The Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) seeks library or information studies students and recent graduates (MLIS/MI) interested in providing academic reference assistance through our Scholars Portal virtual reference service, Ask a Librarian.
OCUL is also seeking bilingual virtual reference operators to work on the French version of Ask a Librarian, called Clavardez avec nos bibliothécaires. A separate job posting is available for these positions. Interested candidates who meet the qualifications are welcome to apply for either position.
About the Role
- Number of positions: Multiple positions available
- Location: Remote, based in Ontario
- Schedule: 2-8 hours per week, evenings and weekends
- Term: September 2025-April 2026
- Compensation: $29.85 per hour
Each shift, virtual reference operators provide chat-based reference help to students alongside library staff from 16 participating Ontario universities. These reference sessions can be fulfilled from any location in Ontario, as long as you have a computer and Internet access. Operators receive training in the principles of chat reference and academic research strategies, facilitated by experienced academic librarians working throughout OCUL.
Virtual reference operators will be expected to work between 2-8 hours per week on evenings and weekends during the fall and winter semesters (September 2025-April 2026). Shifts can be scheduled to accommodate school or other commitments.
Qualifications
Required:
- Current student or recent graduate (2023 or later) of a master's program in library or information studies (MLIS/MI)
- Current students must have completed an introductory course in reference or public service
- Familiarity with a range of research tools and resources, including library catalogues, databases, e-resources, research guides, and publicly available Internet resources
- Work is performed within the province of Ontario
Preferred:
- Experience working in hospitality, public service, or a library environment (academic library experience preferred)
- Experience providing in-person reference assistance or virtual reference services
- Ability to work weekends
How to Apply
Please send a cover letter and CV highlighting relevant library or public service experience and courses completed to Guinsly Mondésir (guinsly@scholarsportal.info) with the subject line “Virtual Reference Operator application.”
Application deadline: July 18, 2025
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
OCUL is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process to applicants with accessibility needs in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). For an accommodation request, please email guinsly@scholarsportal.info and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.