Part-Time Circulation Assistant – Berkeley Heights Public Library

Morris Automated Information Network (MAIN); Berkeley Heights (NJ); On-site; USD 19,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

Berkeley Heights Public Library in Berkeley Heights, NJ is seeking energetic, customer-service oriented individuals to join our staff at the circulation desk.

This part-time role involves assisting patrons, processing check-ins/outs, holds, transfers, and basic computer troubleshooting, with a schedule of 16–20 hours per week including nights and weekends.

Pay is $20.43 per hour; applications accepted until filled with preference for those who can cover evening/weekend shifts.

Qualifications

• Strong computer literacy with Google Suite, MS Office, Canva, Koha ILS.
• Ability to multitask and solve problems with a proactive approach.
• Flexible schedule including nights and weekends.
• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Able to lift up to 40 pounds and shelve materials.

Responsibilities

• Assist patrons with inquiries and locating materials.
• Handle circulation tasks: check-in, check-out, renewals, holds, and card issuance.
• Prepare materials for holds and transfers to other libraries.
• Manage holds, interlibrary loan, and account issues (fines, fees).
• Provide basic troubleshooting for library computers, copiers, and scanners.
• Shelve, shelf-read, and maintain an orderly collection.
• Participate in opening/closing procedures.
• Assist with program prep and setup as needed.
• Promote library services and programs.
• Answer phones professionally and perform reception duties.
• Enforce library rules and foster welcoming environment.
• Collaborate with team and support coworkers.

Skills

Google Suite

MS Office

Koha ILS

Canva

Customer service

Education

College degree preferred

High school diploma or equivalent accepted with experience

Job description

Part-Time Circulation Assistant – Berkeley Heights Public Library

Berkeley Heights Public Library is seeking energetic and customer-service oriented individuals to join our staff at the circulation desk.

Job Responsibilities include:

• Assist patrons with inquiries, locating materials, and navigating the ILS catalog
• Perform circulation tasks, including item check-in, check-out, renewals, issuing cards, updating accounts, and collecting items from outdoor book drop.
• Prepare library materials for holds and transfers to other libraries.
• Manage patron holds, interlibrary loan materials, and resolve basic account issues (fines, fees).
• Provide basic troubleshooting for library computers, copiers, and scanners.
• Shelve, shelf-read, shift, and organize materials to maintain an orderly collection.
• Participate in opening/closing procedures.
• Assist with program prep and set up, as needed.
• Promote the library services and programs.
• Answers phone in a professional and courteous manner and performs general reception duties.
• Enforce Library rules of conduct and policies with patrons while maintaining a welcoming environment that is friendly, warm, and inclusive of all library patrons.
• Welcomes and accepts input, seeks out advice on how to handle situations, and supports team members by keeping them informed and offering help.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Strong computer literacy, including Google Suite, MS Office, Canva, Koha ILS system, and ability to learn new software systems.
• Must be able to exercise judgement in public service situations and be able to multitask as needed with a proactive and positive approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including regular nights and weekends.
• Punctuality, reliability, trustworthiness, and excellent attendance required.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Proven track record of working with a variety of age groups and diverse populations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public and staff members and foster a supportive and respectful workplace.
• Approaches challenging situations with a caring demeanor both with patrons and colleagues.
• Ability to push library carts up to 40 pounds, bend down close to ground to shelve, reaching up to the top shelves, including use of a stepstool, if necessary, and move library materials as needed.
• College degree preferred, High school diploma or equivalent accepted with previous experience in customer service.

Hours:

This position will work approximately 16-20 hours a week, with a scheduled rotation of weekend hours.

We are seeking 3 part-time circulation assistants to fill the following open shifts: Mondays 9-1 pm, 1-5 pm; Tuesdays 5- 9 pm, Wednesdays 1-5 pm, 5-9 pm, and Thursdays 9-1 pm, 1-5 pm, 5-9 pm.

If you can accommodate a schedule with more evening and weekend hours, please let us know. There is a possibility to fill in more hours as coverage is needed. Pay rate is $20.43 an hour.

Applications accepted until filled, preference for applications received by: September 1, 2026.

Main is the engine that powers over 60 Libraries in seven counties in New Jersey. We provide quality services, programs, learning platforms, cost-sharing, and the technology framework to keep our member libraries running 24/7.