Halifax Public Libraries invites INTERNAL applications for the full-time, permanent position of Acquisitions & Cataloguing Assistant within the Collection Management Department located at Woodlawn Public Library.

This is a unionized position. Preference will be given to internal applicants from the NSUPE Local 14 bargaining unit.

Halifax Public Libraries is an inclusive employer committed to employment equity and building a diverse workforce. We encourage all qualified persons to apply and self-identify. We will accommodate applicants’ needs under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. If you require an accommodation, we will confidentially address your needs.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT The Collection Management department works closely with library branches and departments in order to provide relevant and timely service. We build digital and physical collections by focusing on high quality and relevant selections that reflect the interests and diversity of our community. We provide easy access to these collections to meet the needs of our community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

As an Acquisitions and Cataloguing Assistant you will:

Acquisitions:

- Unpack, sort, stage, and shift newly received materials, and identify seasonal or high demand materials for expedited cataloguing.
- Invoice and receive library materials in the ILS (Horizon).
- Alert Acquisitions Specialist to invoice and magazine/serial subscription discrepancies.
- Work in ILS to create purchase orders and serials/magazine records.
- Review invoices for appropriate taxes and shipping charges.
- Check-in serials/magazines in ILS, and pack serials/magazines for daily delivery to branches; review claims reports to identify missing serials/magazines and submit claims to vendors.

Cataloguing:





- Perform database maintenance in ILS (edit, link, merge, and delete item records) and resolve errors to already catalogued items (typos/errors in catalogue records, incorrect spine labels, mismatched RFID tags/barcodes, etc.).
- Generate ILS lists (requested titles, aging titles, etc.) and retrieve items for expedited cataloguing.
- Enter added copies (newer copies of already-catalogued titles) into the ILS, paying close attention to item codes and bibliographic information (author, publisher, pub date, etc.), ensuring all data is correct and error-free.

Other Responsibilities:

- Process (apply barcodes/RFID tags, stickers, spine labels, etc.) new materials.
- Sort and distribute incoming mail.
- Assist with other acquisitions, serials, and cataloguing tasks as needed.
- Perform work duties in a positive and safe way, and always display safety awareness.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

Education and Experience:

Two-year Library & Information Technology Diploma and one and half (1.5) years related experience

OR

Completion of Grade Twelve (12) or equivalent and three (3) years of related experience

(Related experience can come from a number of sources such as volunteer work, community work, customer service, hospitality, or retail experience)

Requirements

- Read and write English
- Effective communication skills
- Intermediate technology skills
- Basic math skills (to handle invoices, tax & shipping calculations)
- Ability to lift, pull, and push objects up to 35 lbs





Assets:

- Familiarity with the book trade
- Familiarity with library databases (ILS)
- Familiarity with Machine Readable Cataloguing (MARC), as well as Name, Subject, and Serials authorities
- Familiarity with purchase orders and invoicing
- Previous library or office work experience

Physical and Sensory Demands:

- Sitting and operating a computer for upwards of 50% of the time
- Moderate to considerable exertion: frequent standing, walking, crouching, reaching, lifting, pulling, and pushing of medium weight objects (up to 35 lbs) on a daily basis
- Occasional lifting and moving of heavy weight (greater than 35 lbs) or awkward objects, on a regular (up to daily) basis
- Repetitive motions: frequently unpacking boxes of library materials; frequently shelving, retrieving, and packing library materials
- Focus and attention to detail

Who We Are

Community is at the heart of all that Halifax Public Libraries undertakes. Comprised of 14 branch libraries, we serve the 400,000 citizens of Halifax with our collection of 1 million items and a wide range of programming.

Halifax Public

Libraries blends the best of traditional library services with cutting-edge programs, spaces and technologies, attracting more than 3 million in-person visits each year.

Halifax Public Libraries hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. We encourage all qualified persons to apply and self-identify.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an interview or other form of testing and who require accommodation, should discuss their needs when contacted for an interview and/or testing.

Schedule

Mon-Fri

7 hour/day (scheduled between 8am and 5 pm)

📌 Acquisitions and Cataloguing Assistant (Canada)
🏢 Halifax Public Libraries
📍 Canada