Central Library Associate I -Collection Management FT- Deadline 10/20/2026 at 4:30p

Calcasieu Parish Public Library (company page); Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

The Calcasieu Parish Public Library seeks a Central Library Associate I in Collection Management. This full-time position supports branch services, collection processing, circulation, and patron assistance at the Lake Charles location.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and mid-level library experience, strong customer service, and proficiency with library technologies. You will maintain shelves, help patrons access resources, and contribute to programs while upholding the library’s core

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Knowledge of library principles, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of current research methods, techniques, and sources of information.
• Knowledge of library materials and resources.
• Knowledgeable in methods of storing and retrieving materials.
• Knowledge of classification methods.
• Knowledge of adult, teen, and children’s literature.
• Previous experience in a library setting desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide collection management and circulation services at branch level.
• Create a welcoming environment with attention to collection appearance.
• Sort and shelve materials accurately.
• Process in-transit items and donated materials.
• Handle daily branch financial reports and deposits.
• Assist in developing library programs and services.
• Support patrons with technology use and information services.
• Respond to patron complaints and concerns promptly.
• Maintain professional relations with staff and patrons.

Skills

Effective communication

Public interpersonal skills

Research skills

Internet navigation

Team coordination

Tech literacy

Mobile devices knowledge

Social media knowledge

Learn new library tech

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Office

Library technologies

Job description

Central Library Associate I - Collection Management FT - Deadline 10/20/2026 at 4:30p

Location

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Department

Collection Management

Employment Type

Full time

Minimum Experience

Mid-level

Compensation

$17.85/hour

Position Description

POSITION TITLE: LIBRARY ASSOCIATE I - COLLECTION MANAGEMENT DIVISION: BRANCH SERVICES

CLASSIFICATION: NON-EXEMPT APPROVED BY: HUMAN RESOURCES

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

POSITION REPORTS TO: COLLECTION MANAGEMENT DEPARMENT HEAD OR BRANCH MANAGER

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: NONE

POSITION PURPOSE

Responsible for providing collection management, circulation, and patron service duties at a branch or department level.

Essential Functions And Basic Duties

• Assumes responsibility for effective collection management.
• Creates a welcoming environment with attention to collection appearance.
• Maintains the physical appearance and orderliness of materials on shelves.
• Efficiently and accurately sorts and shelves materials.
• Receives and processes in-transit items.
• Resolves issues with materials.
• Processes new branch periodicals.
• Receives and processes donated materials.
• Efficiently weeds and shifts library materials as needed.
• Assumes responsibility for providing effective branch and patron services.
• Provides friendly and efficient patron service that enhances the level of user satisfaction.
• Understands and performs regular circulation transactions: charging and discharging materials, registering new patrons, renewing materials, and collecting fines and fees.
• Understands and performs information service duties: assistance with research and library resources, readers’ advisory, and patron holds and requests.
• Supports and assists patrons with technology use, internet access, and electronic resources using a variety of devices.
• Applies effective practices to address patron complaints and concerns.
• Accurately and efficiently performs daily branch financial reports and deposits.
• Assists in developing and implementing library programs and services to meet the needs and interests of the community.
• Assumes responsibility for engaging in learning and development activities.
• Continuously improves job skills through participation in various learning and training opportunities.
• Develops and enhances computer and technology skills necessary for effective communication and job function.
• Stays knowledgeable and informed about our library services, resources, activities, policies and procedures.
• Keeps informed about services, issues, emerging technologies, and research related to libraries. Relates ideas to the library’s mission and values.
• Assists in peer support and training as needed.
• Assumes responsibility for maintaining professional working relations 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 relations with co‑workers.
• Provides information and assistance as requested.
• Responds promptly and courteously to staff and patrons.
• Informs management of any significant areas of concern.
• Assumes responsibility for related duties as required or assigned.
• Ensures library areas are clean, secure, and well maintained.
• Provides branch and system level support by participating on committees, special projects and attending meetings as required.

Performance Measurements

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

Qualifications

Education/Certification

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Required Knowledge

• Knowledge of library principles, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of current research methods, techniques, and sources of information.
• Knowledge of library materials and resources.
• Knowledgeable in methods of storing and retrieving materials.
• Knowledge of classification methods.
• Knowledge of adult, teen, and children’s literature.

Experience Required

Previous experience in a library setting desired.

Skills/Abilities

• Effective communication skills.
• Good public and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and general knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Research skills and the ability to use digital print resources.
• Able to assist, direct, and coordinate others.
• Must possess the ability to learn and utilize a variety of library technologies.
• General knowledge of technology trends, including mobile devices, social media, and informational tools.
• Ability to navigate the Internet.

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.