Part-time Library Assistant Job North Adams area,Massachusetts USA,Administrative/Clerical

Position: Part-time Library Assistant (2 Openings)

Location: North Adams, MA

Category: Support Staff

Job Type: Part-time

Posted On: Wed Jul 15 2026

General Description

The Part‑Time Library Assistant plays an important role at MCLA by providing access to library services, collections, and facilities on a small, residential liberal arts college campus. Core job duties include staffing the front desk; circulating library materials; answering basic informational, directional, and policy questions in a variety of modalities; gathering data and monitoring conditions in the library facility; assisting with collections maintenance;

opening and closing the building; referring specialized questions to librarians and other campus service providers; and participating in ongoing and special projects.

Supervision Received: Works under the general supervision of the Associate Dean for Library Services and the direct supervision of full‑time Library Assistants.

Supervision Exercised: No formal supervisory responsibilities. May help oversee the work of student employees.

Responsibilities

Work at the library's front desk: check items in and out; answer basic informational, directional, and technical questions; and complete routine off‑desk tasks such as shelving books and retrieving holds.

Interact with library visitors in a friendly, professional manner; help create a welcoming and inclusive library experience; resolve issues according to procedures and policies.

Collaborate with other staff to determine workflow and make decisions about security and service.

Perform opening/closing procedures, including securing equipment, clearing the building, and locking/unlocking entrances.

Periodically move throughout the facility to perform headcounts, monitor building conditions, and assist visitors.

Assist with ongoing and special projects such as displays, library events, inventory, and book repair; participate in shelf reading, shifting, and other stacks maintenance activities.

Maintain knowledge of library circulation policies and information resources. Refer patrons with specialized questions to librarians or other campus service providers as appropriate.

Oversee the work of student library assistants in the absence of full‑time staff.

Provide substitute coverage for staff absences, when possible.

Assist with other general library duties as requested by supervisors.

Job Requirements

Minimum:

At least one year of experience working directly with the public in a library, customer service/retail, or similar environment.
Proficient in basic office software, hardware, and applications, including Microsoft Office, Windows operating system, online communication tools, and printers/scanners.

Preferred:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
At least one year of experience in the library field via employment, internship, volunteering, and/or coursework in a library science program.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully as part of a diverse community.
Commitment to providing excellent customer service.
Strong self‑motivation and a proactive approach to work.
Ability to perform detailed work accurately.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently and with others in a collaborative environment.
Reliability, punctuality, and the ability to work regularly assigned shifts as scheduled.

Physical Demands

Moving between and throughout the floors of the building.
Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at will.
Lifting/carrying up to 25 pounds.
Reaching overhead and at/below shoulder level.
Pushing and pulling doors and book carts.
Keyboarding.
Gross and fine manipulation of objects.
Understanding and distinguishing speech and other sounds.
Near and far visual acuity.

Additional Information

These are two‑part‑time, permanent, non‑benefitted, 9‑month positions working 7.5‑15 hours per week. The salary for these positions is $17.50 per hour.

Schedule Details:

Fall and spring semesters when classes are in session (early September–mid December; mid‑January–mid May), for an average of 30 weeks per year. This position is not scheduled to work during breaks in the academic calendar (Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Spring Break) or summers.
Available hours…