The Library of Parliament is a non-partisan organization that supports Canadian parliamentary democracy and provides a stimulating and rewarding work environment. We recognize that our employees are our most important asset, which is why we offer excellent benefits, a minimum of four weeks’ vacation leave, flexible work schedule options, a 35-hour work week, learning opportunities to support professional and career development, competitive salaries and more!
The Library of Parliament believes that the excellence for which it is known is enhanced by nurturing an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity, values differences and supports the full participation of all employees. The Library is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse workforce reflecting the communities in which we live and work, the clients with whom we work, and Canadian society as a whole.
The Information and Collection Service selects, curates, manages, preserves, and ensures access to the Library’s collections and information resources for clients through the provision of collection, reference, and information services.
We are currently looking for candidates to staff the following position: Senior Research Librarian
The Branches and Reference Services section is responsible for providing timely, reliable and authoritative reference services on a wide range of topics in person, over the phone and by email. Within this context, the Senior Research Librarian supports the operations of the Branches and Reference Services team and mentors a team of Research Librarians in the delivery of information and reference services. The Senior Research Librarian is also responsible for reviewing and providing quality assurance for the responses sent to parliamentarians.
Senior Research Librarian
Branches and Reference Services
Information and Collection
Anticipatory Staffing
LS-03 ($92,404 - $110,507)
Bilingual staffing – imperative: (CCC/CCC)
For the purposes of this selection process, the competencies listed in the attached Competency Profile will be evaluated.
Note: While this position is eligible for part-time telework, regular on-site presence is required at Library of Parliament workplaces located in the National Capital Region.
The following knowledge criteria will also be evaluated:
• Knowledge of Canadian Parliament, the federal government and current affairs
• Knowledge of the principles, practices and current developments in the provision of reference services
• Knowledge of search methods, techniques and tools associated with retrieving and evaluating information
To be considered, candidates must have:
• A master’s degree in Library and Information Sciences or Library and Information Studies from an ALA accredited program
• Extensive * experience in conducting in-depth searches using print and online sources
• Extensive * experience in providing reference and information services
• Experience in providing written responses to requests for information in English and French
* Extensive experience is defined as three (3) or more years carrying out these functions.
Asset(s):
• Experience in training team members in reference services, library procedures, the parliamentary context, or the use of electronic databases or other specific resources to meet client requirements.
• Experience in coaching, mentoring, or providing professional support to team members.
• Experience in project management.
Candidates retained in this selection process will be required to obtain successfully:
• A second-language evaluation (Bilingual staffing – imperative: CCC/CCC)
• A pre-employment screening
Additional Information:
• The Library of Parliament welcomes all candidates to apply and encourages applications from Indigenous persons, racialized persons, 2SLGBTQI+ persons, and persons with disabilities for this position.
• This selection process is open to the public.
• This selection process may include a second-language evaluation, a written qualifying 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.
• We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the staffing process. If you require accommodations during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact us at LOPCareers-CarrièresBDP@parl.gc.ca.
• 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.
• The vaccination requirement for employees of the Library of Parliament established by the Policy on COVID-19 Vaccination was suspended. The Library of Parliament will continue to follow the situation closely, and should the epidemiological conditions change, we will assess whether there is a need to reinstate the vaccination policy and the associated essential condition of employment applicable to indeterminate, determinate, student and intern hiring.
• Education and experience requirements will be used to determine which candidates will be asked to participate in the next stage of the selection process.
• Satisfactory references and proof of education are essential conditions of appointment.
• Travel and relocation expenses are the responsibility of the candidates.
• Only those legally permitted to work in Canada can participate in this selection process.
Apply no later than March 11, 2024 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
To apply, please send us your curriculum vitae, along with a covering letter indicating how you meet each of the education and experience requirements of the position.
Please quote your full name and 23-LOP-327 in your documents and in the subject line of your email.
Send your application by email at LOPCareers-CarrièresBDP@parl.gc.ca.
Questions? Contact Human Resources at LOPCareers-CarrièresBDP@parl.gc.ca.
We thank you for your interest. Please note that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Competency Profile for Information Dissemination – Senior Librarian
ADAPTABILITY
Adapting in order to work effectively in ambiguous or changing situations, and with diverse individuals and groups.
Level 3: Adapts to widely varying needs.
