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.

We are currently looking for candidates to staff the following position: Research Librarian.

As a research librarian at the Library of Parliament, you would be responsible for providing timely, reliable and authoritative reference services on a wide range of topics in person, over the phone and by email. Research Librarians work with multi-disciplinary teams to respond to reference requests from parliamentarians, including members of the House of Commons, senators, parliamentary associations or delegations, and other parliamentary clients. Librarians have the opportunity to work on substantive research inquiries covering a wide variety of subjects. The work librarians do, whether in person, over the telephone or online, helps parliamentarians to develop legislation that will shape Canada’s future and to serve their constituents.

The position of Research Librarian offers a great opportunity for new or experienced librarians to develop their reference services skills and to acquire a deeper knowledge of parliamentary and government documents. If you are searching for a team-oriented environment that is ever changing, fast-paced, stimulating and rewarding, this position is right for you.

Please note that applications to this job process are accepted on an on-going basis.

Research Librarian

Anticipatory Staffing

LS-01 – LS-02 ($75,790 - $97,467)
Bilingual staffing – imperative: (CBC/CBC)

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 current affairs, parliamentary publications, online search tools and reference sources relevant to Canadian politics and current affairs

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. Applicants who anticipate graduating in the winter or summer semesters of 2024 may be considered.
  • Knowledge of or experience conducting in-depth searches using print and online sources
  • Experience in providing written responses to requests for information

Operational Requirements:

  • Librarians may be required to work an evening duty shift every 4-5 weeks (during sitting weeks). These hours would be 10:30AM – 7:00PM.

Candidates retained in this selection process will be required to obtain successfully:

  • A second-language evaluation (Bilingual staffing – imperative: CBC/CBC)
  • A pre-employment screening

Additional Information:

  • The Library of Parliament welcomes all candidates to apply and encourages applications from Indigenous persons, recialized persons, 2SLGBTQI+ persons, and persons with disabilities for thisposition. 
  • This selection process is open to the public.
  • This selection process may include a second-language evaluation, a written qualifying exam, an interview and a post-interview written exam. 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-CarrieresBDP@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.
  • 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

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-463 in your documents and in the subject line of your email.

Send your application by email at LOPCareers-CarrieresBDP@parl.gc.ca.

Questions? Contact Human Resources at 613-617-0943 or LOPCareers-CarrieresBDP@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 – 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 2: Understands and applies informal organizational structures and processes.
•    Identifies the unwritten, informal structures, culture, rules, power dynamics and decision- making processes.
•    Builds an informal network of relationships to facilitate progress toward objectives.
•    Positions arguments based on an understanding of informal communities of shared interest.
•    Recognizes unspoken organizational constraints – what is and is not possible at certain times or at certain levels.
•    Applies both formal and informal channels or networks for acquiring information and assistance and for accomplishing work goals.

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 4: Demonstrates advanced knowledge and ability, and applies the competency in new or complex situations. Guides other professionals.
•    Performs complex and difficult data/information retrieval and analysis tasks.
•    Synthesizes data from multiple sources.
•    Interprets complex information to reach conclusions and/or identify significant trends or patterns, using data, logic, general background knowledge and contextual information.
•    Probes with tact and diplomacy to clarify the nature and scope of vague requests for information needs.
•    Assists others in discerning and comparing critical information.
•    Interprets dense and complex texts that require the use of specialized knowledge and ability to focus over a long period of time.
•    Uses a complex mix of data, information and knowledge in all formats.
 
QUALITY FOCUS
Implementing procedures and standards to ensure high-quality results, and taking action to identify or manage quality issues, as appropriate

Level 3: Reviews and coaches others on quality standards.
•    Explains the organizational policies and procedures for quality assurance.
•    Works at a level that consistently meets and models the quality standards set by the organization.
•    Reviews the work of others to ensure that organizational quality standards are met.
•    Advises management when quality issues and challenges are apparent.

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 2: Proactively assists and involves others.
•    Initiates collaboration with others.
•    Assumes additional responsibilities to facilitate the achievement of team goals.
•    Seeks input from other team members on matters that affect them.
•    Provides input to other team members as needed.
 
ANALYTICAL THINKING
Analyzing and synthesizing information to understand issues, identify options and support sound decision-making

Level 3: Analyzes complex situations.
•    Analyzes complex situations, breaking each into its constituent parts.
•    Evaluates alternative causes or ways of interpreting complex information.
•    Identifies connections between situations that are not obviously related.
•    Identifies gaps in information and makes assumptions to continue the analysis and/or take action.