Part Time Circulation Library Assistant Upper Saddle River Library

Bergen County Cooperative Library System; Upper Saddle River (NJ); On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The Upper Saddle River Library is seeking a part-time Circulation Library Assistant. The Circulation Library Assistants perform day-to-day duties and support librarians across departments.

Responsibilities include open/close procedures, desk assistance, cataloging holds, and aiding with technology and digital resources. The role emphasizes customer service and teamwork within the library system, reporting to the Head of Circulation.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with library offerings and circulation duties.
• Ability to use library technologies and digital resources.
• Strong communication skills—written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Open procedures and close operations.
• Assist patrons at the circulation desk and by phone with checkouts, holds, and account updates.
• Assist with library technology and digital services (ILS, website, public computers, printing).
• Provide reference assistance and direct complex inquiries to librarians.
• Handle book drops, shelving, and holds fulfillment.
• Support Children’s, Young Adult & Community Outreach, and Adult Services librarians as needed.
• Report to Head of Circulation and Library Director.

Skills

Knowledge of library offerings

Knowledge of circulation duties

Knowledge of relevant technologies

Warm and welcoming attitude to patrons

Tactful and courteous with the public

Written and oral communication

Follow oral and written instructions

Teamwork and collaboration

Independent work and task management

Time management

Emotional intelligence

Mature judgment and initiative

NJ First Residency compliance

Tools

BCCLS ILS

Job description

The Upper Saddle River Library is seeking a part time Circulation Library Assistant.

Circulation Library Assistants perform day to day circulation duties for the Library. Circulation Library Assistants aid the Young Adult & Community Outreach Librarian, Children's Librarian, and Adult Services Librarian with their areas. Circulation Library Assistants may assist with special projects. Circulation Library Assistants report directly to the Head of Circulation.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct opening procedures
• Assist patrons at the circulation desk and on the phone, including checking materials in and out, retrieving reserved items for patrons, placing holds, renewing items, and creating/renewing library accounts.
• Assist patrons with library technology and digital services such as the BCCLS ILS, Library website, public computers, printer/scanner/copier, and digital resources.
• Provide help with small reference inquiries and direct patrons to the correct Librarian for more complex reference assistance.
• Conduct additional circulation duties, including emptying the book drop, shelving returned materials, retrieving items to fulfill hold requests, and other tasks as needed
• Conduct closing procedures
• Assist the Children's Librarian, Young Adult & Community Outreach Librarian, and Adult Services Librarian as required.
• Execute other tasks assigned by the Head of Circulation and the Library Director as required.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Knowledge of library offerings
• Knowledge of circulation duties
• Knowledge of relevant technologies
• Ability to cultivate a warm and welcoming attitude to patrons
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public
• Ability to effectively communicate ideas and information both in written and oral form
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to work harmoniously with co-workers and as part of a team
• Ability to work independently, manage numerous diverse tasks, and remain organized
• Time management skills to set priorities in order to meet assignment deadlines
• A high level of emotional intelligence
• Mature judgment and initiative
• Compliance with NJ First Residency requirements

Hours:

• Mondays 4pm - 8pm; Tuesdays 9am - 1pm; Wednesday 1pm - 5pm; Fridays 1pm - 5pm (16 hours total)
• 1 Saturday (10am - 2pm) and 1 Sunday (1pm - 5pm) a month. Sundays at premium.
• Additional coverage as needed

Compensation: $18.00 / hour