Library Assistant, Evenings and Weekends

Colby College; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Colby College Libraries are seeking a Library Assistant for Evening and Weekend shifts to coordinate operations across Miller Library and Bixler Art and Music Library. The role oversees stacks maintenance, supervises student assistants, and supports patrons with basic reference services.

Scheduling runs September–May evenings and weekends, with full library support during breaks. The Colby Libraries aim to serve research, scholarship and learning while handling admin tasks and statistics

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework a plus.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Strong time management and ability to prioritize.
• Ability to adapt to change and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience with Google Apps and Microsoft Office; willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team; collaborative.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate evening and weekend library public services across two library spaces.
• Oversee Bixler stacks maintenance and supervise student assistants.
• Staff regularly at both service points and manage office supplies.
• Interpret library policies and resolve customer and student issues with Public Services colleagues.
• Assist patrons with the library collections and provide basic reference services.
• Receive and process materials for Course Reserves and enforce Fair use guidelines.
• Perform administrative record keeping and reporting.
• Manage a team of student assistants, including hiring and scheduling.

Skills

Customer service

Time management

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Workflow analysis

Independent worker

Google Apps

Microsoft Office

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Google Apps

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description Department: Public Services - Staff Pay Rate Type: Hourly Employee Type: Job Summary: The Library Assistant, Evening and Weekend position coordinates evening and weekend library public services for the Colby College Libraries, in collaboration with other library assistants. The Libraries consist of two physical library spaces: Miller Library (including Special Collections and Archives), and Bixler Art and Music Library. The library assistant assists with the day-to-day operations of the two libraries in the evening and weekend hours, and oversees Bixler stacks maintenance on a daily basis including the supervision of library student assistants. The schedule for this position is during the academic year (September through May) and falls on evenings and weekends (Tuesday - Thursday, 4pm - 1am, Friday and Saturday, 11am - 8pm). During breaks from the normal academic schedule (for holidays and institutional breaks), the schedule for this position is Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm. Colby College Libraries serve as a partner to support and advance research, scholarship, and learning. The hiring range for this position is $18 - $20 per hour.

Essential Functions and Key Responsibilities

• In collaboration with Public Services colleagues, coordinate operations for the two library service points in the evenings and on the weekends.
• Oversee Bixler stacks maintenance, and supervision of library student assistants.
• Participate in regular staffing at both service points, and maintain office supplies.
• Interpret library policies and procedures to the staff and public; collaborate with Public Services colleagues to resolve customer, circulation, and student employee issues.
• Assist patrons in the use of the library collections, provide basic reference services, and refer more complex inquiries appropriately.
• Assist as needed with receiving and processing materials for Course Reserves; enforce Fair use Guidelines for copyrighted material.
• Perform administrative record keeping and reporting.
• In collaboration with Public Services colleagues, manage a team of student assistants including hiring and training students, setting schedules, monitoring student performance (and initiating appropriate corrective action, as needed).
• Assure that the library facility and equipment are in good working order, resolve or report maintenance problems, and maintain adequate supplies.
• Participate in projects, working groups, and College committees, as needed.

Communication

• Maintains regular communication with the Public Services team and library student assistants in areas related to staffing service points, stacks maintenance coverage and student supervision; promptly relays critical information.
• Provides consistent and timely communication to students, faculty and staff regarding the status of the Bixler art and music collection.

Statistics

• Compiles annual statistics for reporting in the Public Services annual report.
• Provides annual narrative assessments.
• Create, assess, and improve (as needed) processes for collecting statistics.

Position Qualifications Education and experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; professional coursework or post-secondary education are a plus.
• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to provide meaningful and supportive customer service, providing accurate information to queries.
• Superb time management skills including the ability to independently set goals and priorities.
• Ability to adapt to change and handle multiple priorities.
• Strong organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including strong relationship skills.
• Demonstrated ability to assess workflows, and provide solutions where needed.
• Highly developed computer skills, including Google Apps (calendar, docs, sheets) and Microsoft Office, are necessary, with a willingness to learn new programs and/or devices; experience with integrated library systems preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, establish priorities, and work collaboratively as a member of a diverse community.

Physical/Mental Demands

Physical/Mental Demands The physical demands and work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this position and/or may be encountered while performing essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. To perform this role effectively, an employee is expected to handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with care, professionalism, and respect for privacy. This position involves working with a variety of timelines, including some that require quick turnaround and responsiveness to urgent needs. In this role, the employee will interact with members of the public and others in a variety of situations and conversations. Presenting oneself in a professional, respectful, and thoughtful manner at all times is an important part of the role. This position includes regular movement throughout office spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations regularly going between the two library locations.. Daily work will involve extended use of a computer, including keyboard and mouse Physical requirements differ by position. In general, most roles involve lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, with some positions requiring occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds. Vision requirements for this position include the ability to see clearly at close and far distances and to adjust focus as needed. The work environment is dynamic and engaging, often involving multiple tasks and projects that require shifting focus and strong organizational skills.. The noise level is generally moderate; however, there may be occasional moments of louder sounds depending on campus activity. Colby College supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Founded in 1813, Colby is one of America’s most selective colleges. Serving only undergraduates, Colby’s rigorous academic program is rooted in deep exploration of ideas and close interaction with world‑class faculty scholars. Students pursue intellectual passions, choosing among 58 majors or developing their own. Independent and collaborative research, study abroad, and internships offer robust opportunities to prepare students for postgraduate success. Colby is home to a community of more than 2,200 dedicated and diverse students from around the globe. Its Maine location provides easy access to world‑class research institutions and civic engagement experiences. In a period of fast‑paced progress, Colby is building on its strong foundation while remaining committed to excellence, to supporting students and faculty at the highest levels, and to the College’s deep liberal arts traditions. This new chapter includes the creation of innovative academic initiatives and partnerships, strengthening the connections between the liberal arts and the professional world, revitalizing downtown Waterville, and pursuing significant capital projects for performing arts and athletics. For more information about the College, please visit our web site: www.colby.edu.