Assistant Manager - Adult Collections & Special Collections

Requisition ID: 45736

Company: Vancouver Public Library is a place where learning, joy, community, and recreation (see also: fun) come together. This is where we introduce people to the books and information that could change their lives and where everyone is truly welcome.

We are the third largest public library system in Canada, with more than 800 staff members offering services at 21 locations across the city. We lend over 5 million items per year to our community, including books, streaming content, musical instruments, and more. Nearly 200,000 people attend our programs and events to learn, be inspired, and connect with others around important ideas.

We are looking for positive people with excellent customer service skills, who can confidently and respectfully deliver library services to our incredibly diverse communities.  We are constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of the public; being adaptable and open to learning will help you as you start your career with VPL.

Does this sound like you?  This innovative, inclusive, and rewarding workplace could be the next step in your career journey, so reach out to us today.

Worksite:  Information Services

Job Summary: Reporting to the Information Services Manager, the incumbent is responsible for the Adult Collections portfolio within Information Services and daily operations of Information Services and the Special Collections Department.

The incumbent has a thorough knowledge of the practices and principles of managing public library collections, including: special collections; archival records; digital records; and physical records. They have experience in preservation of local heritage resources. They bring their positive energy to overall patron experience through supervision, organization, and administration of Information Services in the library and the Special Collections Department. The incumbent will manage the Central Library Adult collections to ensure that they are accessible and meet our community’s diverse and changing needs.

The incumbent is responsible for leading and implementing the Library’s strategic goals and priorities in the unit and the community. They provide leadership to staff in contributing to the success of the Library as a whole and leading the team to patron service excellence. They demonstrate and set expectations for the performance of staff that adhere to the Library’s policies and procedures in accordance with the Library’s vision, mission and values.

The incumbent is part of the leadership team for Information Services, a department where public service is central to all operations, and works collaboratively within the team to ensure that VPL service priorities are met and delivered in a manner that supports a society that respects diversity and fosters social inclusion. Vancouver Public Library works to create services that diverse communities identify as respectful, inclusive, and accessible.

Assistant Managers in Information Services will, under the direction of the Manager, work together to support each other, create a supportive team atmosphere, and proactively ensure a service delivery model that maximizes staff effort and is responsive to public needs. This includes ensuring that our patron’s information, entertainment, and leisure needs are met at the point of need and in non-traditional ways. The Assistant Managers work together on building a stronger presence in the community through innovation, care, and collaboration. They help Information Services staff with creating and collaborating with community partners to produce information packages and services that support patrons’ independent use of the library and staff facilitated interactions.

The incumbent will work closely with Technical Services and other functional areas such as Circulation, Programming and Learning, and Digital Services to ensure our collection and resources are relevant and responsive to our patrons needs. The incumbent also works closely with Digital Services in preserving local digital heritage and Programming and Learning to ensure that it is showcased. The incumbent works with strategic partners such as Library and Archives Canada on programming and other heritage initiatives.

Job Requirements:

Education/Qualifications:

• Combined Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science and Archival Studies from an ALA accredited library school.
• Completion of supervisory courses. 

Experience:

• Demonstrated supervisory and/or leadership experience. Experience working with archival and special collections materials. Experience in the provision of library services including information services, working with the community, and collection management.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Experience in project management and the ability to organize, prioritize work and manage time.
• Strong interpersonal skills evidenced by the ability to work cooperatively and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, direct reports, stakeholders across the organization and external partners. 
• Possess a positive attitude and the ability to be flexible and future-oriented in a dynamic team environment.
• Ability to lead, coach and develop a staff team; excellent team-building and leadership skills.
• Thorough knowledge of current trends and industry best practices in areas of responsibility.

• Thorough understanding of archival preservation standards and treatment of historical items.

• Thorough understanding of library services, collections, technologies and resources.

• Thorough understanding of the organization, its structure and roles, and strategic priorities.

• Strong commitment to serving clients; open, pragmatic and responsive to clients and community.

• Innovative and flexible in a rapidly changing library environment with the ability to assist staff to participate in and be open to change.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills as well as analytical and problem solving skills.

• Ability to actively promote the service area to the community and agencies and work with the community to identify and meet community needs and expectations.
  
  

Affiliation: CUPE 391
Employment Type: Temporary Full-Time until October 3rd, 2026 with the possibility of extension or curtailment
Salary: $43.78 to $51.70 per hour 
Work Schedule: 

Monday:  Weeks 1 + 4 = 8:45am-5:00pm; Weeks 2 + 3 = OFF

Tuesday:  12:15pm-8:30pm

Wednesday – Friday:  8:45am-5:00pm

Saturday:  Week 2 = 8:45-5:00pm

Note: Work schedules may change with reasonable notice

Closing date: Monday, March 9th, 2026 at 11:59pm

As VPL is responsible for the well-being of its patrons, a Police Information Check clearance is a condition of employment. Please refer to our policy for further information. Personal information collected is used in accordance with the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Representing the community we serve is a priority at VPL. We are always seeking ways to support equity, diversity and inclusion in our work, and we encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and identities to apply. Should you require an accommodation during the selection process, please provide details to the hiring committee if you are shortlisted.

As part of a City of Reconciliation, we seek to reflect and celebrate Indigenous cultures, language and history, particularly those of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh people.

While the Library thanks you in advance, only those candidates being considered will be contacted.