Employment Opportunities

Markham Public Library is an innovative, busy library system serving a growing and diverse community. We deliver library services to a population of close to 300,000 from 6 locations. In 2008, we circulated more than 4.9 million items, making us one of the most intensively used library systems in Canada. Our working environment is challenging, fast-paced, and culturally diverse. We invite people with a passion for customer service, learning and growth to join the team at MPL.

Part Time Circulation Associate

Programming Coordinator (Contract)

Part Time Circulation Associate

Applications are now being received for the above position in the Information Department with the Markham Public Library.

DUTIES:

Reporting to the Branch Librarian, the Circulation Associate performs a dual role in branch operations.  In response to customer service needs, performs in either a circulation or information role.  When working in the circulation role, performs all functions related to the circulation of materials, including customer registration, customer accounts, checkin of materials, self-check coaching, customer greeting, and collection merchandising.  When working in the information services role, provides roving information service.  Actively participates in the implementation of the “Markham Public Library Strategic Plan: 2003 into the Future” and successor Strategic Plans, particularly through promoting self-service and providing proactive, welcoming customer service.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

1. Performs all customer cards and accounts desk functions relating to the circulation of materials, customer registration, reserves, fine assessment and collection, linking of materials to database records, and performs reception.
2. Checks library materials in and out efficiently and accurately, using the automated circulation system and security equipment, to facilitate material throughput and meet customer expectations.
3. Registers customers and maintains current customer information to ensure accurate database records.
4. Collects fines and fees, according to Library policies and procedures, and using customer service skills, in order to efficiently process overdue materials.
5. Performs reception duties, by responding to customer inquiries, directing incoming telephone calls, and receiving and distributing mail, messages and courier boxes in a timely and accurate fashion.
6. Performs the following clerical functions to ensure an accurate database and well-maintained collection: checks library shelves to reconcile ongoing statistical reports, maintains the hold shelves, repairs library materials, receives donations, and processes new materials, periodicals and newspapers.
7. Performs behind-the-scenes circulation duties, including check-in of materials, sorting of materials, preparing materials for courier pickup, unpacking and sorting materials from courier delivery, processing of holds, receiving new materials, repair work, inventory maintenance, and dealing with donations. 
8. Roves the public entrance area and the circulation services area of the library, greeting customers as they enter the Library, providing direction to the appropriate service area, and ensuring that customers are aware of all the services and facilities offered by the library.
9. Provides orientation for new customers.
10. Provides directional question assistance to customers.
11. Coaches customers in the use of self-service technology.  Supports the concept as self-service as the preferred choice of customers checking out materials.
12. Troubleshoots self -service equipment, and solves or repairs problems such as receipt printer jams, cards not accepted, and all other technical issues.
13. Troubleshoots and solves or repairs computer equipment problems, such as PCs freezing, printer jams, explaining the PIN system to customers, explaining the Telecirc system to customers, etc.
14. Provides roving information service, including responses to quick information questions, basic search instruction and readers’ advisory service.  Refers information questions requiring in-depth information assistance to the Information Services Desk.
15. Assists customers in accessing the Library automated system and locating materials.
16. Merchandises the collection by continuously refreshing displays of new and other materials.
17. Assists in planning, promoting, implementing, and administering programs.  Performs bookkeeping, documentation and record keeping related to programs including contracts, forms, reports, statistics and preparation of bank deposits.  Conducts some branch programs.
18. Assists in other sections of the Branch as required.
19. Performs other related duties, as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Canadian high school graduation or equivalent plus a minimum of 1 year of related library experience.
2. Additional completed courses from a recognized university or community college.
3. Minimum 35 w.p.m. word processing and keyboarding skills.
4. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with both internal and external customers.
5. Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with the full range of customers.
6. Understanding of and commitment to the Library’s customer service models, including self-service and proactive roving customer service. 
7. Demonstrated problem-solving skills.
8. Familiarity with library circulation systems, security equipment and self-service technology.
9. Demonstrated library circulation skills, including handling materials flow, customer registration and fine collection.
10. Ability to troubleshoot self-service and other computer equipment.
11. Ability to instruct customers in the use of self-service technology and the Library’s automated system.
12. Ability to provide proactive quick reference and readers’ advisory service.
13. Knowledge of bestsellers, popular authors, literary classics, fiction genres, fiction series, “read-alikes”, etc.
14. Familiarity with marketing and merchandizing practices.

