Library Assistant - Security

City of Sheboygan; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Mead Public Library in Sheboygan, WI seeks a Library Assistant - Security to uphold safe, respectful, and welcoming environments for staff and patrons. The role focuses on enforcing library policies, serving customers, and maintaining orderly, secure spaces across shifts.

The position requires strong communication, de-escalation skills, and experience with library systems; prior safety/security work is preferred. Flexibility across Monday–Saturday shifts may be needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Six months of experience in a high-volume customer service position preferred.
• One year of recent experience in safety/security preferred.
• Experience using Integrate Library Systems (ILS) software preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain professional relationships.

Responsibilities

• Provides excellent customer service and refers patrons to resources.
• Interprets and applies library policy and procedures.
• Conducts non-intrusive walkthroughs to deter disruptive behavior.
• Monitors activity and uses de-escalation techniques to enforce policies.
• Provides incident reports and coordinates with supervision or emergency services as needed.
• Documents incidents clearly using standardized reports.
• During critical incidents, manages high-stress situations and coordinates safety.
• Supports a positive public environment and works with staff to assist patrons.
• Uses the library system to manage patron accounts and circulation while maintaining confidentiality.
• Handles cash transactions and provides technology assistance to patrons.

Skills

Customer service

De-escalation

Cash handling

Technology proficiency

ILS knowledge

Policy interpretation

Emergency response

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Education

High school diploma

Tools

ILS software

Job description

The Mead Public Library provides quality services, resources, and lifelong learning opportunities to meet the needs and interests of our diverse community. The function of the Mead Public Library is to serve our customers in a way that establishes a relationship of mutual gratitude - our gratitude for our customers' patronage, and our customers' gratitude for the quality and value they receive.

Under the supervision of the Deputy Library Director, the Library Assistant - Security position performs a variety of tasks including customer service, utilizing library software, assisting with circulation of library materials, and other functions relating to library services. Specifically, this position will focus on enforcing library policy and ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for staff and patrons. It is imperative job duties are performed with respect, integrity, objectivity, and in the best interest of the City. All employees are expected to be honest and truthful at all times.

This full time position is anticipated to work 11am-8pm Mondays-Thursdays, 8am-5pm Fridays, and every other Saturday 8am-5pm.

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Provides excellent customer service. Refers patrons to library and community resources in a friendly, inclusive, and respectful manner.
2. Interprets, explains, and applies library policy and procedures to respond to customer concerns.
3. Conducts routine, non-intrusive walkthroughs of the library and exterior property to maintain visibility and deter disruptive behavior.
4. Monitors activity, observes patron conduct, and employs de-escalation techniques to ensure compliance with library policies in a calm and respectful manner.
5. Provides timely reports of incidents, concerns, or unsafe conditions to supervisory staff and/or emergency responders when needed.
6. Documents incidents factually and clearly using standardized reporting procedures.
7. During critical incidents, effectively manages high-stress situations, coordinates emergency services, and ensures the safety and security of all personnel and property.
8. Supports a positive public environment by building respectful relationships with patrons from all walks of life.
9. Collaborates with staff when assistance is requested, offering a steady and reassuring presence during challenging interactions.
10. Uses the library's integrated library system (ILS), manages patron accounts and the circulation of library materials while maintaining patron confidentiality.
11. Handles counts cash and performs cash transactions.
12. Offers technology assistance to patrons.

General Responsibilities:

1. Provides input to managers for the improvement of library policies, plans, and goals, and participates in staff committees where appropriate.
2. Upholds the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statement.
3. Attends library trainings, conferences, and workshops.
4. Provides emergency duties and resources as needed in times of a City emergency in conjunction with the Director and in accordance with the City's emergency plan.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Six (6) months of experience in a high-volume customer service position is preferred. Familiarity with public spaces, community centers, or library environments a plus.
• One year of recent experience in maintaining, supporting, and/or working in safety and/or security environment is preferred.
• Experience using Integrate Library Systems (ILS) software is preferred.

• Ability to work collaboratively and develop and maintain effective relationships with staff, library users, and community partners.
• Knowledge of library services and procedures and ALA Professional Code of Ethics.

• Broad cultural competency knowledge and skills, and ability to work effectively with a culturally diverse community.
• Ability to problem solve, make sound judgments, and handle stressful situations positively within the scope of responsibilities.
• Ability to fairly and consistently apply library's policy on appropriate library use.
• General knowledge of standard safety practices.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions, be self-directed, problem-solve, and set priorities in order to meet assignment deadlines.
• The ability to communicate ideas and information effectively both in written and oral form; effectively read and understand written information; monitoring and responding to multiple communication streams concurrently (e.g. email, Teams, phone calls)
• Ability to remain professional and courteous while interacting with library patrons.
• Proficiency with computers and other technology is required, including, but not limited to:
  • Mastering the library's integrated library system (ILS)
  • Using a Web browser and conducting basic web searches
  • Navigating a Windows environment and use of standard Microsoft software, email and calendars