Central Library Assistant I PT-Application Deadline 10/20/2026 at 4:30p

Calcasieu Parish Public Library; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

CALCASIEU PARISH PUBLIC LIBRARY is seeking a Library Assistant I to support branch services and circulation operations. The role involves processing materials, assisting patrons, and handling routine transactions while maintaining a welcoming, orderly branch environment.

The position requires a High School Diploma or equivalent, and prior library experience is preferred. Candidates should be motivated to learn, adapt to library technologies, and provide excellent customer service in a

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Knowledge of library principles, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of classification methods.
• Previous experience in a library setting desired.
• Ability to understand and execute oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff and patrons.

Responsibilities

• Assumes responsibility for effective circulation services, including discharge and shelving of materials and handling in-transit items.
• Provides friendly and efficient customer service and handles patron concerns.
• Maintains branch orderliness and appearance and assists with branch programming as needed.
• Maintains knowledge of library services, resources, policies, and procedures.
• Engages in learning and development activities to improve job skills and technology use.

Skills

Oral and written instructions

Effective communication

Public relations and interpersonal

Basic email tasks

Library technologies knowledge

Following procedures

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Library technologies

Job description

CALCASIEU PARISH PUBLIC LIBRARY

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: LIBRARY ASSISTANT I DIVISION: BRANCH SERVICES

CLASSIFICATION: NON-EXEMPT APPROVED BY: HUMAN RESOURCES

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

POSITION REPORTS TO: DEPARTMENT HEAD OR BRANCH MANAGER

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: NONE

POSITION PURPOSE

Performs a variety of routine library tasks including processing library materials, circulation transactions, assisting patrons and other related duties.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

1. Assumes responsibility for effective circulation services.
   • Discharges and sorts returned materials.
   • Efficiently and accurately shelves materials.
   • Empties book drop.
   • Reads assigned shelves.
   • Processes magazines and newspapers.
   • Receives and processes in-transit items for holds and shelving. Receives donated materials.
   • Resolves issues with materials, including collection withdrawals and A/V errors.
2. Assumes responsibility for effective branch services.
   • Provides friendly and efficient customer service.
   • May perform circulation transactions, including charging and discharging materials, registering new patrons, renewing materials, and collecting fines and fees.
   • Handles patron complaints and concerns.
   • May assist with branch programming.
   • Creates a welcoming environment with frequent attention to branch orderliness and appearance.
3. Assumes responsibility for engaging in learning and development activities.
   • Continuously improves job skills through participation in various learning and training opportunities.
   • Stays knowledgeable and informed about library services, resources, activities, policies and procedures.
   • Takes initiative to learn and develop technology skills.
4. Assumes responsibility for maintaining professional working relationships and effective communication with Library staff and patrons.
   • Promotes the Library’s Core Values (Service, Community, Respect, Adaptability, Ethics & Integrity, and Teamwork) by modeling these values in all daily activities.
   • Works efficiently both individually and with a team to support the library’s mission and core values.
   • Communicates effectively using a variety of methods.
   • Develops and maintains effective relationships with others to achieve common goals.
   • Provides information and assistance as requested.
   • Responds promptly and courteously to staff and patrons.
   • Informs management of any significant areas of concern.
5. Assumes responsibility for related duties as required or assigned.
   • Ensures library areas are clean, secure, and well maintained.
   • Completes special projects as assigned.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

1. Appropriate level of work output and efficiency is maintained. Tasks are completed in a timely manner.
2. Tasks are performed accurately and in accordance with library policies and procedures.
3. Positive and professional communication and interaction with staff and patrons is maintained.
4. Patron service requests are addressed appropriately and promptly.
5. Learning and development activities are completed.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

High School Diploma or equivalent.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of library principles, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of classification methods.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Previous experience in a library setting desired.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Ability to understand and execute oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively and cooperate with others.
• Good public relations and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to perform basic email tasks.
• Ability to utilize a variety of library technologies, software and hardware.
• Ability to follow detailed, established procedures to maintain order.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION

Positions in this class typically require: walking, standing, sitting, bending, stretching, reaching, stooping, twisting, climbing, kneeling, lifting, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Light Work: Ability to lift 25 pounds and push a cart of 50 pounds. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

Incumbents may be subject to travel.

The physical requirements described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

No hazardous or significantly unpleasant conditions (such as in a typical office).

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

INTENT AND FUNCTION OF JOB DEScriptions

Job descriptions assist organizations in ensuring that the hiring process is fairly administered and that qualified employees are selected. They are also essential to an effective appraisal system and related promotion, transfer, layoff, and termination decisions. Well-constructed job descriptions are an integral part of any effective compensation system.

All descriptions have been reviewed to ensure that only essential functions and basic duties have been included. Peripheral tasks, only incidentally related to each position, have been excluded. Requirements, skills, and abilities included have been determined to be the minimal standards required to successfully perform the positions. In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements delineated be interpreted as all-inclusive. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodations will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others or which impose undue hardships on the organization.

Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.