Main Branch - Library Assistant I - Main Branch - Part Time

Clear Destination Inc.; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Clear Destination Inc. seeks a customer-focused library assistant to support circulation, registration, and patron guidance at the Abilene branch. You will help patrons with self-check systems, answer questions, and assist with catalog navigation and digital resources.

The role emphasizes friendly service, accuracy in records, and teamwork with staff to maintain a smooth flow of items and user support.

Qualifications

• For positions requiring public contact, experience in customer service is preferred.
• Familiarity with basic library procedures and computers is expected.
• Knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System is advantageous.
• Ability to operate library databases and search tools.

Responsibilities

• Operate circulation desk functions including check-in/check-out of materials.
• Register patrons for library cards and assist with self-check system.
• Answer questions and assist with catalog, digital resources, and holds.
• Process returns, holds, and missing materials; assist with interlibrary loan.
• Assist with inventory, displays, and user guidance at the desk.

Skills

Customer service

Public service

Computer literacy

Adaptability

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree preferred

Tools

MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Google Suite

Library circulation system

Online catalog searching

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under the supervision of the Customer Service Manager or Branch Manager, assists customers with registering for library cards and using the self-check system. Answers questions about library accounts and solves problems for library customers. Provides prompt and friendly customer service to patrons and assists them with a variety of tasks relating to their use of library materials. Works with the circulation team to handle the flow of items.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position exercises no supervision.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Provides customer service at the circulation desk, including checking library materials in and out, registering patrons, collecting overdue fines, and assisting with directional and ready reference inquiries.

Enters and updates patron and material information within the library database, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.

Shelves and shelf-reads materials to maintain proper organization and accessibility; creates displays to support an orderly and visually appealing collection.

Conducts regular inventory of the paperback collection and maintains organization of the newspaper rack to ensure both areas remain neat and current.

Provides Readers’ Advisory services to patrons and staff by recommending materials based on interests and needs.

Assists patrons in navigating and utilizing the library’s online catalog and digital resources.

Provides hands‑on assistance with public computers, printing, and photocopying equipment.

Maintains and cleans audiovisual collections to ensure materials remain in good condition.

Processes holds, claims returned items, and missing materials on a routine basis, resolving discrepancies as needed.

Assists with interlibrary loan processing and related tasks.

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Library policies, procedures, systems, and services including the Dewey Decimal System.

Bibliographic database and related search procedures.

Working knowledge of library collections (circulation and reference).

MS-Office Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as Google Suite.

Internet search capability and techniques.

Skill to:

Accurately operate a computer and other library equipment.

Present and apply a dedicated commitment to public service.

Adapt to changing circumstances and situations.

Perform with a positive attitude using unwavering work ethic.

Ability to:

Use tact and always remain courteous.

Use independent judgment and initiative within the framework of departmental policies and established procedures.

Learn to use the computerized circulation system.

Work with library customers and staff in a friendly and efficient manner

Acquire and perform routine library functions and procedures quickly and accurately.

Learn and apply money collection procedures.

Communicate clearly and concisely in writing and policy to library customers.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.

Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Experience:

One (1) year of public contact and/or customer service experience as well as a familiarity with basic library procedures and demonstrated knowledge of computers is required.

Previous clerical or library clerical experience in a public library preferred.

Education/Training:

A high school diploma or GED is required.

An associate’s degree is preferred.

License or Certificate:

A valid Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days, or a military waiver is preferred.

Special Requirements:

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

Ability to push or transport a loaded cart weighing up to 150 pounds.

Ability to travel to different work sites.

Must be able to work evenings and weekends and maintain regular reliable attendance.

With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:

___ Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds

___ Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds

___ Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds

___ Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds

___ Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes: The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:

Codes for how often:

N = No

E = Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)

M = Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)

I = Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)

A = Almost Never (<10% of the time)

Code / Task

_E_ Standing

_M_ Sitting

_M_ Walking

_M_ Lifting

_M_ Carrying

_M_ Pushing/Pulling

_I__ Overhead Work

_M_ Fine Dexterity

_M_ Kneeling

_M_ Crouching

_I_ Crawling

_M_ Bending

_M_ Twisting

_I_ Climbing

_I_ Balancing

_E_ Vision

_E_ Hearing

_M_ Talking

___ Other: _____________________