Library Assistant -Barbour Branch

The Library Assistant performs customer service assistance in person, by phone, and via email, and provides
instruction on the use of library facilities, equipment, and technology. Duties include using electronic library
systems to perform clerical services, including circulation of library materials, updating records, and
communication with patrons and library staff; collection development and maintenance; and assisting with
other library projects and programming. This position requires significant public contact, excellent customer
service skills, patience, empathy, and an ability to keep abreast of library events, services, and procedures.
Standard work hours are 1 pm – 6 pm Monday – Thursday, and 12 noon – 5 pm Friday. Hours will include
occasional evenings and rotating weekends based on branch needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Greeting and Customer Service

• Greets and welcomes customers in person and on the phone and answers customer inquiries via email.
• Addresses inquiries and connect customers to the correct service or staff person.
• Responds to questions and complaints related to library use and/or refers customers to supervisor for

reference resources, etc., to answer routine, quick reference, and straightforward customer inquiries,
including but not limited to:

• Provides basic readers’ advisory (ex. specific book titles, authors/titles in a specific genre, popular teen

• Provides general/ready reference (ex. telephone numbers, addresses/maps, definitions, general

Technical Assistance

• Uses electronic library systems to perform clerical services, including circulation of library materials,

• Assists customers using the online catalog, Internet, library databases, website, and other electronic

• Assists customers in using printers, fax/scan machines, and other commonly accessible technology

Processing of Customer Accounts and Circulation of Materials

• Assists customers in borrowing, renewing, and returning books and other materials.

• Process and route deliveries of interlibrary loan materials.

Shelving and Collection Maintenance

• Performs stacks and materials maintenance and sorts and shelves books and other materials.
• Prepares new library materials, helps maintain material displays, and assists with other library projects.

quality services, ensuring their satisfaction, and connecting them to the collection and library services
and programming.

• Models exceptional customer service to team members.
• Help train new staff on public service operations.
• Assists with updating procedures manuals and instructions.
• Assists with ongoing or temporary projects (ILS records maintenance, stacks signage, security guard

Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• One year of customer service experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to continuously bend, twist, stoop, reach, and pull.
• Ability to maintain composure in everyday, potentially stressful situations.
• Able to travel to all facilities within the city, during all weather conditions.
• Ability to meet a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Able to walk, sit, and stand for extended periods.

What we offer employees:

Hartford Public Library offers part-time benefits you won’t find at other nonprofit organizations
through a unique partnership with the City of Hartford. This includes:

• Paid vacation time - prorated based on part-time status. Example: Average 25-hour work week will

• Paid sick time – prorated based on part-time status. Example: Average 25-hour work week will accrue

• Mental health support through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)- first 3 sessions at no cost to the

• Paid professional development, continuing education and staff engagement opportunities.
• Commitment to, and active plan of, diversity, equity, and inclusion work including implementation of a

staff-led DEI Road Map.

What we offer the community:

The Hartford Public Library is a national leader in redefining urban public libraries in the 21st century as
innovative, stimulating and engaging spaces where people can learn and discover, explore their passions and
find a rich array of resources that contribute to a full life.

We are an integral part of the Hartford community and offer programs for all our citizens. With 7 locations and
robust outreach services, we are here for Hartford. Our programs include:

• The American Place, which offers a variety of free services to welcome immigrants and refugees

• Digital Library Lab
• Hartford History Center
• HPL Studios
• YOUmedia teen spaces
• Baby Grand Jazz, a free series of Jazz performances open to everyone
• Summer Learning
• Leap into Learning - Early Literacy
• Adult education classes and support
• Career Certification, GED
• Technology training and digital literacy
• Library of Things
• Robust print, electronic, audio and video collections

To Apply: Please email resume and cover letter to hpljobs@hplct.org and reference Library Assistant - Barbour
Branch in the subject line of your email.

Appointment Rate: $19.91/Hourly with incremental increases (see below).

Base Rate Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4

(6 months) (1 year) (1 ½ years) (2 years)

$19.91 $20.90 $21.88 $22.88 $23.87

Hartford Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.