Youth Collection Library Assistant

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

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.

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.

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.

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

• 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.

• Assists with selecting materials for the children’s and teen collections and…