Assistant Librarian

Haston Free Public Library is seeking a dedicated part-time Assistant Librarian to provide clerical services, circulation support, and excellent customer service to library patrons. Key responsibilities include staffing the circulation desk, assisting patrons with library materials, managing holds, shelving, processing collections, and handling basic reference questions. The Assistant Librarian will also support library events, maintain library facilities, and assist with technology troubleshooting.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Circulation support:

• Staff the circulation desk.

• Check in and out library materials.

• Knowledge and/or willing to learn how to use the Evergreen ILS for all circulation tasks.

• Assist patrons with placing holds and searching the OPAC.

• Process incoming and outgoing holds and notify patrons of available holds; print and process the pull list of holds, including pulling the holds.

• Monitor the condition of library materials for completeness and damage and/or rerouting to other libraries.

• Record daily patron usage

• Shelve library materials and perform shelf-reading of library materials, including maintenance of collection in alphabetical and/or numerical order of the Dewey Decimal system.

Patron services:

• Assist patrons of all ages.

• Answer the phone.

• Inform patrons of all library services and upcoming events.

• Respond to and research basic reference questions both in person and over the phone.

• Provide reader advisory services.

• Create new library cards and update existing patron accounts.

• Assist patrons in locating library materials and accessing library e-resources.

• Show patrons how to use in-house technology such as computers, printers and internet connections.

• Troubleshoot limited issues with computer, printer and all other in-house technologies.

• Collect and record copier/printing/fax fees and monetary donations.

• Inform patrons of and enforce library policies.

• Handle patron complaints in the absence of the Library Director courteously and record and report them to the Library Director.

• Make recommendations for collection additions to the Library Director.

Collection processing:

• Prepare DVDs, books, magazines and other library materials for circulation; affix book covers to new books.

• Weed and withdraw books according to the North Brookfield Public Library’s policies and procedures.

Other duties:

• Open the building at the start of the day; secure and close the building at the end of the day.

• Light cleaning, sanitizing and tidying of library when necessary.

• Handle limited building maintenance issues in the absence of Library Director.

• Prepare library and materials for library events and programs; assist with program execution.

• Assist with special library projects, including but not limited to seasonal decorating and summer reading.

• The Library Assistant may also be assigned additional tasks by the Library Director.

SUPERVISION

Works under the direct supervision of the Library Director.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Staff members have regular access to patron information and are expected to uphold the standards of the Library Bill of Rights and the ALA’s Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights and maintain complete patron privacy and confidentiality.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Successful completion of a Criminal Offender Record Check (CORI) background check.

• Previous experience working in libraries desired.

• General knowledge of library principles and practices.

• Previous experience providing customer service.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to read and assimilate information.

• Ability to write and communicate information clearly and effectively.

• Ability to work well with people of diverse ages and backgrounds.

• Ability to display initiative, motivation and resourcefulness in the execution of duties.

• Intellectual curiosity and an appreciation of libraries.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY AND SKILLS

• Ability to enjoy working with diverse patrons and to have successful frequent contact with the general public.

• Comfort in using a variety of technology including computers, printers, etc.; willingness to learn new technology.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and assess priorities in a busy setting.

• Ability to maintain composure and treat patrons with kindness in a busy setting.

• Enthusiasm, energy and accuracy in the completion of all tasks.

• Ability to work independently and alone and keep busy with library duties during shift in Director’s absence.

• Ability and willingness to substitute and cover additional hours for other staff when called upon, including weekends.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Standing or walking or sitting for extended periods of time.

• Frequent bending, crouching, reaching, climbing and walking, while carrying or shelving items.

• Ability to move or position a book truck full of books weighing up to 75 pounds.

• Regularly carry items weighing up to 50 pounds and ascend/descend stairs while carrying load.

• Ability to operate a computer screen for most of a shift.

• Set up and/or breakdown tables and chairs for programs.

SALARY AND HOURS

$15.61/hour. 18-hour work week. Saturdays and evenings required.

START DATE March 12, 2025

INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit cover letter, resume and list of three professional references to: nbdirector@cwmars.org or mail to the address below.

Lia Tulip, Library Director

Haston Free Public Library

161 N. Main Street

North Brookfield, MA 01535

https://northbrookfieldlibrary.org/

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and/or requirements of the job change.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $15.61 per hour

Expected hours: 18 per week

Ability to Commute:

• North Brookfield, MA 01535 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• North Brookfield, MA 01535: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16