Library Assistant – Borrower Services, Part Time

US Lawns; Newton (MA); Hybrid; USD 11,000 - 13,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Newton is seeking a Part-Time Library Assistant to deliver exemplary customer service at service points and remotely. You will assist patrons, process holds and returns, and support interlibrary loans with accuracy and courtesy.

Hours total 12 per week, with evening and every‑other weekend shifts. Requires a Bachelor’s degree and interest in public libraries; benefits are non‑benefited, salary is competitive for Newton, MA.

Qualifications

• Strong oral and written communications skills.
• Knowledge of library functions and databases; familiarity with library tech and peripherals.
• Comfort with technology troubleshooting and assisting patrons with equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assist patrons at service points, by phone or online.
• Process returns, checkouts, renewals, holds, registrations and fines.
• Help with museum passes, event registration and study room bookings.
• Handle inter-library loans and item requests; notify patrons of availability.
• Follow City and department policies and procedures.

Skills

Oral communication skills

Written communication skills

Technology troubleshooting

Library knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Description

Under the direct supervision of the Supervisor of Borrower Services or Assistant Supervisor, the Part Time Library Assistant is responsible for providing exemplary customer service at designated service points and throughout the library, as well as over the phone and by electronic means. Performs item retrieval tasks, patron and item data entry, and processes holds and returns.

Hours of Work: 12 hours weekly to be determined by Supervisor based on Library needs, including evening work and every other weekend - Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 1-5. Rate of Pay: $19.59 / hour

Essential Functions

(The essential functions or duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Provides patron assistance at designated service points in and throughout the library, as well as over the phone and by electronic means. May help patrons locate or request items.
• Utilizes library's computer systems and related technology to process library returns, checkouts, renewals, reserves, registrations and collect fines and fees. Sorts returned items for shelving and may shelve items. Processes returns and requests incoming and outgoing from network libraries.
• Assists patrons with museum pass information, event and study room registration and related library services.
• Processes reserve and inter-library loan requests from patrons or other libraries; places requests in the database; receives materials from delivery and packages them for delivery. Notifies patrons of item availability.
• Follows and adheres to department, City and other government rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Secondary Elements

• Assists library users in the use of library computers and other equipment and technology Is familiar with the standard operation of all technology and equipment in service with the public in their assigned areas and can perform first pass troubleshooting of that equipment. Promptly uses established protocols to inform IT support staff of problems that do not respond to initial troubleshooting.
• May attend and participate in Department and other meetings and special events.
• Performs other duties as required.

Education, Training and Experience: Bachelors and up to one-year related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience. Customer service experience and general interest in public libraries.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

• Knowledge: A broad knowledge of library functions, library databases and electronic resources, computers, audio-visual equipment, printers and other peripherals.
• Ability: Ability to read and interpret documents such as routine reports and procedures manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to present information effectively, which may require considerable tact, to visitors, customers or employees of the City.
• Skill: Strong oral and written communications skills. Strong technology troubleshooting skills.

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5 - 10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally. Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions

Company Description

THE CITY

The City of Newton is a wonderful place to live and work. Newton has safe and attractive neighborhoods, an excellent public school system, an active community life, multiple transportation systems, proximity to Boston and a well-managed and financially strong City government. The City of Newton has a population of approximately 88,900, with 32,600 housing units and occupies a land area of 18.3 square miles. Newton is principally suburban-residential in character. Unlike many other communities that are established around a single Main Street or downtown, Newton is comprised of thirteen distinctive villages. Newton has a diversified economic base with approximately 4,700 establishments employing approximately 79,500 people. Newton is special in many ways. It is home to a variety of private secondary and post-secondary schools including a portion of Boston College, Lasell University, William James College, Hebrew College, and the UMass Amherst – Mount Ida Campus. The longest stretch of the Boston Marathon runs through the City, including the well-known Heartbreak Hill. Newton-Wellesley Hospital, part of the Mass General Brigham health care system, serves as an important partner to the City. In September 2018, Newton was again ranked #1 in Massachusetts as the best place to live and #12 in the U.S.

OUR GOVERNMENT

Newton has what is known as a “strong Mayor” form of government with the Mayor having the executive and administrative powers of the City. The legislative branch is comprised of 24 City Councilors. Mayor Marc C. Laredo was sworn in on January 1, 2026 after serving on the City Council. The City of Newton was evaluated by Moody’s Investors Services in February 2020 and assigned its highest rating of AAA. Newton was thus well-positioned to weather the pandemic and economic downturn.

AS AN EMPLOYER

The City of Newton believes that its employees are its greatest asset. To that end, we are committed to supporting our employees by providing competitive wages and growth, a comprehensive benefits package which includes a defined municipal pension plan, quality health and dental insurance plans, generous paid leave benefits, paid holidays, and access to supplemental benefits such as deferred compensation, short term disability plans, flexible spending accounts, and other employee benefits. We also provide access to an Employee Assistance Program and access to employee training and professional development opportunities. We continuously work to review and expand upon our benefit offerings. We encourage you to visit our Human Resources Department website to learn more about our organization and benefits which are available to our employees. And as always, you are encouraged to reach out to our dynamic HR Team by emailing [e-mail].

Human Resources Diversity Statement

We recognize our workforce is a source of strength that is vital to our ability to effectively serve the City of Newton’s diverse community. We will:

• Actively recruit, develop, and retain a diverse and talented workforce.
• Proactively address discrimination through education and in partnership with other departments and leaders.
• Serve as a role model to celebrate and nurture diversity.
• Foster inclusion by staying curious and clarifying assumptions.
• Evaluate and develop policies and practices that reflect the diverse nature of our workforce.
• Build and strengthen accountability at all levels to support diversity efforts.

The targeted salary range reflects what the City of Newtonreasonably and in good faith expects to offer for this position at the time of posting, but the final salary determination may be within or outside this range based on various factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, and market factors. The range will be reviewed regularly and is subject to change.

Benefits

This is a non-benefited position