Hourly Library Specialist

Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

VCU Libraries is seeking a part-time Library Specialist to work at the Information Desk on VCU's MCV campus. You will serve students, faculty, healthcare professionals, hospital staff and the public, ensuring a welcoming learning environment.

The role involves frontline assistance with resources, printing, computing, and basic transactions, plus circulation and system operations using Alma. Availability includes one weeknight and one weekend shift per week.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to provide frontline customer service to diverse populations.
• Excellent communication skills with staff, students, and the public.
• Ability to work independently with reliability and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Provide frontline customer service at the Information Desk in person and by phone.
• Circulate library materials and manage basic transactions using Alma.
• Support opening/closing procedures and report maintenance needs.
• Maintain dependable shift attendance and communicate scheduling changes.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Tools

Alma Library System

Windows OS

macOS

Web browsers

Email clients

Job description

Advertising Summary:

VCU Libraries supports learning, research, and creativity across Virginia Commonwealth University. With locations at James Branch Cabell Library on the Monroe Park Campus and the Health Sciences Library on the MCV Campus, we help students, faculty, and staff access the information, spaces, and services they need to succeed. Our team values collaboration, innovation, and service, creating an environment where ideas thrive and learning flourishes.

Unit:

VCU Libraries MBU

Department:

Cabell Library

Department Summary:

The Library Engagement and User Experience (LEUX) Department at VCU’s Health Sciences Library drives community outreach, user-centered programming, and frontline access across VCU’s health sciences campus and health system. Serving students, researchers, clinicians, and the Richmond community, LEUX delivers tailored instruction, optimizes physical and digital library spaces, manages technology loans, and promotes health literacy. Joining LEUX means collaborating at the intersection of health sciences education, public engagement, and continuous service enhancement to ensure an accessible, welcoming, and high-impact library experience.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Hourly Library Specialists are an integral part of the Library Engagement and User Experience Department (LEUX) at the VCU Health Sciences Library. Working at the Information Desk on VCU’s MCV campus, this position delivers exceptional support to VCU students, faculty, healthcare professionals, hospital staff, and the public, striving to maintain an accessible, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere for study and learning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Customer & User Support: Provide frontline customer service at the Information Desk, answering questions about library resources, policies, and general info in person and over the phone. Assist patrons with basic printing, computing, and online/budget code payment transactions.

• Circulation & Systems Operations: Circulate library materials and technology equipment using Alma (VCU Libraries’ Integrated Library Software). Maintain accurate patron records and perform data entry or clerical tasks supporting library collection assessments.

• Building Operations & Safety: Execute routine opening and closing procedures to secure the building, monitor facilities, report maintenance needs, and collaborate with security personnel to ensure a safe environment.

• Communication & Reliability: Maintain prompt shift attendance, communicate regular updates, and report necessary scheduling changes to the LEUX Library Service Manager.

Schedule & Expectations:

• Hours: Part-time, fixed schedule of 9 to 15 hours per week during the academic semester.

• Availability: Requires coverage for at least one weeknight and one weekend shift per week.

• Core Qualities: High level of commitment, independence, dependability, and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Customer Service Experience

Proficiency with computer operating systems (Windows, macOS), email, and web browsers

Preferred Qualifications

Library work experience

Experience in an academic environment or with health professionals

Salary Range:

15.00

Benefits:

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status:Non-ExemptHours per Week:9-15 hours

Restricted Position:

No

Flexible Work Arrangement:

Fully Onsite