Library Assistant – Hourly

Catawba County Government; Newton (NC); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Catawba County Library System is seeking hourly Library Assistants to provide excellent customer service to library patrons while supporting early literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement. These on-call positions have no guaranteed schedule, with a maximum of 19 hours per week and no benefits.

Applicants must be available to work a variety of shifts at any of our seven library locations or on the mobile Library to Go unit.

Qualifications

• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Proficiency with a variety of computer programs and technologies.
• Ability to lift/carry up to 25 pounds, push/pull up to 50 pounds, and stand for long periods while assisting patrons.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service to library patrons in person and by phone.
• Perform a full range of circulation services including checking materials in/out, issuing and reviewing library cards, and managing patron accounts.
• Place holds, transfer materials, and resolve account issues; collect fees and assist with sales transactions.
• Provide basic reader’s advisory and reference assistance using print and online resources.
• Assist patrons with computers and library digital resources; help with copiers, scanners, and fax machines.
• Maintain library collections, shelve materials, and perform shelf maintenance.
• Support preparation, promotion, and execution of library programs, events, and outreach activities.
• Travel with the Library to Go to community events to assist with setup, outreach, and circulation.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Technology proficiency

Physical ability

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate's degree

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Catawba County Library System is recruiting hourly Library Assistants to provide excellent customer service to library patrons while supporting early literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement. Join our team as we empower lives and build our community by bringing people, information, and ideas together.

These positions work on an on‑call/as‑needed basis. There is no guaranteed schedule, with a maximum of 19 hours per week and no benefits. Applicants must have the availability and flexibility to work a variety of shifts at any of our seven library locations or on the mobile Library to Go unit. Library hours are Monday – Thursday 9 AM to 8 PM and Friday – Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM.

Only applicants interested in part‑time, on‑call (“sub”) work will be considered. This must be indicated on the job application.

• Provide excellent customer service to library patrons in person and by phone
• Perform a full range of circulation services, including checking materials in/out, issuing and reviewing library cards, managing patron accounts, placing holds, transferring materials, and resolving account issues
• Collect fees and assist with sales transactions
• Provide basic reader’s advisory and reference assistance using print and online resources
• Assist patrons with computers, personal technology devices, copiers, scanners, fax machines, and the library’s digital resources
• Maintain library collections, including shelving print and non‑print materials, and performing shelf maintenance
• Support the preparation, promotion, and execution of library programs, events, and outreach activities
• Travel with the Library to Go to community events (indoors and outdoors) to assist with setup, teardown, outreach, promotion of services, and circulation
• Adapt to changing needs and perform other related duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in any field; OR
• Associate's degree in Business, Education, English, Communications, Library Science, or a related field; OR
• High school diploma or GED equivalent and 1 year of clerical/public service experience, preferably in a library or a related customer service setting (i.e., bookstore)

• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Proficiency with a variety of computer programs and technologies
• This position requires the ability to lift/carry up to 25 pounds (books, boxes, supplies), push/pull up to 50 pounds (full library carts), stoop/kneel to shelve books, and stand for long periods of time in order to work the circulation desk, assist patrons, and other various duties.

Preferences:

• Public library experience
• Bilingual (English-Spanish) applicants