PT Library Associate Circulation

Tuscaloosa Public Library; Tuscaloosa (AL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Tuscaloosa Public Library is seeking a Library Associate for the Circulation department. The role supports patron service, handles checkouts, card registrations, and data entry, while contributing to shelving, repairs, and daily operations.

Working evenings and weekends is required. The position emphasizes accuracy, helpful customer service, and teamwork within a busy library environment. Benefits are not eligible, and the salary grade is 7.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or an Associate’s Degree with two years of relevant experience; or four years’ experience in a public library or related field.
• Combination of education and experience equivalent to these requirements accepted.
• Commitment to safety and customer service standards.

Responsibilities

• Greet and assist library patrons in a friendly, professional manner.
• Check materials in/out and process library card applications.
• Assist with computers and equipment, answer calls, and enter receipts for fines/payments.
• Inspect returned materials for damage and route per procedures; repair as directed.
• Sort, shelve, display, and maintain library collections.
• Demonstrate strong oral and written communication and customer service skills.
• Operate library equipment such as scanners, copiers, carts, and phones responsibly.
• Contribute to special projects as assigned.

Skills

Accuracy

Communication

Reliability

Teamwork

Safety

Education

Education/work exp combo

Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Title of the position: Library Associate

Department: Circulation

Status: Part-time Non-Exempt – 19 hours per week

Schedule: Day, evening, and weekend hours. Schedules may be adjusted in response to changing operational needs. Evenings and weekends required.

Benefits: Not Eligible

Salary Grade: 7

Reports to: Circulation Manager

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Position Summary

The Library Associate provides service to library patrons by assisting them with routine material requests, checking materials in and out, processing library card applications, sorting/shelving and locating materials, answering the phone, assisting with routine questions, entering data, providing computer assistance, inspecting returned materials for damage, repairing materials as directed, and processing damaged materials appropriately.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements are typical of an office environment and include sitting, standing, bending, walking, reaching, pushing/pulling carts weighing over 100 lbs., lifting items weighing up to 50 lbs., and looking at a computer screen for long periods.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree or an Associate’s Degree combined with two years of relevant experience; or four years’ experience in a public library or a related field; or a combination of education and experience equivalent to these requirements.

Competencies

• Accurate/Efficient work performance: The individual performs job functions in an accurate and efficient manner; produces an appropriate quantity of work; follows detailed procedures and ensures accuracy in data and documentation; has a strong attention to detail (without getting bogged down); makes sound judgments and timely decisions; is able to manage multiple projects; demonstrates strong ability to plan work and carry out tasks with minimal instructions; demonstrates ability to determine project urgency in a practical way; gathers information and bases decisions on fact rather than emotion; communicates openly and appropriately with immediate supervisor and chain-of-command.
• Good communication skills: The individual writes and speaks clearly and effectively; demonstrates openness and honesty; listens well during meetings and feedback sessions; states own opinions clearly and concisely; is willing to listen to the opinions and feedback of others; asks questions to ensure understanding; uses consideration and tact when offering opinions; informs supervisor/chain-of-command of problems in a timely manner.
• Reliability and Dependability: The individual can be counted on to complete work in a timely and consistent manner; keeps commitments; is regularly present and punctual; arrives prepared for work; is committed to doing the best job possible; follows policies and procedures.
• Cooperation and Teamwork: The individual treats all people with kindness and respect; values diverse perspectives; works harmoniously with others; responds positively to instructions; works well with management, coworkers, and patrons of the Library; is open minded and is willing to change his/her opinions on the basis of new information; refrains from activity that disrupts the workplace, affects productivity, disparages others, or harms the reputation of others or the Library.
• Committed to Safety: The individual takes personal responsibility for safety; understands, encourages, and carries out safety measures at all times; uses equipment and materials properly; maintains a neat and orderly work environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of every employee of the Tuscaloosa Public Library (TPL) to perform duties that are necessary to ensure that the Library operates in a professional, efficient, and effective manner at all times. The list below is an outline of the primary duties to be performed in this position; however, the list is not all-inclusive and should not be perceived as such. Employees are expected to perform all duties as assigned by their supervisor or chain-of- command (or his/her designee).

Primary Duties

• Greets and assists library patrons and visitors in a friendly and appropriate manner
• Provides library service to patrons by checking materials in and/or out, processing library card applications and material requests, assisting with computers and equipment, answering telephone calls, assisting with routine questions, and entering and producing receipts for monies in payment of fines or other library services
• Inspects returned material for damage and routing instructions; processes according to standard library procedures; repairs materials as needed
• Creates and maintains displays
• Maintains library collection by sorting, shelving, shelf reading, shifting, and weeding materials
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrates strong customer service skills in interactions with patrons and coworkers by being attentive and task oriented
• Communicates professionally, courteously, and effectively
• Operates library equipment such as computers, copiers, bar code scanner, book carts, postage processing equipment, vehicles, and telephone in an appropriate, respectful, and efficient manner
• Works on special projects as assigned

I have reviewed the above job description and have been given an opportunity to ask questions as needed.