Close
Close
Browser Compatibility Notification
It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.
Skip to Content
  • Hours arrow down
    Today's Hours
  • Locations
  • Get a Card
  • Account
  • Contact
  • How do I?
  • Donate
Guelph Public Library Logo
  • Digital Library
    • Catalogue
    • eBooks and eAudiobooks
    • Get Tech Help
    • Library Apps
    • Online Resources
    • Online Resources for Students
  • Events and Programs
    • Events Calendar
    • Events Registrations
    • Suggest a Program
    • Summer Reading Club
    • Teen ETCH
  • Services
    • 1,000 Books Before Grade One
    • Book Bundles
    • Book Clubs
    • Born to Read
    • Community Displays & Exhibits
    • Get Tech Help
    • Makerspace
    • Newcomer Services
    • Printing and Copying
    • Room Rentals
    • Technology Resources
    • Tours and Class Visits
    • Visiting Library Service
  • Collections
    • Accessibility
    • Borrow From Another Library
    • Catalogue
    • Digital Library
    • Local History
    • Library of Things
    • NextReads Newsletter
    • Suggest a Purchase
    • Technology Resources
    • What to Read Next
    • World Languages
  • Your Library
    • About Us
    • Accessibility
    • Donate
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Friends of the Library
    • Library Board
    • Library Cards, Borrowing and Fees
    • Library Locations and Hours
    • New Central Library
    • News and Newsletters
    • Policies
    • Reports and Publications
    • Staff Directory
    • Share Your Story
    • Volunteer
Contact Us
Guelph Public Library logo
HomeEmployment Opportunities
  • Open new window to share this page via Facebook Facebook
  • Open new window to share this page via LinkedIn LinkedIn
  • Open new window to share this page via Twitter Twitter
  • Email This page Email

Employment Opportunities

Different roles within the Guelph Public Library System

Pages

Pages work on a part-time basis, supporting library staff by ensuring timely access to library materials.

What you can expect to do as a Page...

  • Sort and shelve books and other library materials
  • straighten and tidy library shelves, tables and chairs
  • clean and inspect materials
  • assist library staff by performing basic clerical duties as necessary

What you need to work as a Page...

  • Completion of Grade 9
  • Ability to read English
  • Ability to discriminate between numbers
  • Ability to perform light physical work (bend, reach and lift up to 40 lbs)
  • Great attention to detail
  • Follow instructions and work independently
  • Be friendly and courteous to everyone, and
  • Have a fantastic attitude!

More Information...

We've gathered together our best answers to Frequently Asked Questions (found below) about Library Page jobs, so take a look before you apply. For general employment enquiries, please email Human Resources.

Clerks

Clerks are responsible to assist customers with all circulation duties and have amazing customer service and computer skills.

What you can expect to do as a Clerk...

  • Charge books and other library materials in and out
  • Handle cash, keep records of any fines and charges paid, and issue receipts as required
  • Register customers and maintain appropriate records
  • Repair library materials
  • Shelf read library materials
  • Operate office equipment (e.g. Photocopier, computer, debit machine, etc.)
  • Answer telephone and direct calls to the appropriate departments/staff and supply information over the phone
  • Assist with programs and events
  • Perform other duties
  • Completion of grade 12 education
  • A minimum one year related work experience in a public library or in a customer service position
  • Demonstrated experience, knowledge and understanding of standard office procedures, MS software applications and customer service techniques
  • Knowledge of the online catalogue and circulation modules
  • Keyboarding - minimum 35 wpm
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in a variety of communication channel
  • An innovative, dynamic team player who leads by example and is action oriented
  • Ability to work independently and co-operatively on a team
  • Ability to perform light physical work, bend, reach and lift up to 25 kg

What you need to work as a Clerk...

  • Completion of grade 12 education
  • A minimum one year related work experience in a public library or in a customer service position
  • Demonstrated experience, knowledge and understanding of standard office procedures, MS software applications and customer service techniques
  • Knowledge of the online catalogue and circulation modules
  • Keyboarding - minimum 35 wpm
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in a variety of communication channel
  • An innovative, dynamic team player who leads by example and is action oriented
  • Ability to work independently and co-operatively on a team
  • Ability to perform light physical work, bend, reach and lift up to 25 kg
Library Assistant

Library Assistant perform a wide range of duties including cataloguing our Library collection and reference services.

