Part-time Library Assistant

Part-time Library Assistant (2 Openings) 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.

• 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.

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 hardware and 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.

• 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 regular assigned shifts as scheduled.

Routine work requires the following, with or without accommodation:

• 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.

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

• 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 currently include Mondays 9-5, Fridays 9-5, and Sundays 12-5, to be split between two positions. Additional regular hours may become available, and frequent substitute opportunities arise. Availability to cover occasional Saturdays is desirable.
• Schedules may change from semester to semester based on the needs of the library.
• At times, the library remains open during inclement weather, and this position is expected to work any regularly scheduled hours under those circumstances.
• Regular hours to begin on or after Wednesday, September 2, 2026; training/orientation to take place in late August/early September.

Until further notice, in response to the Presidential proclamation, issued on September 19, 2025, imposing a significant fee on the entry of individuals with new H-1B visas, this position is not eligible for…