Library Assistant (Part-Time) - Douglass Branch Library

Experience Champaign Urbana; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading library is seeking a Library Assistant to provide excellent customer service and assist with library operations. This role involves working with diverse library users, managing library materials, and planning programs for various age groups. Candidates should be friendly, committed to public service, and have basic computer skills. This position offers a varied schedule, including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to public service.
• Ability to work in a team and interact with the public effectively.
• Flexibility to adapt to various work situations.

Responsibilities

• Assist customers with library services and functions.
• Plan and present programs for children and adults.
• Ensure compliance with library rules and policies.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Computer skills

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or two years of college (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Description

Under the supervision of the Douglass Branch Manager, the Library Assistant helps create a welcoming atmosphere for customers of all ages as they use the Douglass Branch Library and borrow materials. The Library Assistant helps customers with a variety of tasks relating to their use of library materials and the facility. The Library Assistant is a primary public service contact for Library users and works with the Branch team to check out materials to customers, register customers for library cards, answer questions, assist users with the library catalog, computers, and devices, makerspace equipment, and engages with customers in a friendly and efficient way. The Library Assistant assists with planning and presenting programs for adults and children.

Scheduled 25 hours a week and includes daytime, evening, and weekend shifts.

Open until filled, with first review of applicants on July 14, 2025.

Examples of Duties

• Performs a variety of tasks relating to the use of library materials
• Issues library cards
• Checks materials in and out
• Assists customers and answers questions over the phone and in person
• Answers reference and readers’ advisory questions
• Assists with training of staff and volunteers
• Assists with collection development and maintenance
• Coordinates the work of other staff on evenings and weekends
• Performs tasks related to the daily operations of the library
• Plans, prepares materials for, and presents programs to children and adults
• Participates in departmental and library-wide training and activities, including technology and safety training
• Provides excellent internal and external customer service
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Strong commitment to public service
• Ability to work with the public in a friendly and efficient manner
• Ability to learn and perform routine library functions and procedures
• Ability to learn and use integrated library systems and technology
• Ability to learn and apply phone system and money collecting procedures
• Accurate computer and keyboarding skills
• Familiarity with workplace productivity software, including skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Good interpersonal and communications skills for working within a team environment
• Ability to maintain reliable attendance and regular schedule
• Ability to maintain a varied schedule, including day, evening, and weekend rotations
• Ability to issue guidance and ensure compliance with the Library’s Rules of Conduct and policies
• Flexibility to adapt to changing situations and to vary work schedule
• Good vision and hearing to effectively engage with customers
• Manual dexterity to operate computer and telephone equipment
• Physical ability to regularly lift library materials weighing up to 40 lbs., setup for events, and to push fully loaded carts of library materials
• Satisfactory pre-employment background check

Acceptable Experience and Training

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate or two years of college preferred
• Customer service experience preferred

• •Public library experience preferred

• •Knowledge of Spanish and/or French is helpful

• •Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities