Public Services Librarian, Program and Outreach Services, Central

Posting Date: August 24, 2026
Closing Date: September 5, 2026
Department/Branch: Program & Outreach Services, Central
Vacancy Status: Existing Vacancy

Position Type: Temporary Full Time up to 11 months

Summary:

The Librarian in this role will need to be comfortable programming in any branch with short notice; learning, using and teaching new technologies; programming in front of crowds; using online platforms; building partnerships and doing outreach in the community. It will be important to be a curious learner and understand the diverse needs of Londoners. The Public Services Librarian in this role will need to be flexible in order to offer programming to all age groups regardless of focus, and be able to work an inconsistent schedule. There is also a requirement to travel to all branches and may be required to support programs with limited notice due to a last minute absence.

The position is responsible for creating excellent patron experiences. They are accountable for delivery of London Public Library's User First library services that meet customer needs relating to Literacy; Knowledge for Living; Well Being; and Community Building. Reporting to a supervisor, the Public Services Librarian is proactive in the provision of services that include Information & Programming, Technologies, Collections, Lending, Community Engagement & Development, and Community Spaces. This position also responds to patron concerns, acts in emergencies, and schedules and assigns daily work in the absence of the Supervisor or Coordinator, Public Services.

Accountabilities:

Information & Programming Services

• Creates excellent customer experiences while serving as a key point of contact with members of the public seeking information. Provides information in-person, by telephone and through digital services.
• Uses reference interview techniques to engage the patron, identifies information needs and matches these needs with services.
• Guides patrons to locate and evaluate relevant information available through a wide variety of sources and formats.
• Refers patrons to relevant services and resources available in the broader community.
• Advises and informs patrons about books and other platforms and resources that match their reading, viewing, listening preference and learning styles.
• May be assigned primary responsibility for a specific audience (e.g. services and programs for Children, Youth, Adults, Seniors, etc.).
• Ensures relevant, useful websites related to assigned subject area are linked to LPL website.
• Under the direction of the supervisor, plans, prepares, promotes and delivers library programs and visits for Library patrons within the Library location and in the community. Sources program resources, such as programmers and materials, as needed.
• Supports system-wide programs and initiatives.
• Works collaboratively with community service partners including schools, service agencies, community groups, cultural groups and businesses to provide opportunities for people to learn, interact, access information and create.

Collections & Lending

• Provides information to patrons about collections.
• Acts as a system resource in an assigned area of specialization or audience as requested.
• Actively seeks out and shares with the Collections Services Department community input and feedback about collections.
• Actively supports the collections acquisitions process by reading reviews and submitting suggestions for purchase.
• Assists with collection maintenance by following established procedures.
• Assesses and accepts suitable donations of collections materials for addition to the collection or for the Friends of the Library book store or annual sale.
• Promotes collections by creating resources lists and displays, and organizing collections for ease of access. Targets specific groups and communities to promote unique aspect of the collection. Writes blogs for the LPL website.
• Supports the delivery of Lending Services by maintaining an understanding of lending services operations and procedures and provides services as required.
• Provides a full range of lending services as required. Handles fines and fees following Library policies and procedures. Refers accounts to supervisor as required.
• Encourages responsible, knowledgeable and empowered borrowing by explaining policies and procedures as needed and by educating the public about service options.

T echnologies

• Supports patrons, in-library and remotely, in their access and use of the Library's digital collections, website, and the Internet.
• Assists patrons with the use of Library technology including, but not limited to computers (desktops, handheld devices, etc.), printers, scanners, photocopiers and other digital equipment.
• Supports the learning and use of Library creative spaces and creative technologies.
• Troubleshoots and resolves routine hardware and software problems. Reports unsolved issues to the location supervisor and the Information Technology Services department.
• Keeps current in the field of library and information science and relevant current and emerging technologies by seeking out learning opportunities, best practices, reading professional literature and participating in conferences and workshops.

Community Engagement & Development

• Represents the Library in the community through such methods as public speaking, participation in media events, active participation in community meetings, staffing information booths / displays, attendance at community events, and participation on community committees and initiatives, etc.
• Builds and maintains a network of mutually beneficial community contacts and partners.
• Builds relationships with individuals and groups to facilitate collaboration and to inform service delivery.

Community Spaces

• Works creatively and collaboratively with other staff to support the Library as a community and cultural place, a gathering place and a place of experience.
• Works collaboratively with the Wolf Performance Hall & Meeting Space Services department to support the promotion, booking and use of meeting spaces and equipment.

L ocation Support

• Responds to and resolves patron comments / compliments / complaints, acts in emergencies, and schedules, assigns and monitors daily work in the absence of the Supervisor / Coordinator, Public Services, as requested. Contacts Manager, Customer Services & Branch Operations as necessary.
• Monitors work of Pages as assigned. Refers concerns to the supervisor for follow up.
• Assists with the orientation and training of staff as assigned.
• Prepares miscellaneous reports as requested and inputs accurate statistical information as assigned.
• Acts as Staff Member in Charge (SMIC) as assigned.
• Participates in location planning and on system-wide teams.
• Works collaboratively with other LPL departments and contracted services such as Security and Cleaners to resolve issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• A Master of Library and Information Science from an accredited institution, or equivalent.
• Six to twelve months of successful, relevant experience in a Librarian or customer service role.
• Proven excellent, proactive customer service skills, including the ability to provide personalized customer service.
• Understanding of the roles of the public library and the professional librarian, and awareness of current trends in services, programs, technologies and resources.
• Proven knowledge of the Internet and office software applications, with a demonstrated high level of competence with digital collections, resources and technologies.
• Proven ability to promote the library through community outreach activities, displays, tours.
• Experience in relationship building with cultural groups, service providers, neighbourhood groups and community residents.
• Demonstrated decision making skills and the ability to exercise good judgement in the delivery of library services.
• Effective communicator, with good written and verbal skills; comfortable in making presentations both inside and outside the library.
• Ability to work effectively outside of traditional library activities and settings.
• Positive attitude, possessing the ability to work in a complex and changing environment.
• Highly developed organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Evidence of a strong work ethic and self-motivation.
• Demonstrated commitment to learn and develop professionally.
• Availability to work evening and weekend hours on a regular basis to meet scheduling needs or attend events such as community meetings

Candidates are requested to submit a detailed resume outlining experience and qualifications by: September 5, 2026.

Compensation & Other Information:

Salary: Band 6 - $33.444 - $42.726

This position works 100% on site to be able to support the needs of the London Public Library.

About:
London Public Library is a place for everyone—a community anchor where people come to learn, create, connect, and discover. With 16 neighbourhood branches across the city, a dedication to outreach, and a wide range of online resources, we support Londoners at every age and stage of their lives. Our work is guided by our core values: Exceptional Customer Service and Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression, supported by Strong Relationships, Digital Empowerment, Accountability and Responsibility, and Foundational Literacies.

Working for London Public Library means helping to strengthen your community and make a meaningful impact every day.

AI:
London Public Library is not currently using Artificial Intelligence (AI) during any stage of the hiring process.

Accommodation:
London Public Library is committed to a fair, accessible, and barrier-free recruitment process. We follow the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) to ensure all applicants are supported. Please contact us at any time during the recruitment process and let us know what accessible supports you may need.

Application Process:
London Public Library is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all equity-denied groups, including Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ people, and women.
All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. Candidates who receive a conditional offer will need to provide a satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check and/or Police Information Check at their expense.

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