About the Role
The Maker and Media Commons Assistant provides specialized technical instruction and support for library users engaging with emerging and learning technologies. This role facilitates the effective use of software, hardware, and fabrication tools across library spaces, including in the Maker Studio, VR Lab, and Audio Production rooms. With a user-centered approach, the role empowers students, staff, and faculty to integrate research and learning-related technologies into their academic work. They work collaboratively to ensure equipment and resources are responsive and appropriate to the learning needs of users, and ensure and maintain a collaborative, innovative learning environment.
The position requires a user-centered public service focus; a high degree of responsibility, creativity and self-motivation; strong technology-related skills, and excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills. The Maker and Media Commons Assistant contributes to operational and administrative functions of the Maker and Media Commons and the unit.
The nature of this role is dynamic; duties, responsibilities, and work assignments will fluctuate throughout the year in response to changes in curriculum, academic semesters, user needs, and shifting demands for support. The incumbent must demonstrate high levels of agility and environmental scanning to adapt to emerging industry trends and user needs, ensuring MRU’s service models remain relevant and effective.
This position works Monday-Friday, on-campus. This position is not eligible to work from home.
Responsibilities
- Deliver classroom and one-to-one instruction and training on technologies, tools, and equipment available in the library and in the Maker and Media Commons (MMC).
- Advise on programming, training, and workshop offerings in support of curriculum, research and learning.
- Provide scheduled and on-demand technical support and troubleshooting to library users.
- Collaborate with team members to provide support for the learning and information needs of library users.
- Develop and update learning objects including how-to guides, multimedia training materials, and manuals.
- Collect and analyse data including user data and feedback to inform recommendations for implementation of tools, technologies, equipment and licensed content to support instructional work and user needs.
- Coordinate and perform as appropriate the maintenance, cleaning and repair of the MMC spaces, tools, and technologies to ensure a safe and functional environment.
- Collaborate with the Library’s systems team, MRU ITS and/or external vendors to resolve technical issues with MMC-specific equipment and technology, and recommend solutions.
- Support users’ environmental awareness in the MMC by maintaining MSDS records, handling materials safely, and leading user safety orientations.
- Manage the inventory of supplies and consumables to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Three or four year Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- 2 - 3 years of demonstrated experience in a maker studio or maker space environment.
- Library service experience in a library setting, preferably within an academic environment.
- Experience providing instruction, support and training for a variety of digital and analog fabrication tools and technologies (i.e. 3D printing, carving, sewing, cutting, drawing, 3D modelling, electronics, robotics and micro computing, and audiovisual media) as well as Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, 360 imaging, in an academic setting.
- Experience with audio production is an asset.