Library Associate (Part-time)

Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 21,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & dental insurance

KPERS retirement plan

Group life, disability coverage

Accidental death benefits

Vision insurance

Deferred compensation plan

Job summary

Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library is seeking a part-time Library Associate for the Circulation team. The role focuses on friendly customer service and efficient management of materials so customers can access information quickly.

Responsibilities include in-person and remote inquiries, curbside services, and handling checkouts and holds. The position supports staffing flexibility with day, night, and weekend shifts.

Qualifications

• Requires a High School diploma or equivalent and a valid Kansas driver’s license with insurable driving record.
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to handle inquiries effectively while completing tasks.
• Ability to work independently or with a team and maintain regular attendance.

Responsibilities

• Provide customer service in person, by phone, email, and chat.
• Manage appointments using Curbside Pickup Manager software.
• Assist with library card registration and lost card replacement.
• Circulate materials and maintain electronic records of checkout/checkin.
• Operate AMH system for sorting and delivery of materials.
• Pull patron requests and prepare items for pickup.
• Check out curbside holds and deliver materials to customers’ parked cars.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Curbside Pickup Manager software

AMH machine software

Job description

Come be a part of the library Circulation team as a part-time Library Associate. This team is responsible for providing friendly customer service and ensuring Library materials are efficiently managed so customers can promptly access the information they seek.

DUTIES

Offers customer service in person, by telephone, email and chat services. Communicates with customers and manages appointments using Curbside Pickup Manager software. Addresses customer account inquiries, such as updating personal information, collecting payment for or resolving customer account charges, setting up payment plans, and addressing long overdue titles or problem items. Assists with library card registration and lost library card replacement, provides general library information, and directs patrons to appropriate service areas or library staff for their informational needs. Circulates library materials and maintains electronic records such as check out and check in of items. Feeds returned library materials through the automated material handling (AMH) machine for check in and sorting. Collects sorted checked in materials from the AMH bins to build carts to shelve. Navigates AMH computer software to setup check in backdates or pause the delivery system. Pulls patron requests from lists and sorts them via the AMH machine. Processes sorted requested titles for customer pick up. Checks out curbside holds to customers and delivers materials to their parked car.

SCHEDULE

These part-time positions may work days, nights and weekends. Specific schedules will be discussed during interviews.

QUALIFICATIONS

Requires a High School diploma or equivalent and a valid Kansas drivers’ license with an insurable driving record. Applicant must have excellent customer service skills, the ability to handle customer inquiries successfully while completing other assigned tasks, the ability to accept changes to scheduled assignments when coverage is needed, ability to work independently or collaborate effectively with a team, organizational skills, the ability to perform detailed work accurately as well as retain and apply multi-step procedures repetitively, ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing in a professional manner with customers, community partners, coworkers and supervisors, and the ability to maintain regular reliable attendance. Previous experience in customer service is preferred.

A pre-and/or post-employment drug screen, a criminal history record check, and physical capacity testing are required as a condition of employment.

COMPENSATION

Pay range begins at $15.00 to $16.68 per hour depending on experience. Excellent benefits including health & dental insurance with pre-tax premiums, and a retirement plan (KPERS). Group life, disability coverage and accidental death benefits are also provided. Other optional benefits available at employee's expense include vision, life and cancer insurance and a deferred compensation plan.

A completed and signed TSCPL Employment Application is required for consideration.

Applications must be received by August 2, 2026.

EOE