Library Assistant 4 - Evening Student Supervisor

Case Western Reserve University; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Case Western Reserve University is seeking a Library Assistant 4 to supervise a large student staff within the Knowledge and Creativity Commons, ensuring smooth daily operations and training the team. The role requires strong policy knowledge, service orientation, and the ability to adapt schedules for evenings and Sundays.

You will oversee training, reference support, circulation tasks, and collaboration with other library teams while maintaining high standards of customer service.

Qualifications

• High school education with 4 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree with 1 year of relevant experience.
• Experience managing multiple projects with accuracy and organization.
• Familiarity with automated library systems and catalogs; proficient with office software.
• Ability to develop training materials and clear process documentation.

Responsibilities

• Supervise student employees; hire, schedule, train, and evaluate.
• Provide first-contact customer service across all service points; maintain documentation.
• Oversee circulation activities and evening/weekend operations.
• Participate in committees and stay updated on library technology trends.

Skills

Detail management

Policy interpretation

Customer service

Multitasking

Team collaboration

Independence

Education

High school + 4 years experience

Bachelor's degree + 1 year experience

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Automated library systems

Catalog databases

Job description

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting salary is $36,566, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under occasional supervision, the Library Assistant 4 serves as a library specialist within the Knowledge and Creativity Commons. This role requires advanced knowledge of policies, procedures, and documentation, with work performed within established guidelines. The library assistant 4 supervises and supports student employees, manages workflows and oversees technical training and daily operations in partnership with the daytime student supervisor. Together, they hire, schedule, and train a team of 25 or more students each semester. The library assistant 4 assumes responsibility for unit operations in the absence of more senior staff. The position requires regular evening and weekend availability, specifically Sundays 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Mondays through Thursdays 3:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. Flexibility is required to adjust the schedule to meet operational needs, including during university breaks, summers, and holidays.

Essential Functions

• Supervise student employees and assigned staff. Hire, schedule, and train student employees; prepare performance evaluations; and monitor and approve time worked in compliance with university policies. (37%)
• Provide first-contact customer service across all physical and virtual service points within the Commons. Recommend, implement, and evaluate customer service policies and procedures to ensure effective operations, and maintain documentation. Provide training and support for equipment use and maintenance, navigation of collections and catalog systems, and general reference assistance. Maintain working knowledge of Freedman Center technologies and digital services. Oversee circulation activities, including staff support, issue resolution, payment handling, stacks access, and facility and safety concerns. (25%)
• Responsible for working evenings and weekends to oversee all level one service center activities including first-contact customer service support, problem resolution, payment management, and all facility and safety issues. Launch resource sharing duties. Respond to a variety of overnight issues and confirm resolution or effective referral. The library assistant is responsible for the area in the absence of more senior staff. (25%)
• Participate in committees, working groups, and learning opportunities. Maintain awareness of current trends and developments in library technology, services, and operations. (6%)
• Contribute to and sustain a work culture that values empathy, collaboration, and respect. (6%)

Nonessential Functions

Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact with library staff in all KSL teams to maintain workflow.

University: Frequent contact with faculty and staff and/or staff of other campus libraries primarily in reference to cataloging queries and other customer services.

External: Frequent contact with vendors in resolving departmental-specific issues.

Students: Frequent and direct contact both with student staff and student patrons to address concerns/ problems and/or use and interpret established procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Will monitor the performance of and direct training of student employees in accordance with library and university policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Experience/Education: High school education with 4 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree with 1 year of relevant experience.

Required Skills

• Ability to manage detailed work and multiple projects with accuracy and in an organized, prioritized manner.
• Ability to learn, interpret, and apply a wide range of evolving library policies and information resource guidelines.
• Familiarity with automated library systems and catalogs. Proficient technical skills, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office and online research/navigation skills.
• Ability to develop training materials and write clear process and policy documentation.
• Strong collaboration skills to support high levels of service.
• Ability to work independently while also taking direction when needed.
• Supervisory ability and customer service experience.
• Ability to work in and contribute to a work environment that promotes and maintains an environment and culture of empathy, collaboration, and respect.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
• Ability to interact effectively with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face-to-face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

A fast-paced office and library environment that requires flexibility and adaptability to reassess priorities as needed. The role involves a high level of customer service and frequent interaction with patrons, along with regular physical tasks such as bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting library materials. Nights and weekends are required. Must be flexible to adjust the work schedule to accommodate changes in operational hours, including university breaks, summers, and holidays, to meet staffing needs. The position requires regular evening and weekend availability, specifically Sundays 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Mondays through Thursdays 3:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. Flexibility is required to adjust the schedule to meet operational needs, including during university breaks, summers, and holidays. This position is not eligible for the staff hybrid work program.

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.