Library Substitutes

Buncombe County Government; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

Buncombe County Government is seeking library substitutes to cover absences across the Buncombe County Library System. This is a temporary part-time role with up to 19 hours per week and a minimum of 32 hours per month.

Responsibilities include shelving, assisting at the circulation desk, helping patrons, and supporting library operations at multiple branches. A high school diploma or GED is required, with some library experience preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; some library experience preferred.
• Assist in shelving, reader assistance, and circulation desk tasks.
• Familiar with computer systems and basic office equipment.

Responsibilities

• Shelve materials, read shelves, and organize items.
• Assist patrons at the circulation desk using the Evergreen system.
• Answer questions and help patrons with books and resources.
• Search bibliographic databases.
• Assist patrons with public computers and provide basic reference help.

Skills

Customer service

Data entry

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Evergreen

Job description

This job posting expires at 11:59PM on October 27, 2026. No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM on October 27, 2026. Job Title: Library Substitutes Department: Library External Hiring Range: $15.00

Library substitutes can work up to 19 hours a week and are expected to work a minimum of 32 hours per month regularly.

If you enjoy working in different places and discovering what position you may love when working in a library, this position is for you.

Library substitutes are the only position in the system that allows you to work at any branch location throughout Buncombe County Library System.

Purpose of the position:

The purpose of this position is to be responsible for assuming the duties of library personnel upon absence, performing a variety of specialized clerical and technical tasks in support of library operations.

Typical Work Schedule:

This is a temporary part time position. Hours are not to exceed 19 hours in any given week. Adheres to assigned work schedule as outlined in the Department and County attendance policies and procedures. Regular, predictable attendance is essential; Must be available to work at all branches in the system during regular hours, including both evening hours and weekends.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire):

High school diploma or GED; some library experience preferred; or equivalent combination of education, experience. Must be 16 years of age or older.

Essential Functions of the position:

• Assist in maintaining the availability of library materials by shelving books and other materials, reading the shelves, and organizing materials into their proper sequence.
• Assist patrons at the circulation desk using the Evergreen circulation system.
• Assist with questions and/or problems regarding books and resources and maintaining library materials and records.
• Search specialized bibliographic databases.
• Assisting patrons with public computers and providing limited reference and reader assistance in a branch or children’s library.
• Interpret the needs of patrons and either provide help, or seek help from a permanent employee or superior.
• Tact and courtesy are required in all dealings with library patrons.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the general public.
• Knowledge of library routine and procedures.
• Skill in data entry into a computer and operating general office equipment.
• Comfortable with many forms of computer technology and a broad knowledge of popular reading.
• Ability to use standard library methods and principles in circulation and reference services.
• Ability to follow established procedures and to perform detail-oriented work.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public and library personnel.

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective. It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.

Buncombe County Government offers a first in class benefits package which promotes employee health and well-being.