PERIODICALS AND GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS ASSISTANT

City of Worcester; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Worcester is seeking a qualified candidate for the Periodicals and Government Documents Assistant position at the Worcester Public Library. Under the Manager of Digital Resources and Serials, this role supports daily operations of the Periodicals department, assists patrons, explains library policies, and helps with library collections and projects.

The ideal candidate will have excellent customer service, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work evenings and weekends,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Data entry experience and/or community public service work.
• Ability to pass CORI/SORI.
• Ability to travel between locations.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent frontline customer service.
• Perform circulation functions and assist patrons with resources and equipment.
• Download data files, copy catalogs, and process periodicals and government documents.
• Maintain records, reports, and lists; support Interlibrary Loan and reference services.
• Work independently and as a team lead on projects.
• Handle cash and prepare cash reports as needed.
• Assist with shelving and maintenance of Government Documents collection.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

English language

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Docs

Job description

PERIODICALS AND GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS ASSISTANT

Title:

PERIODICALS AND GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS ASSISTANT

Department/Division:

Public Library

Apply Start Date:

09/25/2026

Type:

Full Time

Hours:

40 Per Week

Wage:

$22.26 - $26.81 Per Hour

Description:

PERIODICALS AND GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS ASSISTANT
WORCESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Periodicals and Government Documents Assistant for the Worcester Public Library. Under the direction of the Manager of Digital Resources and Serials, this position contributes towards the daily operations of the Periodicals department; assists patrons in the use of library services, facilities and equipment; interprets library policies to patrons; and assists with Library collections and projects. The ideal person in this position will possess excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills and have experience working with diverse populations in an urban community. Schedule will include evenings and weekend assignments, with the option of seasonal over-time Sunday assignments, and working at other locations.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Provide excellent frontline customer service
• Perform circulation functions, retrieve periodicals, and assist patrons with online and print resources, microform readers, and copy machines
• Download OCLC data files, copy catalogs and process the library's collection of periodicals and government documents in all formats
• Assist with maintenance, inventory, renewal and binding process of periodicals
• Maintain records, keep statistics and assist in preparation of various lists and reportsAssist with Periodicals’ support of Interlibrary Loan and email reference services
• Work independently and serve as team lead on assigned projects
• Assist in maintenance of equipment such as microform readers and copy machines
• Handle cash and prepare cash reports as needed
• Assist with shelving and maintenance of Government Document print collection, including the preparation of "Wants and Offers Lists", and delete weeded items from Evergreen ILS and WorldCat
• Review all shipping lists and file claims for items not received
• Participate in library-wide and departmental initiated projects
• Interpret library services and policies to patrons in a clear and courteous manner
• Contribute to creating an environment oriented to trust, open communication, creative thinking, and cohesive team effort
• Participate in staff development and training opportunities
• Perform other duties, as assigned, consistent with the functions of the work unit and level of responsibilities

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to provide information and guidance clearly, courteously and pleasantly to patrons
• Strong commitment to consistent excellent customer service to a diverse population in an urban environment
• Excellent organizational skills, and the ability to plan and prioritize work effectively to ensure completion of work
• Ability to learn and use library technologies, Microsoft Office, and Google Applications such as Google Docs
• Ability to work with and handle archival library materials
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, volunteers, vendors, and others using or working in the library
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• High level of professionalism and commitment to the organization
• Embrace opportunities to learn in a fast-paced changing environment
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, which may include community outreach
• Knowledge of the principles and correct usage of the English language including grammar, punctuation, and spelling
• Regular onsite attendance is required
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Data entry experience and/or community public service work, such as library, bookstore, or equivalent
• Ability to successfully pass CORI/SORI
• Ability to travel between locations

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• One (1) year of supervisory experience
• One (1) year of data entry experience and/or community public service work, such as library, bookstore, or equivalent. Specific courses that have hands-on experience may be substituted for work experience
• One (1) year customer service experience
• One (1) year experience working with a diverse, urban population

SALARY RANGE: $22.26 - $26.81 hourly, full-time, with an excellent benefits package.

Preference is given to Worcester residents.

The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.