Part-Time Library Support Staff

Penn State University; United States; On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Penn State Brandywine Campus Library is seeking applicants for a Part-Time Library Support Staff to assist with daily library operations, student services, and programming. This role combines front-line customer service with routine shelving and event support in a collaborative campus environment.

Duties include desk service, circulation and catalog tasks, coordinating programs, creating displays, and supporting engagement initiatives.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1 year of customer service or related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• High degree of reliability and accountability.
• Excellent communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team and effectively and efficiently share knowledge with others.
• Outstanding attention to detail, accuracy and thoroughness.
• Confidence working with standard office technologies (e.g., Microsoft 365, spreadsheets, email systems).
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide customer service at the service desk.
• Shelve, organize, and maintain library collections.
• Process incoming/outgoing materials and patron holds.
• Assist with library programs and outreach activities.
• Create signage and promotional materials using Canva or MS Office.
• Supervise student employees and maintain program data.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Organization

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Microsoft 365

Spreadsheets

PowerPoint

Canva

Email systems

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Penn State Brandywine Campus Library is seeking applicants for Part-Time Library Support Staff to support daily library operations, student services, and programming. This role combines front-line customer service, collection maintenance, event support, and creative project work. Ideal candidates are organized, customer-focused team-players who are comfortable balancing routine tasks with event-based projects. Excellent opportunity for those seeking part-time employment in a collaborative, supportive, and low-stress campus environment.

Job duties to include:

Public Services

• Provide customer service at the service desk, including circulation of materials, equipment, and study rooms
• Respond to patron inquiries and provide directional and basic research assistance
• Assist with patron account transactions, including account verification and service explanation (e.g., holds, resource sharing)
• Perform opening and closing procedures and ensure service point readiness
• Monitor public spaces through regular walkthroughs

Circulation & Collections Support

• Shelve, organize, and maintain library collections in accordance with established procedures
• Process incoming/outgoing materials (including resource sharing systems / interlibrary loans)
• Process and monitor patron holds
• Update item records and assist with routine catalog and inventory maintenance
• Scan and digitize materials as assigned
• Support collection and asset inventory projects

Programming & Outreach Support

• Assist in the planning, coordination, and implementation of library programs and outreach events
• Prepare, set up, facilitate, and restock activity stations, displays, and program materials
• Track attendance, compile participation data, and maintain program documentation
• Provide direct support to library engagement initiatives and pop-up library events
• Prepare materials and assemble program kits and craft supplies, operating Cricut equipment when appropriate
• Maintain organization and inventory of activity supplies and work areas

Communications & Creative Support

• Develop and update physical and digital signage for services, programs, and displays
• Create promotional materials using Office 365 applications and design tools (e.g., Canva)
• Assist with social media content creation, including graphics, captions and accessibility compliance
• Design and install tabletop displays, small-scale book spotlights, and interactive elements
• Contribute to user engagement activities such as contests and feedback initiatives

Administrative & Operational Support

• Monitor and respond to departmental email communications
• Process incoming/outgoing mail and deliveries
• Collaborate with library staff and provide guidance to student employees as assigned
• Maintain tracking documents, spreadsheets, and program data
• Monitor supply levels and submit supply requests

Facilities & General Maintenance

• Maintain tidiness and organization of public and staff spaces
• Assist with setup, removal, and maintenance of displays and signage
• Ensure library spaces are orderly, functional, and compliant with safety standards

Requirements, qualifications, and/or competencies:

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• One (1) year of customer service or related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• High degree of reliability and accountability
• Excellent communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team and effectively and efficiently share knowledge with others
• Outstanding attention to detail, accuracy and thoroughness
• Confidence working with standard office technologies (e.g., Microsoft 365, spreadsheets, email systems)
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a library or academic, or service-oriented environment
• Familiarity with desktop design tools (e.g., MS Powerpoint, Canva) and social media platforms

Schedule

• The selected candidate will work 15-20 total hours per week; must be available to regularly open the library four to five days a week (9:00 AM during summer; 8:30AM during school year), and occasionally cover evening and weekend special events (based on operational needs).
• This is a fully on-site position at the Penn State Brandywine Campus Library.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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