Circulation Assistant - Nichols Library

napervillepl; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation accrual: 2 weeks per year

7 holidays per year

Sick accrual: 12 days per year

Personal days: up to 5 per year

Pension plan (IPRF)

Job summary

Naperville Public Library is seeking a Circulation Assistant to perform library circulation and shelving tasks, while maintaining order and care of materials. You will handle holds, returns, and cross-department coordination with staff, ensuring accuracy and timely processing.

The role emphasizes customer interactions, problem solving, and efficient use of common office software. This position offers a structured work schedule and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum two years of customer service experience.
• Bilingual proficiency a plus.

Responsibilities

• Handle circulation and shelving operations for library materials.
• Open/close workroom tasks and process daily holding items.
• Prepare book drops and manage holds, returns, and inquiries.
• Assist with interlibrary loan items and damaged/mislabeled materials.
• Support curbside service, donations, and customer requests.

Skills

Customer courtesy and staff relations

Written and verbal communication

Problem solving

Time management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Minimum two years of customer service experience

Bilingual proficiency a plus

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Circulation Assistant provides consistent, accurate, and timely handling of Library materials for circulation. Contributes to the general order and care of facilities and Library materials.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs all circulation and shelving activities for the library, including check-in and review of materials, files and maintains the Hold shelves, clears lobby and drive‑thru return bins, processes and sorts new materials, prepares materials for transit, unloads and shelves book carts, updates item record status, records statistics, completes reports, assists with shifting projects and shelf reads.
• Performs workroom opening and closing tasks following departmental procedures.
• Prepares book drops for daily, weekend and extended closures.
• Performs paging list fulfillment, generates Hold lists, pulls and files materials, maintains the Holds area, reviews and processes Holds, and reconciles problem items.
• Reviews and processes LINKin and Inter Library Loan items.
• Reviews materials, routes damaged and mislabeled items to appropriate departments, ensuring the quality of the collection; addresses non‑Library returned items.
• Supports curbside service and used materials/donations.
• Assists with lost and found materials following guidelines.
• Monitors, collects and returns materials to appropriate public areas ensuring an orderly environment.
• Keeps up to date with departmental and Library communications.
• Responds on occasion to customer requests, referring to appropriate Library staff; assists with monitoring conduct within the library, alerts PIC (Person‑in‑Charge) if necessary.
• Troubleshoots and completes appropriate paperwork for workroom and material issues.
• Collaborates on programs/projects with staff, occasionally at other locations.
• Completes Library training and attends professional development opportunities.
• Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Ability to use basic relevant computer programs such as Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• Uses computer software and common office equipment to complete tasks; keeps current in relevant technology.
• Interacts with customers and staff courteously, skillfully and with accuracy.
• Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication in responding to customers and staff.
• Uses problem solving skills in determining priorities, finds timely solutions to departmental or system wide issues.
• Service oriented with the ability to establish, support, and maintain effective relationships with staff/customers.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; completes assignments and projects in a timely manner.
• Takes responsibility for consistent completion and follow‑up on all tasks/assignments.
• Maintains confidentiality and professionalism in situations.
• Responsive to change and demonstrates adaptability.
• Maintains a positive approach in tasking and in adverse situations.
• Demonstrates a broader understanding of the job and suggests improvement in Library services and workflow.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum two years of customer service experience.
• Bilingual proficiency a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Communicate with staff and customers in person, via email and over the phone.
• May require either being in a stationary position or moving about for prolonged periods.
• Repetitive tasking, standing, bending for extended periods of time may be possible.
• Moves equipment or library materials weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Must have reliable means of transportation to attend meetings, conferences, and perform work in other locations.

BENEFITS

The benefits for this position include:

• Annual Vacation Accrual: 2 weeks per year
• Holidays: 7 days per year
• Annual Sick Accrual: 12 days per year
• Up to 5 Personal Days per calendar year prorated based on the hire date.
• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (Pension Plan)
• 12 weeks paid parental leave
• Training and developmental opportunities

WORK SCHEDULE

Monday 5 – 9 p.m.

Tuesday 1 – 5 p.m.

Wednesday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Thursday OFF

Friday 1 – 5 p.m.

2 Sat/mo. 1 – 5 p.m.

2 Sun/mo. 1 – 5 p.m.

To learn more about us, go to https://www.naperville-lib.org/jobs and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | Naperville Public Library, IL (naperville-lib.org)