Work with us
Join the University of British Columbia Library, a leading institution in North America. The Library has 15 branches and divisions, including on- and off-campus locations and its Okanagan campus location.
As one of the largest employers in British Columbia, UBC has been named one of B.C.’s Top Employers for several consecutive years. The Library serves a vibrant community of students, faculty, staff and researchers. The Library offers competitive benefits, opportunities for life-long learning and the chance to make a difference at a global centre for research and teaching.
Who we are
UBC Library is run by people who are passionate about their work and who are eager to share their knowledge. They are people who understand the integral role education plays in advancing research, encouraging arts and contributing to society as a whole. Learn more about our employees, and how they work to support the varied needs of the university community.
Discover some of our stories
Meet UBC Library’s team members
Faculty, staff, and student employees all play an integral role in supporting the Library’s mission, vision and values.
What we do
Our student employees do everything from book shelving to teaching instructional workshops for fellow students.
Some of the work they do…
- assisting with reference questions
- reviewing library web resources
- compiling statistical data
- helping with collection projects
Our staff keep our branches running by delivering services, collections and operations. They are the backbone of the Library and a critical support network for our users.
Some of the work they do…
- communicating with vendors
- processing incoming materials
- providing maintenance for machines
- reviewing library fines
- coding websites
- maintaining databases
- loading materials into ASRS
Our librarians and archivists provide crucial reference and instructional support for the entire UBC community.
Some of the work they do…
- preserving collections
- consulting with faculty members
- establishing metadata standards
- digitizing materials
- ordering new materials
- overseeing branch activity
- liaising with librarians across the globe
Library culture
UBC Library is committed to being a respectful, healthy environment that encourages leadership, collegiality, diversity, individual growth and opportunity. Our six aspirational values are what we strive to uphold and actively incorporate into all aspects of our organization. Together, we believe that the values, expressed behaviourally, form the backbone of our collegial relations with each other and our vision of an exceptional workplace environment.
We believe that trust and respect are the foundations on which we build our working relationships with colleagues. We understand that building a culture of respect is a long-term commitment for which we all have responsibility.
We understand that our best performances are spurred on by colleagues and leaders who empower us. That is, provide us with a framework and guidance, and trust us with the freedom and resources to excel.
I understand that trust and respect are essential at every level of our organization. I show trust and respect to my colleagues. I earn the trust and respect of my colleagues and leaders by consistently doing what I say I will do. I am responsible with the trust and respect granted to me.
We embrace opportunities to give and receive specific, meaningful, and constructive feedback. We provide feedback at appropriate times and base our suggestions on behaviours rather than on the person.
We are open and honest with each other. We discuss points of disagreement and build on areas of shared agreement. We communicate with each other regularly, providing relevant and timely information.
I take the time to inform and consult with my colleagues on matters that impact their work. I practice active listening: I am interested in what my colleagues have to say; I focus on what is being said (rather than planning my response); I make eye-contact; I ask for clarification if I do not understand something.
We create community through participation and inclusion, by cooperating across units and groups.
We encourage equitable and balanced involvement in decision making, and we work together to fulfill our common goals.
I actively engage in my workplace culture, and will continue to invite others to join me.
We embrace curiosity, ideas, creativity and innovation. We recognize that risk taking is inherent to innovation and growth, and we will work together to manage these risks and try new things.
We will create opportunities to explore new initiatives and offer flexibility for individuals to take action and be successful.
I take the time to be creative in my work, to take risks, and to learn from my mistakes; I will listen to and encourage the expression of new ideas.
We recognize that our diverse perspectives and backgrounds make us unique and stronger.
We acknowledge that each of us has different needs in order to thrive, as well as different ways of learning and contributing. Through recognition and empathy we will help each other move forward.
I respect and will continue to encourage different points of view. I will celebrate the diversity of my peers, and help enable the growth of others through compassion and understanding of differences.
We make it a priority to recognize and appreciate the contributions of all our colleagues in the Library. It is part of our role to invest our time in people.
I celebrate my colleagues' milestones and achievements, express timely thank-yous and provide positive feedback.
I encourage and support my colleagues' learning and professional growth just as I am committed to seek out and participate in training and development for myself.
Our exceptional workplace
UBC Library provides opportunities for recognition and growth through awards, leadership programs and intercultural training. Learn more about each of these unique areas.
Professional development awards
UBC Library has two annual professional development awards for its staff that provide funds to support future learning.
Library recognition awards
Learn how these awards were developed to acknowledge the many ways in which staff contribute to UBC Library.
Intercultural fluency training
One of UBC Library’s priorities is to support staff who serve the growing international base of new faculty and students.
Staff leadership program
UBC Library managers have the opportunitity to participate in a program designed to support leadership development.
Career opportunities
UBC Library is committed to being a respectful, healthy environment that encourages leadership, collegiality, diversity, individual growth and opportunity. Want to join our team? We have career opportunities for students, staff and faculty available. Search through our open positions to find one that fits your skills and experience.