Senior Library Assistant (Branch)

Boston Public Library; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established community resource is seeking a dedicated library assistant to enhance patron experiences and maintain library operations. In this role, you will greet and assist visitors, manage book circulation, and ensure the library environment is welcoming and efficient. Your ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with staff will be essential in supporting the library's mission. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the community while developing your skills in a supportive environment. If you have a passion for service and a desire to support educational resources, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff and patrons.

Responsibilities

• Greets and directs library patrons in person and over the phone.
• Charges and discharges books and maintains collections.
• Operates and assists patrons with library equipment.

Skills

Good oral skills

Tact in dealing with people

Competency in personal computers

Attention to detail

Education

High school graduate or GED

Tools

Windows software

Library technological equipment

Job description

Overview

Brief job description (essentialfunctions of the job):

Includes library assistants working in the branch libraries whose duties involve the following: greeting and directing patrons, registration of borrowers, charging and discharging of books and other materials, maintaining the book and other materials collections, maintaining/troubleshooting equipment, typing/word processing, and filing.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Branch Librarian or ranking staff member, and in accordance with standard policies and practices, performs any or all of the following:

• Greets and directs library patrons in person and over the phone, providing simple direction and information.
• Gives out and interprets BPL policies and procedures in a professional and courteous manner.
• Identifies and refers problems to their supervisor.
• Charges and discharges books and other materials, as well as receives and records fines.
• Interviews applicants for library cards and verifies identification.
• Prepares periodicals for circulation and maintains the periodical collection.
• Books museum passes.
• Receives and routes requests, including basic interlibrary loan requests, maintains reserve shelf, handles send item list.
• Receives, sorts, shelves, verifies, delivers, mends, and bar-codes books, and traces records and searches shelves for books not properly accounted for.
• Assists in maintaining bulletin boards and exhibition cases.
• Typing/word processing simple forms and records.
• Compiles basic statistical records.
• Operates and provides basic equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, e.g., turning on and off, cleaning, filling with paper, and replacing toner cartridges.
• Uses and assists patrons in the basic use of a variety of library owned technological equipment, e.g. photocopier, public computer signup systems, audiovisual equipment.
• Sorts and routes U.S. Mail.
• Attends training when directed.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

• Education - High school graduate or GED.
• Experience - None required.
• Tact in dealing with people; good oral skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff; demeanor appropriate to the workplace.
• Competency in the use of personal computers and Windows software sufficient to meet the tasks of the position.
• Good attendance, dependability, and punctuality record.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
• CORI - Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: AFSCME/LA-3

Hours per week: 35