microsoft Teams, and internet Physical requirements include moving and lifting weights of up to 20 kgs., handling dusty and other various types of library materials, shelving and shifting books, bending, walking (may include walking between buildings), working while standing. Experience working with budgets, ordering supplies, and using systems such as (or similar to) McGill Marketplace, Minerva, and Banner is an asset. Experience working with library technologies and systems. Strong communication skills. English, spoken and written. French, spoken and written.  McGill University is an English-language university where day-to-day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing The level of English required for this position has been assessed at level #(3) on a scale of 1-4.  

Work schedule:

The Work schedule may involve working during the evening and on the weekend. The position involves traveling on foot between three different buildings.

As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level # (qualifier) on a scale of 0-4.

For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.

Minimum Education and Experience:

DEP - Office Systems 4 Years Related Experience /

Hourly Salary:

(MUNACA Level G) $31.19 - $38.65

Hours per Week:

35 (Full time)

Supervisor:

Library Supervisor

Position End Date (If applicable):

Deadline to Apply:

2026-03-20

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected].