Library Clerk (Half-Time)

City of Appleton Wisconsin; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 16,531 - 24,796; Part time

Job summary

The City of Appleton Wisconsin's Appleton Public Library is seeking a Library Clerk (Half-Time) to staff a public service desk and assist with lending library materials.

This non-exempt position includes off-desk tasks, data entry, fines processing, and helping patrons with basic computer use while upholding library policies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Knowledge of general library services and practices.
• Good organizational and prioritization skills.
• Tactful and courteous communication with patrons.
• Proficiency with library circulation software and data entry.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced public service environment.
• Willingness to work as part of a team and handle routine tasks.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and push a loaded book cart.
• Spanish or Hmong language ability is helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide courteous service at a public service desk and check out materials.
• Register patrons and answer routine questions.
• Communicate library policies clearly to the public.
• Perform data entry and maintain the library automation system.
• Assist patrons with basic computer and printing needs.
• Collect fines and process transactions at the cash register.
• Check in and route materials to other libraries as needed.
• Monitor security gates and maintain shelf accuracy.

Skills

General library services

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Computer skills

Circulation software

Teamwork

Stamina

Reading small print

Bilingual beneficial

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Library circulation software

Job description

Job Description

The Appleton Public Library, the Wisconsin Library of the Year for 2025, is seeking a Library Clerk (Half-Time) to join our dynamic team.

The City of Appleton is seeking a Library Clerk (Half-Time). This is a non-exempt benefited position that involves working at a public service desk providing library services related to lending library materials, as well as performing off‑desk tasks. Work is supervised by the Public Services Supervisor and a Public Services Assistant Supervisor.

Examples of Duties

Essential Job Functions

• Provide courteous and efficient customer service at a service desk: Checkout library materials, register patrons, handle routine questions
• Accurately communicate library policies and procedures to the public
• Computer data entry and database maintenance through the library automation system
• Provide directional assistance
• Provide basic computer and printing help
• Answer telephone calls from public or route appropriately
• Collect fines and fees, accurately key such transactions into a cash register
• Check in and sort materials; accurately route or mail items owned/requested by other libraries
• Magnetize/demagnetize materials
• Monitor security gates
• Check shelves for materials prior to billing, claimed returned, etc.
• Maintains regular punctual and predictable attendance, works overtime and extra hours as required.

Other Job Functions

• Retrieve materials on reserve for patrons or other libraries and route them accordingly
• Prepare bills and overdues for mailing, distribute intra-office mail
• Call other local libraries/media stores to make them aware that their materials have been returned to the library
• Check email and internal internet sites to stay up-to-date on policies and procedures

Typical Qualifications

A high school diploma or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills:

• Knowledge of general library services and practices
• Good organizational skills, ability to sort materials in alphabetical and numerical order
• Tactful and courteous communication skills
• Computer skills: turning on/off, soft reboot, mouse, keyboarding, saving a file, email
• Ability to become proficient on library's circulation software, adapt to changes
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment
• Ability to work as a team member, maintaining effective relationships with co-workers
• Ability to stand and walk for several hours at a time
• Ability to lift at least 30 lbs.; push a loaded book cart (200 lbs.) on carpeting
• Ability to read fine print (font sizes of 8 or larger)
• Ability to hear the library's security gate alarm, computer alerts, a normal speaking voice
• Ability to speak Spanish or Hmong would be beneficial but is not required

Supplemental Information

COMPETENCIES

• Communication
• Customer Focus
• Handling Difficult People
• Problem Solving
• Adaptability/Flexibility

Employees in this class are afforded full benefits (pro‑rated), life insurance, long‑term disability insurance and paid leave benefits. (Health insurance is not included under 30 hours per week)