Library Circulation Assistant

Deerfield Academy; Deerfield (MA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Deerfield Academy is seeking a Library Circulation Assistant to be the primary contact for library users and support daily operations. You will assist with circulation, shelving, and basic tech support while promoting student-centered services.

The role requires strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills, with occasional evenings or weekends as needed. A commitment to diversity and inclusion is essential.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma; associate degree preferred.
• 1–3 years library or equivalent experience.
• Strong customer service orientation with inclusive environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the main contact for library users and promote student-centered services.
• Assist with collection development, materials processing, shelving, and special projects.
• Provide circulation services and troubleshoot minor technology issues.
• Monitor building usage and maintain a visible presence in the space.
• Support assessment efforts to advance Deerfield Academy's evolving goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Technology proficiency

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma

Associate's degree

Tools

Library systems software

Job description

Reporting to the Library Director and collaborating with the full Library Staff, the Library Circulation Assistant serves as a main point of contact for Library users; provides circulation services; troubleshoots minor technology issues; supports cataloging and processing activities; and provides responsive, user-centered service that supports the academic success of faculty and students.

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

• Serve as a welcoming and professional main point of contact for Library users; with an emphasis on promoting student-centered services;
• Assists with collection development and maintenance, materials processing, shelving, and special projects.
• Provides circulation services and troubleshoots minor technology issues over the phone, through email and other technology-based systems, and in person;
• Monitors usage of the building, making occasional rounds, and serve as a visible presence in the physical spaces;
• Contributes to a continuous process of assessment to ensure the Library’s success in advancing Deerfield Academy’s evolving goals in light of pedagogical, information, technology, and user preference changes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Specifications

• High school diploma required. Associate’s degree preferred
• 1 – 3 years’ library or equivalent experience required.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to foster a welcoming, responsive, and inclusive environment for all library users.
• Proven collaboration, communication, people skills and proficiency in working with a diverse and wide range of individuals, including adolescents.
• General knowledge of library principles and policies, including research and information literacy.
• Proficiency with multiple computer systems, software, and technology appropriate to libraries.
• Willingness to innovate and adopt new practices and procedures.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with an ability to provide reference instruction and technology support to students and faculty.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities and projects while working at a very high rate of accuracy
• Ability and willingness to perform regular evening and or/weekend work, as Library needs require. In some circumstances, be prepared to assist during adverse weather and emergency situations to ensure essential services and service points as covered.
• Ability to work independently with initiative, as well as be a part of a team
• Ability to manage, and sensitivity to, highly confidential information
• Energy, enthusiasm, initiative, friendliness.
• Commitment to excellence.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion and to serving the needs of a diverse community.

Physical Demands

• Close visual acuity to analyze data and figures and to view a computer terminal
• Ability to occasionally ascend and descend stairs
• Ability to frequently sustain substantial movements of the wrist, hands and/or fingers
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to occasionally stoop, kneel or reach

Working Conditions

The work takes place in an office environment, and the worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Application Materials Must Include

• A cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications
• A complete resume or curriculum vitae

Disclaimer

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. This job description is not intended to be construed as a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. It is expected that job duties and responsibilities will develop over time commensurate with performance.