What you can expect to do as a Library Assistant...

  • Provide reference assistance and readers advisory to the public using the appropriate electronic or traditional library resource
  • Teach customers how to use the library, the website, and its resources
  • Maintain library records (booklists, indexes, customer records, databases, inter-library loan, etc.)
  • Operate office equipment (e.g. Photocopier, computer, debit machine, etc.)
  • Make suggestions for purchase of library materials and equipment
  • Prepare reports and collect statistical data
  • Participate in external committees or associations and participate in library special events
  • Catalogue, order and/or process library materials
  • Co-ordinate inter library loan services
  • Perform other related duties
  • An innovative, dynamic team player who leads by example and is action oriented
  • Ability to work independently and co-operatively on a team
  • Ability to perform light physical work, ability to lift up to 25 kg
  • A change agent, able to successfully initiate and evaluate trends and services in a 21st century public library

What you need to work as a Library Assistant...

  • Library Technician certificate from an accredited college or general bachelor's degree
  • A minimum two years' customer service experience, ideally in a public library
  • Significant progressive experience, knowledge and understanding of standard office procedures, MS software applications, library software and operating procedures, and customer service techniques
  • Keyboarding - 35 wpm
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in a variety of communication channels
Librarians

Librarians perform a wide range of duties, depending the department, including reference services, collection development and library programs.

What you can expect to do as a Librarian...

  • Provide advanced or complex reference assistance to the public using the appropriate electronic or traditional library resource
  • Teach customers how to use the library, the website, and its resources
  • Coordinate, purchase and evaluate library resources for all locations
  • Co-ordinate the selection of children and teen library resources
  • Catalogue library materials
  • Create innovative web content in accordance with universal standards
  • Investigate new trends in technology and digital products
  • Facilitate employee training and support for content development
  • Assist in testing best practices and new technologies
  • Assist in the development of library policies and procedures.
  • Prepare reports and collect statistical data
  • Participate in external committees or associations and participate in library special events
  • Perform other duties
  • A Masters of Library Science or Information degree from an ALA/CLA accredited library school
  • A minimum three years' customer service experience, ideally in a public library
  • Significant progressive experience, knowledge and understanding of standard office procedures, MS software applications, library software and operating procedures, and customer service techniques
  • Good leadership skills
  • Demonstrated ability to utilize analytical and decision-making skills to initiate, assess, and complete complex library tasks, research, and projects
  • Instructional/ teaching skills
  • Demonstrated ability to speak in public
  • Keyboarding - 35 wpm
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in a variety of communication channels
  • Ability to assume responsibility for assigned areas of expertise and special projects
  • Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development in a library setting
  • An innovative, dynamic team player who leads by example and is action oriented
  • Ability to work independently and co-operatively on a team
  • Ability to perform light physical work, ability to lift up to 25 kg
  • A change agent, able to successfully initiate and evaluate trends and services in a 21st century public library
  • Maintain library records (booklists, indexes, customer records, databases, inter-library loan, etc.)
  • Make suggestions for the purchase of library resources for various departments
  • Organize, plan and evaluate Library Archives
  • Assist in planning and evaluation of Library services (i.e. Task Forces and benchmarking best practices)
  • Operate office equipment (e.g. Photocopier, computer, debit machine, etc.)

What you need to work as a Librarian...

  • A Masters of Library Science or Information degree from an ALA/CLA accredited library school
  • A minimum three years' customer service experience, ideally in a public library
  • Significant progressive experience, knowledge and understanding of standard office procedures, MS software applications, library software and operating procedures, and customer service techniques
  • Good leadership skills
  • Demonstrated ability to utilize analytical and decision-making skills to initiate, assess, and complete complex library tasks, research, and projects
  • Instructional/ teaching skills
  • Demonstrated ability to speak in public
  • Keyboarding - 35 wpm
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in a variety of communication channels
  • Ability to assume responsibility for assigned areas of expertise and special projects
  • Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development in a library setting
  • An innovative, dynamic team player who leads by example and is action oriented
  • Ability to work independently and co-operatively on a team
  • Ability to perform light physical work, ability to lift up to 25 kg
  • A change agent, able to successfully initiate and evaluate trends and services in a 21st century public library
Support Staff

Support staff vary in a Library. It can include positions such as:

  • Information Technology/Systems Administrator
  • Marketing
  • Fund Development
  • Human Resources
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Administration
Management
Management staff are responsible for the planning, operations, supervision and evaluation of the Library.

