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Reporting to the Manager, Collection Development, the Serials Technician ensures the timely processing and management of library resources to support access to reliable, relevant and authoritative information for and about Parliament. The incumbent supports the Library’s mandate by ensuring the efficient addition of essential resources to the catalogue in support of parliamentary work.

The incumbent is responsible for:

• Updating bibliographic records and collection-related data in the integrated library system and other information systems.
• Maintaining bibliographic and quality control of assigned titles, resolving holdings issues, and managing changes regarding aspects such as title, format, frequency, and publication mergers and cessations.
• Processing newly acquired physical materials, coordinating the withdrawal and disposal of outdated volumes, and preparing inventory and supporting documentation.
• Reviewing integrated library system reports and communications from various sources regarding orders, vendors, claims and cancellations.
• Supporting collection development through data maintenance and updates, system testing, process improvements, integrated library system enhancements, and participation in projects that improve collection quality and access.

Education:

• Diploma in Library and Information Technology or a related field, OR
• An acceptable combination of education, training and relevant experience.

Experience:

• Experience using integrated library systems for library resource acquisitions and for maintaining and updating bibliographic and holdings data.
• Experience processing library resources, including the receipt, verification, tracking and withdrawal of physical or electronic materials.
• Experience monitoring orders, claims and renewals as well as managing supplier relations for library resources.
• Experience using ticketing systems to manage workflows.
• Experience conducting bibliographic research in a variety of information environments.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of bibliographic control and library collection management principles.
• Knowledge of the publishing market in Canada and internationally, including publishing and invoicing practices, as well as publisher and vendor policies (renewals, standing orders, claims, etc.).
• Knowledge of the MARC 21 format for bibliographic and holdings data.

Competencies:

• Adaptability
• Client Focus
• Embracing Diversity
• Exemplifying Integrity
• Information and Knowledge Resource Management
• Quality Focus
• Attention to Detail
• Initiative
• Teamwork
• Analytical Thinking

Asset Criteria:

• Experience contributing to collection management projects.
• Experience communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, and providing clear, accurate and professional information to internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience using databases, electronic resources or other technology tools to support information management services.
• Experience producing, analyzing or using reports generated from an integrated library system or other information management systems.
• Experience participating in data quality assurance activities or process improvement initiatives.

Conditions of Employment:

• A successful pre-employment security screening.
• A second-language evaluation (Bilingual staffing – imperative): BBB/BBB.

Second language self-assessment test:

To help you decide if you should apply to a bilingual position, an optional self-assessment of your written expression and reading comprehension in your second official language is available for you to take before completing your application.

Try out the self-assessment tests for written expression and reading comprehension.

For more information on language requirements, see the language requirements for candidates.

Please include a cover letter with your application describing how you meet the education and experience requirements of the position. Applications without a cover letter may not be considered. Please combine your cover letter and CV into a single document or upload your cover letter on the second page of the application form.

The Library of Parliament welcomes all candidates to apply and encourages applications from Indigenous persons, racialized persons, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons and persons with disabilities for this position.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace by providing a barrier-free staffing process. If you have an accommodation request or require material in an accessible format, please contact us at [email protected].

Education and experience requirements will be used to determine which candidates will be asked to participate in the next stage of the selection process.

This selection process may include a second-language evaluation, a written exam, and an interview. The interview will consist of behavioural, situational and knowledge-based questions. Candidates will be required to pass each stage in order to move to the next stage of the selection process.

Qualified candidates from this selection process may be considered for determinate or indeterminate positions at the Library of Parliament that require similar knowledge and/or competencies.

Satisfactory references and proof of education are essential conditions of appointment.

Travel and relocation expenses are the responsibility of the candidates.

Visit About the Library of Parliament of Canada to learn more about us!

To learn more about our staffing process, consult our FAQs.