Library Circulation Assistant

Library Jobline; Needham, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Needham's Needham Free Public Library is seeking two full-time Library Circulation Assistants to join our team. You will provide direct patron services at the circulation desk, register patrons for library cards, and assist with borrowing and returns while upholding library policies.

You will guide patrons in locating materials, manage Minuteman Network workflows, and support collection maintenance, displays, and training of part-time staff and volunteers.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or two years of technical/business training accepted.
• 1–3 years relevant library experience preferred.
• Knowledge of library policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Ability to provide information and assistance with high customer service standards.

Responsibilities

• Performs circulation desk duties including check-in/borrowing, card registration, and policy explanations.
• Assist patrons in locating and using library resources and the Catalog/Databases.
• Ensure smooth operations with Minuteman Network, Commonwealth Catalog, and OCLC; manage reports and holds shelves.
• Support collection maintenance, displays, and cross-departmental projects; train part-time staff/volunteers.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Tech proficiency

Public library knowledge

Education

Associates Degree or equivalent

Tools

Minuteman Library Network

OCLC

Catalog databases

Job description

The Town of Needham is seeking passionate, dedicated individuals to fill two (2) full time vacancies for the position of Library Circulation Assistant at the Needham Free Public Library. Under the direction of the Library Circulation Supervisor, this position provides direct patron services at the circulation desk for library card registration, borrowing/returning of materials, and assists with general patron questions. The ideal candidate will have exemplary customer service and communication skills, an interest in supporting and building a culture of inclusion for patrons of all ages, and a commitment to serve the Needham community.
It is an exciting time to join the Needham Free Public Library team! Our Strategic Plan and Annual Action Plans position the library to continue to meet the community’s needs for years to come. In addition, our recent Library Space Utilization Study reimagines the library’s interior space in four phases to enhance the work we do for our patrons and the community with our newly opened 4,000-square-foot Teen Room being the first phase. Along with diverse collections, plentiful programming, and great services, the Needham Free Public Library is on track to be the go-to place for new and current library workers.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs circulation desk procedures and direct patron services, such as checking in and borrowing of materials, emptying book drop, retrieving mail, registering patrons for library cards, collecting monies, assisting with general questions, and explaining and enforcing library policies.
• Advise and assist patrons in selecting, locating, and utilizing library resource materials through knowledge of print materials, computerized catalog, electronic databases, and the Library of Things.
• Ensures the smooth daily operation of lending or borrowing materials via the Minuteman Library Network, Commonwealth Catalog, and OCLC by processing requests, managing reports, and maintaining holds shelves.
• Assists in collection maintenance including weeding, orderliness, moving materials, and helping with displays.
• Provides guidance and training to part-time library assistants and volunteers as required and answers questions in the absence of the Circulation Supervisor.
• Supports Library initiatives through cross-departmental work, community outreach efforts, and communication with vendors, organizations, and other Town departments.
• Creates a welcoming environment for all patrons by ensuring library policies and procedures are followed.

Requirements

The following requirements may be substituted by any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job:

• Extensive technical or specialized training such as that which would be acquired by an Associates Degree or two years of technical or business school.
• One (1) to three (3) years relevant experience.
• Knowledge of general public library policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Ability to provide information and assistance effectively to patrons while ensuring high customer service standards.
• Skill in technology, including the application of office software and web applications in support of Departmental operations.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication with internal and external stakeholders including patrons of all ages, Library staff, and other Town employees.

Additional Info & Requirements

Schedule

• #1 Circulation Assistant
  37.5 hours / week
  Mondays: 12:30-9:00 p.m.
  Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 8:45 a.m.-5:15 p.m.
  Thursdays and Fridays: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
  Every fourth Saturday with the Preceding Friday Off: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
• #2 Circulation Assistant
  37.5 hours / week
  Mondays and Thursdays: 8:45 a.m.-5:15 p.m.
  Tuesdays: 12:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
  Wednesdays and Fridays: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
  Every fourth Saturday with the Preceding Friday Off: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.