Please note that Markham Public Library is open 7 days per week, and regular weekend work is required.  Employees hired after December 20, 2004 have a work week that extends from Monday to Sundays.

All interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and covering letter indicating how they meet the qualifications of the position to:

                                                            Sandy Chan
                                                            Markham Public Library
                                                            6031 Highway # 7
                                                            Markham, Ontario
                                                            L3P 3A7
                                                           
                                                            Or Fax # (905) 471-6015
                                                            E-mail:jobposting@markham.library.on.ca

                                                           
*Location may be subject to change in the future.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Programming Coordinator (Contract)

Applications are now being received for the position with the Markham Public Library.

Position summary

Reporting to the Programming and Marketing Strategist, the Programming Coordinator is responsible for the planning, development, delivery and evaluation of library programs and special events.

The Programming Coordinator is a dynamic, people-oriented individual who is passionate about creating amazing learning experiences, and demonstrates a high degree of enthusiasm for library programming, including fee-based educational programs. He or she interacts well with staff and program instructors and approaches his/her work with creativity, innovation, and a commitment to providing library customers with programs and events of exceptional quality.  

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

1. Oversees delivery of library events and programs. Represents the library at community outreach events (e.g. festivals, etc), and assists with program implementation in the branches and other locations throughout the community.
   
2. Administers, coordinates and plans library programs, including the development, expansion and implementation of the Learning Place programming model. Assists in planning, implementing, administering and evaluating programs for all ages.
   
3. Responsible for the hiring, training and orientation, supervision and evaluation of program instructors.
   
4. Evaluates the effectiveness of library programs, and implements measures for improvement. Conducts evaluations of staff and instructor-led programs through various means of assessment, including first hand observation. 
   
5. Manages the related contract administration, including processing payment documentation, and checking, calculating and preparing presenter payments, and contract renewals.
   
6. Ensures that program registrations, expenditures and revenues meet established targets
   
7. Develops and maintains system programming schedules.
8. Responsible for the timely and accurate entry of program information and data into the online program registration system. 
9. Identifies opportunities to develop or expand library programs based on customer needs.
10. Reviews policies and processes that ensure effective and efficient program delivery, promotes standardization across the system, and ensures consistent quality. Ensures that programs are aligned with Markham Public Library’s strategic priorities and relevant to the changing needs of library customers.  
11. Assists with the coordination and analysis of program performance data, and customer survey data.   Conducts data analysis to identify trends in programming attendance and customer satisfaction, expectations and needs.
12. Supports communications and marketing operations by drafting, proofreading and editing electronic and print communications materials to publicize and promote library programs, events, services and activities. 
13. Oversees the planning and coordination of library events and programming related partnerships. Identifies partnership opportunities with municipal agencies, not-for-profit organizations and community groups.
14. Participates in and contributes to interdepartmental teams developing customer service improvements, staff development initiatives, new technologies implementations and future planning.
15. Performs other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor degree from a recognized Canadian university or the equivalent and a minimum of 1 year experience with developing, organizing and implementing educational, recreational or library related programs or events.
   
2. Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends and Statutory Holidays at multiple locations throughout the community.
3. Demonstrated exceptional customer service skills. 
   
4. Highly developed interpersonal skills including the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with library personnel, town personnel, and program instructors and developers.
   
5. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in programming, particularly in a public library or municipal environment.
   
6. Demonstrated organizational ability, including the ability to successfully manage tight timelines, including exacting schedules and deadlines. 
7. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
8. Demonstrated proficiency with a variety of software applications, including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
9. A valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle.

All interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and covering letter indicating how they meet the qualifications of the position to:

                                                            Sandy Chan
                                                            Markham Public Library
                                                            6031 Highway # 7
                                                            Markham, Ontario
                                                            L3P 3A7
                                                           
                                                            Or Fax # (905) 471-6015
                                                            E-mail:jobposting@markham.library.on.ca

           
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.