Library Assistant 2

Boise State University; Boise, Northern (ID, KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Best-in-class benefits

12 holidays + winter closure

Tuition fee waiver

Job summary

Boise State University is seeking a Library Assistant 2 for the Albertsons Library Public Services unit. The role involves patron assistance, circulation tasks, and training student assistants.

The position requires handling reserves, billing, holds, and technology lending, with a focus on maintaining library collections and supporting user needs. The role includes a vital closing shift and weekend work, with responsibility for building security and safety.

Qualifications

• Good knowledge of: current library organization, terminology and functions.
• Some knowledge of: supervisory practices.
• Experience: using bibliographic and other library information sources, in printed and computerized formats; using a bibliographic utility or in-house automated library system.

Responsibilities

• Lead and train student assistants and volunteers.
• Interviews patrons to identify information needs and directs them to resources.
• Perform complex online searching of bibliographic databases to assist patrons.
• Support routine computer lab services and basic software instruction.
• Assist in building operations and safety for the library facility.
• Coordinate reserves, course materials, and special borrowings.
• Manage campus mail and delivery coordination.
• Maintain confidentiality with sensitive patron information.
• Contribute to space coordination and event setup as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Supervisory practices

Customer service

Patron services

Online searching

Library tech basics

Job description

Job Summary/Basic Function:

The Library Assistant 2 works in Public Services, providing excellent customer service to library patrons; supervises and trains student assistants; provides circulation services to library users; assists with reserves, billing, holds, technology lending and other areas as needed. This position will oversee the maintenance and shifting projects of the main collections throughout the library. Assigned a vital closing shift schedule that includes closing the library at night, building security, and safety. This position has the authority and responsibility to make decisions necessary to resolve user situations in accordance with unit and Library policies. Schedule changes are required based on the library hours/days and the needs of the unit.

This position will perform paraprofessional library work involving service to patrons, or maintenance of library collection and database; or circulation, acquisitions, cataloging and classification; or inter-library loan; to provide lead work in a specialized library function; perform related work.

This position is assigned a vital shift schedule that includes closing shifts and weekends. Schedule changes are required based on the library hours/days and the needs of the unit.

Department Overview:

Albertsons Library's Public Services unit brings together traditional library services like Circulation, Maker spaces and Computing/Technology support to provide patrons with a comprehensive and enriching experience. This integration ensures seamless access to a wide array of resources, enabling patrons to utilize materials and services efficiently. The MakerLab offers a creative space equipped with advanced tools, allowing users to engage in hands‑on opportunities to transform ideas into tangible projects . Additionally, our computing/technology support department maintains robust technological infrastructure, ensuring patrons have reliable access to digital resources and support. This holistic approach caters to a variety of needs, fostering a community of continuous learning and innovation.

Level Scope:

Applies skills and job knowledge in area of specialization; may adapt procedures, operations, techniques, tools, materials, and/or equipment to meet needs of area of specialization; may work on non‑routine tasks; resolves issues/makes working decisions within area of specialization or responsibility with minimal supervision.

Essential Functions:

• Perform paraprofessional library work usually within a specialized library function involving patron services or technical services. Positions have a lead work role with students, volunteers, or temporary staff. Interviews/questions patrons to identify, analyze and respond to information needs; directs and instructs users; interprets, applies and explains library policies and procedures; may authorize reduction, cancellation and/or payment of fines, bills, or administrative holds; may disapprove patron’s library use.
• Accepts requests, gathers additional clarifying information from patrons; performs complex online searching; verifies accuracy of cited references; identifies and selects locations for obtaining items; may create and send system requests.
• Performs complex online searching of bibliographic databases to assist patrons in information research, in-person, phone and online; may instruct patrons.
• Performs routine computer lab services to patrons such as printer maintenance and operations, basic Microsoft Office Suite instruction, access of computer programs.
• Assists in maintaining oversight of building operations and managing emergencies.
• May serve as a member of various library committees.
• Course Reserves: coordinate faculty requests, process and maintain reserve materials, ensure timely access for students, troubleshoot access issues, and apply established library policies and copyright guidelines.
• Special Borrowers: Coordinates with Special Borrowers/One Time Borrowers; filling out forms, setting up accounts, emailing patrons new information.
• Delivery: Manages scheduling and ensures delivery for campus mail, campus delivery and curbside requests.
• Death Notices: Manages death notifications and clears patrons account records. Requires confidentiality in dealing with notifications.
• Assistance with Space coordination: Assists with event coordination and setup/takedown, including responding to Space Requests and Film/Photography requests.
• Lockers: Oversees locker checkouts, maintains accountability for keys as part of billing, reviews lockers at the end of each semester.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of supervisory practices
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services
• Ability to use systems such as word processing and managing files and records, adhering to administrative and clerical standards
• Ability to perform detailed, accurate work
• Ability to work within different systems that require varied technical abilities and authorizations

Minimum Qualifications:

Good knowledge of: current library organization, terminology and functions. Some knowledge of: supervisory practices.

Experience: using and applying bibliographic and other library information sources, in printed and computerized format; using a bibliographic utility or in-house automated library system to perform acquisitions, cataloging or serials work; compiling and analyzing information and writing a summary in a work setting; using computer applications software.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience: directing or supervising staff, student employees, volunteers or others in a work setting.

Salary and Benefits:

Starting pay is $17.94 per hour and is commensurate with experience. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 12 paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year’s (requires use of 3 vacation days)
• Between 12-24 annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service
• 11.96% University contribution to your PERSI retirement fund (Classified employees)
• Excellent medical, dental and other health‑related insurance coverages
• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents
• See our full benefits page for more information

Required Application Materials:

Cover letter, resume and three professional references.

About Us:

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/