Youth Collection Library Assistant

Uniquelyurbandale; Urbandale (IA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Time off accrual

Employee benefits

Job summary

The Urbandale Public Library is seeking a detail-oriented Youth Collection Library Assistant to join its Technical Services Department. This role blends behind-the-scenes collection management with direct public service to ensure children’s and teen materials are accessible and well-maintained for the community.

Under the Library Manager, duties include acquiring, processing, organizing, and maintaining records, tracking purchases, and assisting the public at the service desk.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least one year of customer service or administrative experience; library experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate library orders and expenditures with vendors.
• Process, organize, and maintain library materials and inventory.
• Assist patrons at the public service desk with questions and resources.
• Support children’s and teen programming and events.

Skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Tech proficiency

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Library catalog systems

Job description

Employment Type: Permanent Part-Time, 32 hours per week
Pay Rate: $22.57 per hour
Department: Technical Services

Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend availability required to support programming and special events

Summary Description

Employment Type: Permanent Part-Time, 32 hours per week
Pay Rate: $22.57 per hour
Department: Technical Services

Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend availability required to support programming and special events

Position Summary

The Urbandale Public Library is seeking a detail-oriented, customer-focused individual to join its Technical Services Department as a Youth Collection Library Assistant. This position combines behind-the-scenes collection management with direct public service, helping ensure children’s and teen materials are accessible, well-maintained, and responsive to the needs and interests of the community.

Under the general direction of the Library Manager, the Library Assistant performs a variety of technical and public service duties, including acquiring, processing, organizing, and maintaining library materials; tracking purchases and collection expenditures; maintaining accurate inventory and item records; and assisting patrons at the public service desk. The position also supports children’s programming and special events.

The ideal candidate is organized, adaptable, comfortable using technology, and committed to providing welcoming and responsive service to individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

About the Urbandale Public Library

The Urbandale Public Library has been part of the City of Urbandale since 1961. Located on the City of Urbandale campus adjacent to Walker Johnston Park since 2000, the Library’s 56,000-square-foot facility offers an extensive collection of print and digital resources, along with computers, photocopiers, meeting rooms, and study spaces for individuals, families, community groups, and small businesses.

The Library provides programs and services that inform, educate, and entertain people of all ages and interests. In 2025, the Library welcomed approximately 208,000 visitors and hosted nearly 700 programs for children, teens, and adults, attracting more than 20,000 attendees.

As a member of the Library team, you will help connect people with information, resources, and experiences that enrich their lives and strengthen the community.

About the Technical Services Department

The Technical Services Department manages the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the Library’s collections organized, accessible, and ready for use. Its responsibilities include acquiring, cataloging, processing, and maintaining library materials.

The Youth Collection Library Assistant plays an important role in these efforts by helping develop and maintain the children’s and teen collections while also supporting public service operations and youth programming.

Benefits

This position is eligible for time off accrual and employee benefits.

For details, please review the following resources:

• City of Urbandale Employee Handbook .
• 2026 Non-Union Benefits Guide

Routine Job Duties/Responsibilities

Technical Services and Collection Support

• Coordinates with library vendors and tracks library orders, purchases, and expenditures.
• Prioritizes, inventories, and processes new materials, including books, audiovisual materials, STEAM kits, and other special items.
• Assists the department manager and specialist with collection management activities, including updating item records and maintaining accurate inventory.
• Supports collection maintenance by repairing materials, tracking statistics, generating reports, and performing related tasks.
• Sorts and manages donated materials and prepares items for library book sales.
• Monitors and maintains inventory of department supplies and materials as needed.
• Attends staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities.

Youth Collection Responsibilities

• Assists with selecting materials for the children’s and teen collections and tracks monthly spending to support collection development within established budgets.
• Evaluates, maintains, and develops children’s and teen collections to reflect the changing needs and interests of the community.
• Provides customer service at the children’s public services desk, assisting patrons with questions, library resources, and services.
• Collaborates with children’s programming staff to support programs, special events, and other activities for young patrons.

General Public Service Responsibilities

• Checks out and receives library materials and collects applicable fines and fees.
• Provides proactive, responsive, and welcoming customer service to patrons of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
• Assists patrons with questions about library materials, resources, and services.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least one (1) year of customer service or administrative experience; library experience preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Handles confidential information with discretion and sensitivity.
• Demonstrates initiative, organization, and the ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently.
• Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing, and demonstrates strong interpersonal and listening skills.
• Exercises tact, diplomacy, and professionalism when interacting with the public, coworkers, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrates proficiency in using computers and the ability to troubleshoot common technical issues.
• Works effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Maintains focus and productivity in a varied work environment.
• Exercises sound judgment and makes appropriate decisions within established policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records and inventory.
• Demonstrates reliability and the ability to perform essential job duties at the designated work location and during scheduled work hours.

Additional Requirements

Employment is contingent upon successfully completing post-offer/pre-employment reference checks, drug screening, and a background check.

The City of Urbandale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Department at [e-mail] or [phone] prior to the application deadline.

Additional Postings available from City of Urbandale