Research Librarian

Job Description

Reporting to the Manager, Library Branches, or Senior Manager, Integrated Reference Services, the Research Librarians provide timely, reliable and authoritative reference services on a wide range of topics in person, over the phone and by email. Working with multi-disciplinary teams, they respond to reference requests from parliamentarians, including members of the House of Commons, senators, parliamentary associations or delegations, and other parliamentary clients. They have the opportunity to work on various client-focused initiatives as well as substantive research inquiries covering a wide variety of subjects. The work they do helps parliamentarians to develop legislation that will shape Canada’s future and to serve their constituents.

The incumbent performs the following duties:

• Provides high-quality, timely, accurate, non-partisan and confidential information in both official languages.
• Provides in-person services at Library service points.
• Provides orientation and instruction to clients in the use of Library collections, tools, products and services, and promotes Library products and services through meetings, guided tours for visitors and dignitaries, presentations, information sessions and marketing activities.
• Develops and maintains expertise in parliamentary and current affairs, including parliamentary procedure and administration, internal and external print and electronic collections, core online systems, and the Library’s products and services.
• Develops and maintains professional expertise in library and information studies.

Qualifications

Education:

• A Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or a Master of Information Studies (MIS) degree from an institution accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) or from a recognized accrediting body deemed equivalent by the ALA.
• Applicants who anticipate graduating in the winter or summer semesters of 2027 may be considered.

Experience:

• Experience conducting in-depth searches using print and online sources.
• Experience providing written responses to requests for information.
• Experience in client-facing positions.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of reference resources, online search tools and search techniques.

Competencies:

• Adaptability
• Client Focus
• Embracing Diversity
• Exemplifying Integrity
• Organizational Awareness
• Data / Information Retrieval and Analysis
• Quality focus
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Analytical Thinking

Asset Criteria:

• Experience in legislative, government or special libraries.
• Knowledge of online search tools and reference sources relevant to Canadian politics and current affairs.
• Knowledge of Canada’s system of government, parliamentary institutions and government departments.

Operational Requirements:

• Research Librarians may be required to work an evening duty shift every four to five weeks (when the House of Commons or the Senate are sitting). These hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Conditions of Employment:

• A successful pre-employment security screening.
• A second-language evaluation (Bilingual staffing – imperative): CBC/CBC.

Second language self-assessment test:

To help you decide if you should apply to a bilingual position, an optional self‑assessment of your written expression and reading comprehension in your second official language is available for you to take before completing your application.

Try out the self-assessment tests for written expression and reading comprehension.

For more information on language requirements, see the language requirements for candidates.

Additional Information

Please include a cover letter with your application describing how you meet the education and experience requirements of the position. Applications without a cover letter may not be considered. Please combine your cover letter and CV into a single document or upload your cover letter on the second page of the application form.

The Library of Parliament welcomes all candidates to apply and encourages applications from Indigenous persons, racialized persons, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons and persons with disabilities for this position.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace by providing a barrier-free staffing process. If you have an accommodation request or require material in an accessible format, please contact us at [email protected].

Education and experience requirements will be used to determine which candidates will be asked to participate in the next stage of the selection process.

This selection process may include a second-language evaluation, a written exam, and an interview. The interview will consist of behavioural, situational and knowledge-based questions. Candidates will be required to pass each stage in order to move to the next stage of the selection process.

Qualified candidates from this selection process may be considered for determinate or indeterminate positions at the Library of Parliament that require similar knowledge and/or competencies.

Satisfactory references and proof of education are essential conditions of appointment.

Travel and relocation expenses are the responsibility of the candidates.

Visit About the Library of Parliament of Canada to learn more about us!

To learn more about our staffing process, consult our FAQs.

Classification and Salary ($): LS-02 : 83 223 - 99 665