• Adapts to new ideas and initiatives across a wide variety of issues or situations.
• Supports major changes that challenge traditional ways of operating.
• Adapts interpersonal style to highly diverse individuals and groups in a range of situations.
• Adapts own plans and priorities in anticipation of change.
CLIENT FOCUS
Providing service excellence to internal and/or external clients, addressing immediate and evolving client needs.
Level 3: Provides added value.
• Looks for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests.
• Addresses underlying and long-term client needs.
• Enhances client service delivery systems and processes.
• Anticipates clients’ upcoming needs and concerns.
EXEMPLIFYING INTEGRITY
Treating others fairly, honestly and respectfully, furthering the integrity of the organization and its relationships of
trust within the work environment and in the broader community.
Level 1: Acts in fair and ethical manner toward others.
• Treats everyone equally with fairness, honesty and respect all the time.
• Refrains from behaviour or language that is exclusionary or offensive.
• Focuses on organizational success rather than personal gain.
• Follows through consistently on promises and commitments made to others.
• Presents facts and circumstances transparently, no matter how difficult the facts may be.
• Guards confidential and sensitive information, passing it on only to those that need to know.
• Maintains ethical principles even in the most challenging circumstances.
ORGANIZATIONAL AWARENESS
Understanding the workings, structure, culture and distribution of power within and beyond the organization and for
Parliament as a whole, and applying this understanding to solve problems and achieve desired outcomes
Level 3: Understands and applies organizational culture, climate and power dynamics.
• Achieves satisfactory solutions based on an understanding of issues and culture in own and other organizations.
• Recognizes what is and is not acceptable or possible at certain times given the organizational culture, climate and power dynamics.
• Anticipates outcomes based on an understanding of organizational culture and power dynamics.
• Explains how organizational decisions are made and who makes and influences them.
• Applies an understanding of the roles people play in the organization to form alliances and achieve results.
DATA / INFORMATION RETRIEVAL AND ANALYSIS
Locating and retrieving data/information from a wide variety of sources and analyzing it to extract insights and
meaning
Level 5: Demonstrates expert knowledge and ability, and applies the competency in the most complex
situations. Develops new approaches, methods or policies in the area. Is recognized as an expert,
internally and/or externally.
• Demonstrates and shares expert knowledge in data/information retrieval and analysis.
• Develops sophisticated search and retrieval strategies for obtaining information that is difficult to collect.
• Demonstrates excellence in evaluating information sources in accordance with professional standards in the field of information science.
• Trains and coaches others in developing information literacy as well as search and retrieval and analysis skills.
QUALITY FOCUS
Implementing procedures and standards to ensure high-quality results, and taking action to identify or manage
quality issues, as appropriate
Level 4: Sets quality standards for own area of responsibility.
• Advises management on quality assurance issues and challenges within own area of responsibility.
• Shares expertise and informs others on policies and procedures for quality assurance.
• Oversees the attainment of quality standards by employees in own area of responsibility.
• Develops plans to solve quality issues within own area of responsibility.
COMMUNICATION
Communicating clearly and respectfully with different audiences, both orally and in writing
Level 3: Adapts communication.
• Tailors communication (e.g., content, style, tone and medium) to diverse audiences and readerships.
• Reads cues from diverse audiences to assess when and how to change planned communication approach to deliver message effectively.
• Communicates with varying organizational levels, sometimes on the spot.
• Recognizes others’ complex or underlying needs, motivations or concerns, communicating effectively despite the sensitivity of the situation.
• Conveys important nuances and context to facilitate understanding of the message or material.
TEAMWORK
Working collaboratively with others to achieve organizational goals
Level 3: Fosters teamwork.
• Gives credit and acknowledgement for contributions and efforts of other team members.
• Makes outstanding efforts to help other team members.
• Fosters team spirit.
• Provides opportunities for all group members to contribute to group discussions.
• Helps build consensus among team members.
ANALYTICAL THINKING
Analyzing and synthesizing information to understand issues, identify options and support sound decision-making
Level 4: Applies broad analysis.
• Integrates information from diverse sources, often involving large amounts of information.
• Thinks several steps ahead in deciding on the best course of action, anticipating likely outcomes.
• Develops conceptual frameworks that guide analysis by describing patterns of complex relationships among elements and events in the operating environment.