Location:
Guelph, ON, CA, N1G 2W1
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Primary Category Page: Faculty, Librarian and Veterinarian
Division: Associate University Librarian Academic
Requisition ID: 2563
Position Title / Rank: Manager, Access Services, at the rank of Assistant Librarian, Associate Librarian, or Librarian level
Department: Library Learning and Curriculum Support
Position Description:
The McLaughlin Library at University of Guelph invites applications for the position of Manager, Access Services, at the Assistant Librarian, Associate Librarian, or Librarian level. This recruitment was previously an internal search, and is now open to external applicants. The anticipated start date for this appointment is October 1, 2026, or another mutually agreed-upon date.
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
Internal applicants: If you are 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).
External applicants: Create an account on https://careers.uoguelph.ca/.
Assessment of applications will begin on July 24, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should apply for the advertised librarian position (Requisition ID 2563) by submitting the following materials (in an integrated single PDF file):
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;
A curriculum vitae; and
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
[email protected].
Date Posted: 06/15/2026
Deadline: 07/23/2026 or until a suitable candidate is found.
This position is represented by the University of Guelph Faculty Association (UGFA).
The University of Guelph commits to fostering inclusive excellence through promoting Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Inclusion is a core pillar of Our Time, our strategic plan, which pledges to “transform our human resources, governance and student services and practices across the University to enable us to recruit a diverse student, faculty and staff body and support them in achieving their personal, professional and scholarly goals.” The University commits to creating and maintaining “equitable work environments that empower us in our pursuit of student, faculty and staff success, research excellence, innovation and impact.”
The University of Guelph invites applications from all qualified individuals; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We strongly welcome and encourage applications from members of designated groups in employment, including Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, women, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons.
The University of Guelph recognizes that career paths can be diverse and career interruptions may occur. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like considerations given to the impact of any circumstances, such as (but not limited to) those due to health and/or family reasons, that may have affected an applicant’s record of achievement. You are not required to disclose these circumstances in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, the University will ensure that these circumstances do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.
The University of Guelph is committed to ensuring all applicants have fair and equitable participation in the hiring process. If you anticipate needing medical accommodations during the recruitment or selection processes, confidential assistance is available on request by contacting The University of Guelph is committed to ensuring all applicants have fair and equitable participation in the hiring process. If you anticipate needing medical accommodations during the recruitment or selection processes, confidential assistance is available on request by contacting Occupational Health and Wellness at 519-824-4120 x52674. If you have any questions regarding accommodations or accessibility during the hiring process or for more information and support, please visit the University’s Occupational Health and Wellness or contact OHW at
[email protected].
