Manager - Access Services

The McLaughlin Library at University of Guelph invites internal applications for the position of Manager, Access Services, at the Assistant Librarian, Associate Librarian, or Librarian level. The anticipated start date for this appointment is July 15, 2026, or another mutually agreed-upon date. This position/appointment is available to internal candidates only.

The Manager, Access Services, is an exciting opportunity for a librarian to play a key role in shaping the future of library services and student support at the University of Guelph through collaborative leadership in a highly visible, user-focused service area. Access Services is often the first point of contact for library users and plays a central role in connecting the campus community with library services, collections, workshops, and events. McLaughlin Library embraces a collaborative, team-based leadership model grounded in shared values, open communication, and shared responsibility. Within this environment, the Manager, Access Services, works closely with colleagues across the library to support teaching, learning, and research while ensuring effective and welcoming frontline services for the campus community.

Reporting to the Head, Learning & Curriculum Support, the Manager, Access Services, provides operational leadership for the daily functioning of Access Services, including the Ask Us Desk, Ask the Library chat, borrowing and lending services and interlibrary loan. This is a hands-on operational management role that requires strong organizational skills, sound judgement, and a commitment to responsive, user-centered service in a high-volume environment with competing priorities and frequent interruptions. The role includes regular operational oversight, staff support and supervision, service planning, and participation in library-wide initiatives and projects. The Manager, Access Services, fosters a collaborative and supportive environment that empowers employees to exercise sound judgement, work autonomously, adapt to changing priorities, and respond effectively to day-to-day operational needs while also providing clear direction, accountability, and decision-making when required. Some schedule flexibility is required, including occasional evening or weekend responsibilities related to training or service needs. Due to the operational nature of the role, there is limited ability to work remotely.

Given the pivotal role of Access Services in the library, the Manager, Access Services, actively promotes the visibility of Access Services work across the library and identifies opportunities for the team to collaborate with colleagues and contribute toward shared library and goals. The Manager, Access Services, also develops and maintains strong collaborative relationships with colleagues in similar roles at other institutions to support shared initiatives, knowledge exchange, and effective service delivery. In this role, it is important to stay informed about emerging trends and technologies in Access Services, including borrowing and lending, user experience, and frontline service delivery in academic libraries.

The successful candidate will be supported to learn and grow in this position through mentorship, collaboration, and opportunities to build leadership capacity within the role.

Required Qualifications

• ALA-accredited MLIS degree or equivalent

• Minimum of three years of progressive professional experience in an academic library such as growing leadership and decision-making responsibilities and/or taking on increasingly complex service or project work

• Experience supervising staff, including performance management, in a service-focused environment

• Strong understanding of Access Services functions, with experience in at least one of the following areas: circulation, borrowing and lending, reference, or course reserves

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage operations effectively in a high-volume environment with competing priorities and frequent interruptions

• Strong judgement, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills

• Demonstrated ability to translate strategic direction into operational plans, procedures, and measurable outcomes

• Experience managing projects, including prioritization, goal setting, and deadline management

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Demonstrated commitment to user-centered service and ability to work effectively with diverse users and communities

• Commitment to Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (IEDIA), with willingness to learn and apply IEDIA principles in the role

• Evidence of commitment to professional development and scholarly engagement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising unionized and/or frontline staff

• Experience with borrowing and lending services in a consortial or shared services environment (e.g. Omni and the Automated Fulfillment Network within OCUL)

• Experience using library services platforms (e.g. Alma and Primo) to manage circulation and interlibrary loan functions, reporting, and statistical analysis

• Knowledge of emerging library technologies, trends in academic librarianship, and developments in higher education that impact library services

• Demonstrated experience improving accessibility in documents, communications and/or service delivery

• Experience in Copyright as it pertains to interlibrary loan and Resource Sharing

The University of Guelph’s commitment to Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (IEDIA) is detailed in Bi-Naagward | It Comes into View, Fostering the Culture of Inclusion, the Anti-Racism Action Plan, and the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. Furthermore, “Transforming our University through Indigenization and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion” is one of the five strategic priorities outlined in Our Time: The U of G Strategic Plan, 2022-27.

The University of Guelph resides on the traditional lands and territory of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee and Huron Wendat. These lands are now home to a rich diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. We offer our respect and gratitude to our Indigenous neighbours and affirm our responsibility to realize our commitments to reconciliation through ongoing action. We are guided in this work by Bi-Naagward | It Comes into View, the Indigenous Initiatives Strategy.

The University of Guelph is the third largest employer in Guelph, a city of over 144,000 people, located about an hour drive west of Toronto, Ontario. University of Guelph is a top-ranked comprehensive university in Canada with an enrolment of more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across more than 40 academic units. The University is known for its commitment to student learning, innovative research, and collaboration with world-class partners. It is a unique place, with transformative research and teaching and a distinctive campus culture. People who learn and work here are shaped and inspired by a shared purpose: To Improve Life. Reflecting that shared purpose in every experience connected to our university positions us to create positive change, here and around the world. Our University community shares a profound sense of social responsibility, a drive for international development, and an obligation to address global issues.

Application Process

As a current employee of the University of Guelph, you must apply on the internal Career Page to be considered as an internal applicant. SuccessFactors: Career Opportunities (sapsf.com).

Interested applicants should create an account on https://careers.uoguelph.ca/viewalljobs/ and apply for the advertised librarian position (Requisition ID 2563) by submitting the following materials (in an integrated single PDF file):

1. A one-to-two-page statement (cover letter) outlining a) how the applicant’s knowledge, skills, and experience relate to the responsibilities and qualifications of the position, and b) current and future plans to advance Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the context of their professional work;

1. A curriculum vitae; and

1. Names of three references. References will not be contacted without consent.

Applications should be submitted by the posted end date and can be addressed to the attention of: Melanie Parlette-Stewart, Head, Learning & Curriculum Support, McLaughlin Library.

Assessment of applications will begin as they are received and will continue until the position is filled.

Questions about the application process may be directed to Sheryl Cantlon, Executive Assistant, Office of the University Librarian, McLaughlin Library at libadmin@uoguelph.ca.