Part-time Library User Services Associate

The Claremont Colleges Services; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 31,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement contributions

Tuition remission

Fitness facilities

Holidays

Vacation days

Sick days

Winter Closure

Medical/Dental/Vision

Job summary

The Claremont Colleges Services invites applications for a Part Time User Services Associate in the campus library. The role supports circulation, reserves, technology lending, and a reader-centered service approach at service points, often working independently during shifts to ensure security and staff guidance for student workers.

The position requires at least one year of higher education coursework and one year of customer service experience, with reliable English communication, teamwork,

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of higher education coursework or equivalent combination of education and work experience in a customer service-oriented environment.
• One year of customer service experience.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. (we cannot sponsor).

Responsibilities

• Provide outstanding user-centered customer service at the library service points, in person and virtually.
• Assist with circulation, course readings reserves, billing, and tech lending workflows.
• Train and guide User Services student assistants and support staff.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Teamwork

Adaptability

Organizational skills

Education

Higher education coursework

Tools

Microsoft Office/Google Drive

Library catalogs

Library systems

Excel

Job description

About the Position

The Part Time User Services Associate works closely with other members of the User Services unit on core functions, which include providing outstanding user-centred customer service (in person and virtually), circulation duties, and contributing to the course readings program. While much of this work is done collaboratively, each User Services Associate will manage one or more of the core functions of the unit. This position plays an important role in staffing the library’s service points. As the only staff member in the building during some shifts, this position requires sound judgment in responding to user needs, addressing security and building issues, and in providing oversight and guidance to User Services student assistants.

Priority Deadline

The deadline for first consideration is October 23, 2026. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration; the position will remain open until filled.

Union

This position is represented by The Claremont Colleges Services Library Staff Federation AFT Local 6735. The employee in this position will be bound by the collective bargaining agreement.

Compensation

Pay: The pay range for this position is $22.25-$23.00 per hour.

Benefits

• 10% retirement contributions after one year (no matching required)
• Tuition Remission and Professional Development funds
• Access to fitness facilities
• Generous time off including 11 paid holidays, up to 22 vacation days and 12 sick days per year, and a paid Winter Closure.
• Medical, Dental, Vision

Work Schedule

The regular hours for this part-time position are 20 hours per week. Regular hours for this position during the academic semester are: Friday, 2:45-10:15pm; Saturday 5:15-10:15pm, Sunday 4:45pm-1:15am. Regular hours for this position during the Summer and school breaks: Thursday-Friday, 11:45am-6:15pm; Saturday, 9:45am-6:15pm. Some flexibility required to cover service points. The User Services Associate will be required to work one overnight shift of 1am-8am during finals week each semester when the Library is open 24/7. Hours may vary due to the needs of the unit or organization.

Essential Functions

User Services

Participate in the core functions of User Services, which include circulation, course readings (reserves), billing, lost/missing cycle, tech lending, and more. Adapt quickly to new and changing circumstances. Provide excellent customer service with a user-centered focus at the Library’s service points both in person and virtually. This may include night and weekend hours and opening/closing the building, depending on the shift. Maintain knowledge of library services and policies, and communicate them effectively to library users and other library staff. Share and provide feedback to improve our services, policies, and workflows. Provide basic reference support, helping users to find and use the Library’s resources. Learn the technology used by the Library, including library systems and apps., as well as printers, scanners, projectors, and tech lending equipment, and assist users with troubleshooting.

Stacks and Special Projects

Contribute to regular stacks maintenance workflows and special projects. This includes processing returns, sorting, reshelving, shelf-reading, shifting, and inventory. Provide training and guidance to User Services student assistants and communicate any issues to the User Services Student Supervisor in a timely manner. Serve on Library, TCCS, and TCC committees and interest groups, as assigned. Complete other tasks as assigned within User Services and in support of the Library’s strategic initiatives. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education / Training

Minimum one (1) year of higher education coursework or equivalent combination of education and work experience in a customer service-oriented environment.

Experience

One (1) year of customer service experience.

Other

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Ability to build collaborative, effective working relationships. Demonstrated experience in Microsoft Office/Google Drive (preferably including Excel), library catalogs, and other relevant software and technologies. Ability to learn new services, policies, workflows, and technologies quickly, and transfer that knowledge to others. Flexibility in adapting to change and applying new information quickly. Outstanding organizational skills. Sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work independently to set and meet priorities. Detail oriented and demonstrated capacity for carrying out tasks in an accurate manner, and ability to check your own work for accuracy. Strong commitment to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusivity and fostering a welcoming environment for both colleagues and the public. Ability to interact sensitively and diplomatically with individuals from diverse backgrounds in a high traffic, public context. Ability to follow directions from supervisors and provide clear directions to staff and student assistants. Ability to work harmoniously and as a team player, thrive in a team-based environment, and employ skill in fostering teamwork among others.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a public service unit of an academic or public library.

Physical Requirements

This position primarily performs work in an office environment and requires the ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer. The role involves frequent use of a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other standard office equipment, as well as repetitive hand and wrist movements. The position requires the ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, video conference, and electronic communication; read and interpret printed and electronic documents; and exchange accurate information with employees, supervisors, and external partners. Occasional standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling materials weighing up to 15 pounds may be required, such as files, office supplies, or computer equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

ADA & OSHA

This job description defines the essential job duties of this position which the incumbent must be able to perform to fulfill the purpose and requirements of this position. The qualifications stated are required to perform the essential functions of this position, or the individual must demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed (with or without reasonable accommodation) using other qualifications not listed in this job description. The Claremont Colleges Services expects that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others. It may also include marginal functions, generally defined within Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to us via email at [e-mail] or via phone at (909) 607- 9603.

Equal Opportunity Employer

TCCS is an equal opportunity employer. TCCS managers make employment decisions on the basis of merit, with the aim of having the best available person in every job. TCCS prohibits discrimination based on all characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law or ordinance or regulation. TCCS also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of these characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of these characteristics. All such discrimination is unlawful.

About TCCS

The Claremont Colleges Services (TCCS) is the central coordinating and support organization for a highly regarded cluster of seven independent colleges known as The Claremont Colleges. TCCS, with about 300 staff members, provides exceptional shared services to 9,000 students, and almost 3,600 faculty and staff. TCCS staff work in both student-facing services as well as administrative and operational services. Our numerous departments are located throughout The Claremont Colleges campus in the beautiful city of Claremont, California. Like the institutions we serve, we recognize that we excel when we collaborate. We seek diverse staff members who are skilled and passionate about the work they do. TCCS is committed to providing an environment that values the many differences in identities, experiences, abilities, and thoughts that exist among the members of our community.

Resources

https://tcc100.claremont.edu/