 

FAQ

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Library Page Jobs

Hiring Season - or - When to Apply

Which libraries are hiring?

Hiring can happen at different branches throughout the year. It's tricky to say which branches are hiring at any given time, since it's always changing. We recommend applying for any branches that are easy for you to get to. Maybe it's a branch near where you live or close to your school. Keep in mind, if a branch isn't hiring this week, maybe they will be in a month or so - and if you've already submitted an application with in the past 6 months, you may just get a call. We keep page applications on hand for up to 6 months.

Hours per Week, Flexible Scheduling

How many hours a week do Pages work? How long are shifts?

We have various positions that range in hours from 4 to 12 hours per week. Shifts can vary in length from 2 to 7 hours. 

What is the weekly schedule like for a Page?

Pages work from 4 to 15 hours per week depending on the position. Typical shifts include 1-2 weeknights from 4 or 5pm until closing and every other Saturday. Some Pages work Sundays. Each position has regularly scheduled hours and may involve different evenings of the week. The exact schedule will be relayed to you when you get a call for an interview. Please indicate your availability on your application so we can match you to the opportunity that best fits your schedule.

The library does expect a commitment to your scheduled hours once you accept a Page position. There is some flexibility to switch shifts with other Pages if needed, and Pages do earn some vacation hours that may be used throughout the year.

If I want to work at the library only for the summer, is it possible to quit before school starts? Or will I have to keep working? Also, what is the deadline to hand in an application for a summer position?

The library doesn't hire pages just for the summer. Page positions are year-round. It's expected upon your hire that you'll be available during the school year, not just the summer. Generally, the scheduling accommodates students. For future job recommendations and work experience, it can be really helpful to have a job over the school year. It's also a great opportunity to get out of the house and get paid. Unlike some places, the library doesn't have a set hiring season - it's all on a rolling basis and depends on each branch's staffing needs. Applications are kept on file for 6 months, so apply as soon as you'd like!

Questions about Applications and the Application Form
 

What does this whole "6 months" thing mean? If I hand-in my application form in the summer, do I have to wait for 6 months or (if I was chosen) can they interview me earlier? If there are no jobs after 6 months, the application will be removed from the files?

No worries, applying to jobs and understanding the jargon is tricky. "Kept on file for 6 months" means that a submitted application will be in the files for the next 6 months and if a job becomes available we'll look at it. So, you could be called for an interview at any time within the 6 months after you submit your application. If you haven't heard anything after 6 months, re-submit your application. It's always possible that they weren't hiring in the first 6 months you applied, but liked your application. This also means that if there are no jobs for 6 months the application will be removed from the files. 

Is it possible to designate a start date more than six months after than when the application is handed in?

Yes, that is possible, but you'd have to submit an application again after six months. I'd advise waiting until your start date is within 6 months of turning in the application. 

I was reading the application instructions and one of the steps says "Do not send duplicates." If I submitted a single application (along with my resume) but to a couple of different branches in my area, would that be considered sending "duplicates?"

Sending applications to multiple branches is not sending duplicates. That's what you should do! The 'no duplicates' statement means they're asking applicants not to send more than one application to any one branch within 6 months of sending the first application. Or in other words, don't send in a copy of your application every hour / every day / every week. One application per branch every 6 months will keep you up to date! 

What's the name of the person taking applications at my branch?

Applications can be received by any staff member at the information/circulation desk, they'll hand off your application to the correct person. 

Can you send your application through email to human resources for page jobs?

Yes of course, but make sure you include a copy of the application. This way we know what hours you are available to work. 

Should applicants have any job experience prior to applying for a Page job? Or is it okay if this is our first job?

Yes, it's absolutely okay if it's your first job! On your resume, be sure to include any volunteer work that you've done or organizations that you've been part of (like Scouts/Guides, other clubs, etc.) Include experiences like helping out a neighbour with chores or gardening, playing music at retirement homes, or any babysitting experience. Anything that was positive and demonstrates responsibility and/or cooperation can generally be thought of as experience. 

