Library Assistant

Position descriptions/specifications are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties, tasks, and responsibilities associated with a specified position. Therefore, descriptions/specifications may not include all duties performed by the individual. In addition, descriptions/specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the position/class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position/class.

Work Schedule Requirements

This is a 20-hour per week position with required schedule flexibility . The Library is open seven days a week with morning, afternoon, and evening shifts. Applicants must be available to work any combination of the shifts listed below :

• 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
• 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Evening & Weekend Requirements

• You will be scheduled for at least one evening shift per week
• Approximately every third week, you will work two evening shifts
• Weekend rotation is approximately every third weekend , including:
  • Saturday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Availability Requirement

Applicants must have open and flexible availability across all listed shifts, including evenings and weekends . The rotating schedule may occasionally result in an employee being scheduled to work multiple consecutive days, including up to seven days in a row , depending on the weekend rotation and the needs of the Library.

Candidates who are unable to work a rotating schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and occasional consecutive workdays will not be considered.

Primary Purpose

Performs general library services to Library customers; provides Library patrons with information and reference services by accessing and demonstrating how to access information through books, computers, media services, tablets, smart phones, and outreach programs.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities


Under general supervision of the Library Superintendent or Library Associate, the Library Clerk operates within the City of Sterling's policies/procedures and quality standards while performing the following essential functions and responsibilities: (Essential functions are those functions that the individual who holds the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation.)
1. Staffs circulation and children's desk; assists patrons in book location and searches for materials; assists patrons while on the floor with directional and search questions; assists with Library programs;
2. Shelves books and materials, processes and cards books; processes materials for circulation;
3. Maintains a pleasant and productive working atmosphere;
4. Performs routine clerical work and answers telephone;
5. Takes inter-library loans requests; assists with ordering, processing, and returning of ILL's;
6. Handles cash, checks, and other forms of payment; accurately accounts for monetary transactions and makes correct change;
7. Learns major reference resources including electronic resources and Library techniques appropriate to assigned activity;
8. Assists patrons with computer usage and accessing digital materials;
9. Understands and follows Library policies and procedures;
10. Provides a high level of customer service (courteous and fair) to patrons of the Library;
11. Work and communicate effectively with diverse staff in order to accomplish Library goals and objectives;
12. Follow all applicable safety rules and regulations.
13. Maintains confidentiality of data and information.
14. Performs other related functions as otherwise assigned, delegated or required by the Library Superintendent/Library Associate.

Supervision of Others

May supervise volunteers and community service workers.

Physical Requirements

1. Physical requirements include ability to extend hands(s) and arm(s) in any direction; pick, pinch, work with fingers and palm as well as whole hand; lift thirty (00) pounds; some lifting and carrying objects weighing up to fifteen (15) pounds; some pushing, pulling, and climbing; move about on foot to accomplish tasks; push/pull, lift, move, draw/drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion for extended periods of time.
2. Physical mobility sufficient to negotiate work areas to perform the primary purpose of the position.
3. Manual dexterity sufficient to operate keyboard devices requiring repetitive arm/hand movements.
4. Cognitive ability sufficient to perform and understand and apply simple to complex mathematical concepts.
5. Visual acuity sufficient to perform work which deals largely with reading, operating a computerized circulation/library system, organizing books according to author, title, or call numbers and visual inspection for error and effects.
6. Hearing acuity sufficient to receive, comprehend and understand detailed information through oral communications, telephone conversations, and to make fine discriminations in sounds in order to perform duties safely.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work performed in surroundings in which temperature, contaminants, and noise are not normally encountered; hazards are minor and controllable..

Marginal Functions

1. May work non-standard hours such as evenings, weekends and holidays.
2. May assist in special projects as needed or otherwise delegated.

The degree of knowledge, ability and physical requirements as outlined under this section is that which is necessary to satisfactory perform the essential functions of this position. Employees should be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential physical functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities and possess the necessary physical requirements, with or without the aid of mechanical devices, to perform safely the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge of
• Standard of customer service delivery practices and procedures sufficient to be able to process various types of in-person/phone contacts associated with customer service duties;
• Dewey Decimal System or rudimentary numbering system and innovative interfaces online computer systems; routine software and business applications, including but not limited to, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and databases;
• Reference materials and resources; library operations and functions and children's and adult programming;
• Interest in books and literature and of reader interest levels;
• General office procedures sufficient to be able to ensure proper operation;
• General Library methods and procedures;
• Phone systems, computers and electronic data processing;
• Library networking;
• Cash register operation, dealing with money, receipts, and deposits;
• Operation of a computerized/automated library system.

Ability to
1. Organize daily work schedule to optimize daily productivity to meet established divisional goals;
2. Operate relevant computer systems including hardware and software and office machines;
3. Complete state technology proficiency checklist and any proficiencies set by Library Superintendent;
4. Express or exchange ideas effectively to a diverse audience by means of the spoken word and/or written documents;
5. Communicate in an effective, cordial, tactful, and professional manner suitable for the situation while performing activities in which employee must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other members of the general public;
6. Comprehend and follow complex written and/or oral instructions, to compile information, to complete and file accurate reports, with minimal supervision;
7. Perform day-to-day operations of the Library such as processing of books, materials, correspondence, and supplies;
8. Maintain cash drawer, records, statistics, and filing systems of Library books, materials, and information;
9. Maintain library materials in appropriate alphabetical or numeric order;
10. Conduct research of documents to provide information as requested by the public and other organizations;
11. Assist with written and computer records of library collections, cataloguing, and visitation statistics using software programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases;
12. Represent Sterling Public Library and the City of Sterling in a positive responsive manner to the public, fellow employees, volunteers, and supporters;
13. Demonstrate the safe operation, and performance of minor maintenance of equipment associated with or used in course of accomplishing the primary purpose(s) of the position;
14. Deal with the public in a cordial, tactful and professional manner which serves to maintain and develop effective working relationships with clientele. Exercise sound judgment, reasoning and decision making which produces logical and consistent results and outcomes. Maintain composure when working under stress.

Education, Experience, & Training
Education: High School or G.E.D. certificate;
Experience: Two (2) years of experience in public contact work, preferably in a Library setting.
Training/Certifications:
Special Requirements:
Possess and maintain the appropriate CO operator's license for the type of City owned vehicle which the employee may operate in the scope of employment.
Perks & Benefits

Enjoy Paid Time Off (PTO), access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and eligibility for additional benefits as part of our commitment to supporting your well-being-on and off the job.

The City of Sterling is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who are ready to roll up their sleeves and make a difference.

Apply Now - Position Open Until Filled

If you're ready to start a meaningful job with strong benefits, training support, and long-term growth potential, apply today!