Library Aide

MiddletownRI; Middletown (RI); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

The Middletown Public Library in Rhode Island is seeking a part-time Library Aide to assist with shelving, returning materials, and behind-the-scenes tasks.

This entry-level position is ideal for high school students or others seeking library experience, offering 10 hours per week at $18 per hour to start with no benefits.

Responsibilities include sorting and shelving by Dewey Decimal, helping with programs, promoting a welcoming environment, and supporting staff across departments.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• No prior library experience required.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Effective communication in writing and speaking.
• Ability to interact with diverse patrons professionally.
• Welcoming demeanor and professional appearance.
• Self-directed, flexible, and organized with attention to detail.
• Computer and technology skills relevant to the library.
• Background check required if over 18.

Responsibilities

• Sort and shelve returned materials accurately by call number.
• Shelf read and shift materials to maintain orderly shelves.
• Fill hold requests and weeding lists.
• Assist with cleaning and tidying public areas.
• Support collection-related projects such as relabeling.
• Help prepare rooms for programs or events.
• Run errands and transport materials between areas.
• Check work email and complete cybersecurity training.
• Participate in library programs and promotional efforts.
• Attend meetings and trainings; work cooperatively with staff.

Skills

Alphabetize & Dewey

Attention to detail

Independent work

Cooperative attitude

Physical ability

Computer literacy

Initiative & flexibility

Diversity & inclusion

Job description

Position:Library Aide

Location: Middletown, RI

Job Id:462

# of Openings:1

MIDDLETOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY POSITION DESCRIPTION
TITLE: Library Aide
REPORTS TO: Librarian Department Heads and Public Services Supervisor
SUPERVISES:
GRADE CLASSIFICATION: Level 1 - non-union
WORK SCHEDULE: Part time 10 hours per week – no set schedule
SALARY: In accordance with established pay scale – $18 an hour to start, no benefits

POSITION SUMMARY: The Library Aide is an entry-level position responsible for returning materials to the shelves, maintaining order in the library collections, and assisting with behind-the-scenes tasks. Aides support the work of all departments by ensuring materials are accurately shelved and easy for patrons and staff to locate. This position is ideal for high school students or others looking to gain experience in a library setting.

I. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Sort and shelve returned materials accurately by call number and format.
• Shelf read and shift materials to maintain orderly and accessible shelves.
• Pull items from shelves to fill hold requests, weeding lists, and for displays.
• Assist with light cleaning, tidying of public areas, and resetting furniture. Contribute to keeping the library clean, organized, and inviting.
• Support staff with collection-related projects such as relabeling or organizing materials.
• Help prepare rooms for programs or events as needed.
• Run errands and transport materials between library areas.
• Check work email each shift. Complete monthly cybersecurity training.
• Support special projects and library programs as assigned.
• Participate in library wide initiatives and promotional efforts, such as contributing to social media, newsletter content, or marketing campaigns as needed.
• Attend appropriate meetings and trainings as assigned.
• Work cooperatively with all staff.
• Perform other related job duties as assigned.

II. NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to alphabetize and understand basic numeric shelving systems (Dewey Decimal)
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Ability to work independently and follow written or verbal instructions
• Cooperative attitude and willingness to assist where needed
• Physical ability to push carts, lift materials, and bend or reach repeatedly
• Familiarity with computers and office equipment
• Strong initiative, flexibility, and a collaborative mindset
• Ability to work with a diverse public and promote a welcoming, inclusive environment

III. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be at least 16 years old
• No prior library experience required
• Reliable attendance and punctuality
• Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with library staff
• Must have the ability to work well with people of all ages, abilities, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity, with an aptness to relate successfully with people of all backgrounds
• Must possess/project a welcoming demeanor, positive attitude, patience, and a professional appearance
• Be self-directed, flexible, motivated, able to prioritize tasks, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail
• Must possess computer and technology skills as applicable in the library environment
• Must successfully complete a background check if over the age of 18

IV. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with frequent interaction with the public and library staff.
• Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting, to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to verbally communicate and exchange information.
• Vision: See in the normal vision range with or without correction.
• Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

V. EQUIPMENT:

• Computer and peripheral devices
• calculator
• copy machine
• digital camera
• telephone
• telephone/computer headset
• postage machine
• smart TV
• e-readers
• tablets
• projectors
• other items as may be traditionally found in a public library
• any non-traditional items found in a “library of Things” or library makerspace.

The Town of Middletown is an Equal Opportunity Employer Library Aide

Middletown Public Library, Rhode Island Revised 6/2025