Is it okay not to hand in part of the Page application because it was not filled or not needed?

If you have a blank section, still turn it in. Maybe write N/A or Not Applicable. If you leave out the section, the people looking it over may think it got lost or you forgot to fill it out. Putting "Not Applicable" or something like that shows that you reviewed the section. 

Do you have to attach a resume if this is your first job?

This is a great chance to write your first resume! Include any volunteer positions or anything you've done that demonstrates responsibility and being organized. 

Waiting to Hear Back
 

Will we know if they have read our application/resume? And after about how long will they contact you (if you are selected)?

Due to many reasons, the turn-around time can vary. It also varies if the branch is seeking new pages or already has sufficient staffing. All applications are kept on file for 6 months - so if you haven't heard anything after 6 months, you may want to resubmit your application. Job hunting can be challenging, but keep trying. 

In contemporary job applications, it is very tricky to know if and/or when an application/resume is being reviewed. Sometimes applicants can hear from employers long after submitting a resume. Unfortunately, the 'wait and see' process is how job applications work everywhere. Most times an applicant will never hear anything; that is job hunting in the modern world. 

What guarantee is there that my application will be selected if I apply?

Job applications do not have a guarantee. It's also possible that you may apply and not hear anything - that's very common in applying for jobs anywhere. Make your application the best that it can be. Highlight your experience and personal qualities and skills that make you extra terrific!

Interviews

During an interview what is usually being asked? And what makes it successful?

Interviewing sounds daunting, but if you stay positive and be yourself, your odds of landing the job may improve. Something else to keep in mind is that interviewers are looking for examples from your past experiences. Be prepared to have mini-stories that illustrate different qualities (i.e. leadership, flexibility, how you've resolved problems, etc.). While I don't know exactly what questions they'll ask, generally interviews ask you to tell quick stories about how you handled a tricky situation, demonstrated team-work, have good work ethic and are responsible. It's good to think of these examples before the interview, then you can just tell the quick story (be brief!) of how you handled various situations.

And of course, the Library has tons of materials to help you get prepared! While many books may speak to professionals, lots of the advice is totally relevant to everyone landing their first job, too (i.e. How-to Interview Books). Remember, every one interviewing you has also gone through the nerve-wracking experience of their first interview and their first job. Just be prepared, stay positive, and be yourself.

What would the practical test consist of?

The practical test consists of a sorting test with books. You would be asked to sort Fiction (alphabetic sorting) and Non-fiction (numerical sorting) books by placing them in sequential order. To get a sense of how it works, check out your branch's stacks - or ask a librarian!

Other Questions

Will I have to give my social insurance number (SIN) if I am hired?

Yes. SIN numbers are required for employer's tax purposes and other reasons (and so that you can get a tax refund) - this goes for nearly any job in Canada and it is a job requirement. 

It says that you will be asked for two references? I've never had a job before and I'm not sure what that is or how you would come about them. Is it possible to apply for the job and not have references?

References can be adults or people (not family or relatives) that can speak to your skills and qualities as a responsible, capable person. If you've ever helped someone out (cleaning, gardening) or volunteered somewhere, ask the person who provided to direction or the person that knew you best in that position. 

I'm already a volunteer at the library. Will I still be eligible to apply for a job at the same branch?

Yes, you're still eligible! Go for it. 

I'm going to finish Grade 9 in a few weeks from now. Can I still apply right now?

Yes, as long as you have completed Grade 9 at the time of interview and hiring date. Since it's only a few weeks, it should be okay.

 If you didn't find the answer to your question, contact Human Resources. 


 How do you apply?

  • Fill out the online application form.
  • Scan and send it with your resume and cover letter to Human Resources.

Contact(s)

Receive Email Updates

Guelph Public Library footer Logo

Guelph Public Library footer Logo

  • View our Facebook Page
  • View our Instagram account
  • View our Twitter Page
  • View our YouTube Page
Employment OpportunitiesContact UsPrivacyVolunteerDonateMy AccountAbout UsSitemap

© 2025 Guelph Public Library, 100 Norfolk Street, Guelph, ON, N1H 4J6, Phone: 519-824-6220

By GHD Digital