Reference Assistant

Illinois; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision care

Paid vacation

Sick time & holidays

IMRF pension plan

Employee Assistance Program

Deferred compensation

Job summary

Peoria Public Library is seeking a Full-Time Reference Assistant to provide excellent public service at the Information Desk, assist with programming, and support collection maintenance across branches. The role involves helping patrons navigate resources, delivering reader's advisory services, and contributing to outreach efforts in the community.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree and library experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Previous library experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Staff the Information Desk and provide reference and readers advisory service to customers in person, online or by phone.
• Help customers use the library effectively.
• Provide instruction on using library materials, equipment and databases.
• Assist in collection maintenance (ordering, processing, weeding, shelving).
• Perform circulation duties (checkouts, fines, new cards) and service desk coverage.
• Develop and present programs (teen programs, Summer Reading, story hours).
• Assist with daily department duties (shelving, weeding, displays).
• Prepare content for newsletters or finding aids; prepare bibliographies.

Skills

Customer service

Reference desk

Readers advisory

Program development

Collection maintenance

Tech troubleshooting

Opening/closing procedures

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Library databases

Internet research

Circulation system

Job description

Provides excellent customer service by responding to patron reference and reader’s advisory requests; develops and assists with programming; assists with collection maintenance; performs other duties as assigned. Reports to Department or Branch Manager.

ESSENTIALFUNCTIONS

(Functions listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not excludethem from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Staffs the Information Desk; provides reference and readers advisory service to customers in person, online or over the phone, consistently providing high level customer service;
• Helps customers successfully use the library;
• Provides formal and informal instruction regarding the use of the library, materials, equipment and databases to customers and staff;
• Assists in collection maintenance under supervision from the department head by placing orders as requested, processing new materials, weeding, mending or shelving, etc.;
• Performs circulation duties, checks library materials in; issues library cards; collects fines, etc.; may empty book drops during regular library hours;
• Assists in developing and presenting programs such as teen programming, Summer Reading, story hours, tours and class visits;
• Assists with day-to-day department duties such as shelving, weeding, and mounting displays;
• Prepares content for library newsletters or brochures; develops bibliographies and finding aides as assigned;
• Performs outreach and represents the library in the community and at appropriate professional organizations; ensures that community groups are kept informed of library programs and services; may assist in developing outreach materials;
• May be assigned to maintain one of the library’s file systems or information such as the vertical files, question files, visitor files, program files, collection shelf list, local history scrapbooks, interlibrary loan information, etc.;
• May maintain one of the library’s collections such as genealogy materials, magazines, etc.;
• May assist with the maintenance of library materials and item record codes;
• Assists customers and staff with basic troubleshooting for library computers;
• Participates in opening and closing procedures, including starting up computers, completing pick lists and preparing deliveries at opening; powering down computers, checking bathrooms and setting alarms at closing;
• Prepares daily statistical reports;
• May be required to work in multiple locations and on any of the 7 days of the workweek (Sunday – Saturday);
• Attends meetings and participates in committees and organizations that further the library’s mission and goals; and
• Keeps abreast of library developments by attending workshops and educational programs and reading periodicals and specialized literature; attends staff meetings.

REQUIREDKNOWLEDGE,SKILLSANDABILITIES

Theemployeeisexpectedtoperformorpossessthefollowing:

• AbilitytogainthoroughknowledgeofPeoriaPublicLibrary’spoliciesandprocedures;
• AbilitytoactasarepresentativeofPeoriaPublicLibrarytothepublic;
• Generalknowledgeoftheprinciples,practices,andproceduresforpubliclibraryserviceandthe ability to interpret them to the staff and the public;
• Abilitytomaintainapleasantandproductiveworking atmosphere;
• Abilitytokeepallrelevant partiesinformedof allmajor issuesandtorecommendchangesas appropriate;
• Abilitytowork andcommunicateeffectivelywithdiverseindividuals(customersandstaff)inorderto accomplish library and department goals and objectives;
• Abilitytoeffectivelycommunicateandpresentinformationtoothers;
• Abilitytoestablishandmaintaineffectiveworkingrelationshipswithotherprofessionals;
• Abilitytooperaterelevantcomputersystems,includinghardwareandsoftware,andoffice machines; and

EDUCATIONANDEXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’sDegree;
• Previouslibraryexperiencepreferred.

PHYSICALANDENVIRONMENTALCONDITIONS

Workrequireslightphysicaleffortinthehandlingofmoderatelylightmaterialsinnon-strenuouswork positions up to 40 pounds.

Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typicalofsuchplacesasoffices,libraries,classroomsormeetingandtrainingrooms,e.g.,useofsafe work place practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls and observance of fire and building safety regulations and traffic signals when driving.

Theabovejobdescriptionisnotintendedas,norshouldit beconstruedas, exhaustiveof all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.

Reasonableaccommodationsmaybemadetoenablequalifiedindividualswithdisabilitiestoperform the essential functions of this job.

Peoria Public Library

107 NE Monroe St.
Peoria , IL 61602

Peoria Public Library is accepting applications for a Full-Time Reference Assistant, with programming experience across all age groups. The ideal candidate will enthusiastically develop and present programs that reflect the interests and needs of the diverse Lincoln Branch community, from children to adults. They will demonstrate a strong commitment to public service and create engaging learning opportunities that inspire lifelong learning and exploration.

The application deadline is 12 PM, Friday, November 6, 2026.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, sick time & holidays, IMRF pension plan, Employee Assistance Program and optional deferred compensation plan.