Saskatchewan Legislative Library
Members’ Services Research Assistant
Term Position, Level 4, Full Time
(ASAP to end of August)

Deadline to apply May 4, 2011

The Saskatchewan Legislative Library invites applications for the position of Members’ Services Research Assistant. Reporting to the Members’ Services Librarian, the successful candidate will be responsible for providing assigned research and customized current awareness services support.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Undertaking assigned research on a wide range of public policy related issues, often complex and subject to tight deadlines and assisting other professional staff with research.
• Using primary and secondary sources including Library collections, catalogues and indexes, CD-ROMs, the Internet and online databases for research assignments.
• Collecting and collating background information such as fact sheets, news scans and briefing note materials for delegates participating in conferences, exchanges, seminars, outreach programs, public policy roundtable discussions and task force committees.
• Providing back up support to the Members’ Services unit as required, including downloading and printing news articles; assembling Members’ weekly current awareness packages; preparing briefing kits and other publications including printing, photocopying, assembling and binding materials and compiling statistics and statistical data entry based on established formats.
• Providing assistance with technical services library projects, including subject cataloguing and authority work, under the direction of the Director of Support Services.
• Providing assistance with library activities under the direction of the Director of Reference Services, as required.

Position Requirements

The successful candidate requires a 3 or 4 year Bachelor degree in a social, natural, applied science or humanities discipline. At least one year of further education in a Masters of Library Science program for knowledge of the principles and practices of librarianship, comprehensive knowledge of secondary research techniques and processes in order to identify and retrieve materials in response to research assignments.

In addition:

• Knowledge of the theories, principles, practices and values of library science.
• Basic understanding of the organization and functions of the legislative branch of government and its relationship with other branches; an understanding of broad public policy issues as they relate to the Legislative Assembly; a general knowledge of democratic systems, parliamentary procedure, the Legislative Assembly Service; understanding of the history and organization of government, especially of the Saskatchewan government; and a knowledge of the province’s history.
• Knowledge of technologies relating to the electronic delivery of information and library services and general database components, such as search term phraseology, fields, tags, operator processing sequences and format options, the English language, especially spelling variation, synonyms, and neologisms.
• Knowledge of the form and content of various types of reference and other publications such as government publications, books (including directories, handbooks, indexes, bibliographies, statistical compendiums), pamphlets, magazines, book chapters or other essays, maps, charts, footnotes, electronic resources, etc., and any other type of publication in which information can be found on a broad range of subjects. Knowledge of standard information products in all formats including their content, organization, strengths/weaknesses, and authoritativeness.
• Superior literacy and numeracy skills, keyboarding and basic computer skills using the Microsoft Office Suite of products including Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher, Outlook and Internet browsers.
• Superior communications skills both oral and written are required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and to establish effective work relationships as a contributing member of a variety of teams to complete work assignments.
• Ability to plan, prioritize and balance diverse and conflicting workload pressures.

Employees of the Legislative Library, a branch of the Legislative Assembly Service, are expected to provide politically non-partisan service to all Members of the Legislative Assembly.

The hourly salary range for the Members’ Services Research Assistant is $17.832 to $22.345. Term employees also receive an additional 6.36% on all hours worked (in lieu of vacation leave).

Individuals wishing to apply should submit a cover letter and résumé referencing the Members’ Services Research Assistant position delivered or e-mailed to the Legislative Library Administration Office (see address below) by 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, 2011. Please indicate in your résumé or cover letter where and how you have gained the required skills, knowledge, and experience. Selection for interviews will be based on this information.

Your interest in this position is appreciated. We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Ms. Melissa Bennett
Legislative Librarian
Saskatchewan Legislative Library
234 – 2405 Legislative Drive
Regina, SK S4S 0B3

Tel: (306) 787-2277
Fax: (306) 787-1772
E-mail: mbennett@legassembly.sk.ca