Part-Time Library Assistant, Weekends (Academic year, 40 weeks)

St. John's University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

St. John’s University is seeking a Part-Time Library Assistant to provide front-line information and support at the 3rd Floor Service Desk.

This 40-week, part-time role serves students, faculty, staff, and administrators, with Saturday and Sunday shifts during the academic year. You will assist with circulation, interlibrary loan, holds, reserves, and research support, while upholding library policies and delivering a positive patron experience.

Qualifications

• Some library experience or similar customer service experience.
• HS Diploma or associates degree.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule as needed. Demonstrate reliable and predictable punctuality and attendance as required for the position.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate, timely, student-centered information and service from the 3rd Floor Service Desk in person, online or by telephone, supporting circulation, interlibrary loan, hold shelf, reserves, research, media, and related library services.
• Apply library policies, procedures, and workflows consistently to ensure accurate transactions, operational efficiency, and a positive experience for students and other library patrons.
• Identify and resolve patron questions and service issues in a timely manner, provide quality information and directions, and connect students to appropriate library resources and support.
• Support the effective operation of the circulation department by following established opening and closing procedures and maintaining an organized, welcoming, and productive service environment. Monitor study areas by taking hourly headcounts throughout the day.
• Supervise student workers as needed. This includes training, assigning, and prioritizing tasks, and reinforcing library policies and procedures.
• Maintain ongoing communication with department supervisor regarding operational issues, service challenges, and any other issues or concerns.
• Participate in library projects and initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, service quality, and the student experience.
• Adapt to changing workflow priorities and staffing needs while maintaining consistent high-quality service.
• Perform other duties as needed to support effective library operations and student success.

Skills

Student Centered Service

Library Systems Proficiency

Technology Skills

Operational Efficiency

Problem Solving

Communication

Teamwork and Independence

Adaptability

Continuous Learning

Education

HS Diploma or Associates

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

St. John’s, established in 1870, has two New York City campuses; international locations in Rome, Italy; Limerick, Ireland; and Paris, France; and study abroad locations around the world. The Princeton Review and other top rankings consistently recognize the University’s outstanding academics, diverse student body, dynamic internship, and volunteer opportunities, focus on student life, and diverse study abroad offerings. St. John’s University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in its six colleges and schools, with a growing number of programs offered online. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and 12 other major academic and professional associations.

A dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is at the heart of our mission. As a Catholic and Vincentian university, St. John’s is committed to institutionalizing practices of inclusive excellence to ensure that we welcome and celebrate the intrinsic worth of all members of our community. We will become an even stronger university as we enhance equity at every level of our institution. Our graduates will excel in the competencies and values needed for leadership and service in a rapidly evolving world.

Job Summary

The Part-Time Library Assistant provides front-line customer service to our students, faculty, staff, and administrators. This position is a 40-week part-time position, based on the academic Fall/Spring calendar.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide accurate, timely, student-centered information and service from the 3rd Floor Service Desk in person, online or by telephone, supporting circulation, interlibrary loan, hold shelf, reserves, research, media, and related library services.
• Apply library policies, procedures, and workflows consistently to ensure accurate transactions, operational efficiency, and a positive experience for students and other library patrons.
• Identify and resolve patron questions and service issues in a timely manner, provide quality information and directions, and connect students to appropriate library resources and support.
• Support the effective operation of the circulation department by following established opening and closing procedures and maintaining an organized, welcoming, and productive service environment. Monitor study areas by taking hourly headcounts throughout the day.
• Supervise student workers as needed. This includes training, assigning, and prioritizing tasks, and reinforcing library policies and procedures.
• Maintain ongoing communication with department supervisor regarding operational issues, service challenges, and any other issues or concerns.
• Participate in library projects and initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, service quality, and the student experience.
• Adapt to changing workflow priorities and staffing needs while maintaining consistent high-quality service.
• Perform other duties as needed to support effective library operations and student success.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibility

N/A

Competencies, Education, Experience

• Student Centered Service: Demonstrated commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive library experience that helps our library patrons obtain the resources and assistance they need to succeed.
• Library Systems Proficiency: Develop proficiency in all ILS/WMS functions, i.e., check in/checkout items, searching catalog for resources, locate course reserve materials etc. This includes the ability to locate library materials needed, diagnose and resolve patron issues in an efficient and timely manner in line with library policies. Attention to detail.
• Technology Skills: Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications including Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel. Learn to use standard equipment – scanners, microfilm readers, etc.
• Operational Efficiency: Ability to manage multiple priorities, follow established workflows, identify inefficiencies, and complete tasks accurately and in a timely manner.
• Problem Solving: Ability to assess patron and operational issues, determine appropriate solutions, and resolve problems efficiently in accordance with library policies.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with library users.
• Teamwork and Independence: Ability to work effectively as part of a team while also using sound judgement and initiative while working independently.
• Adaptability: Ability to respond positively to changing priorities, workflows, staffing needs, and service demands.
• Continuous Learning: Willingness to learn skills and procedures pertaining to circulation, Course Reserves through formal and on-the-job training.

Required Education And Experience

• Some library experience or similar customer service experience.
• HS Diploma or associates degree.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule as needed. Demonstrate reliable and predictable punctuality and attendance as required for the position.

Preferred Education And Experience

• Library public service experience.
• Bachelor’s degree.

Work Environment

• This position operates in an academic library setting, including the staffing of the Circulation Service Desk.
• Ability to operate office equipment. This position is required to use standard office equipment such as computers, printers, scanners, etc., and occasional use of microfilm or microfiche readers.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to retrieve books from the library stacks and move a book truck holding items. Must be able to move frequently and lift materials for processing. While performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally required to stand; move about; sit; carry work and use controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs, use the elevators; communicate. The employee must occasionally move up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by the employee include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Environmental Conditions

May be exposed to dust and mold typically found in libraries.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Part- Time work schedule: Saturdays, 10am -6pm, Sundays 12pm-8pm, during the Academic year
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule as needed.
• This is a fully on-campus position.

Travel

N/A

• Important Note- St. John’s is NOT an E-Verify Employer

St. John’s offers a competitive compensation program which is commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and contingent upon the departmental budget. St. John’s University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

We also offer an extremely comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Along with exceptional benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability insurance, tuition remission, generous 403(b) employer contribution, employee assistance program, and liberal paid time off policies, faculty and staff can also enjoy St. John’s performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation and sporting events

Any offer of employment is subject to receipt by St. John’s University of satisfactory references, verification of employment and education.

St. John’s University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.