Library Assistant

State of Montana • Billings, MT

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Education Department provides essential academic and vocational programs designed to equip incarcerated individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to lead fulfilling lives after incarceration. Our education staff members support personal growth and prepare students for meaningful opportunities after release, providing basic literacy education, high school equivalency completion, and career-focused training. Join a team dedicated to unlocking potential and creating pathways for brighter futures!
The Library Assistant is responsible for supporting the Montana State Prison by delivering essential library services within a secure‑care environment, overseeing inmates and ensuring smooth daily operations across the main library and multiple satellite locations. This role keeps the library running efficiently by maintaining circulation and inventory records, updating patron accounts, cataloging and processing materials, shelving resources, and helping individuals find and use both print and digital tools. The Library Assistant also manages interlibrary loan requests, conducts reference searches, and assists with a variety of day‑to‑day tasks such as copying and equipment upkeep, all contributing to an organized, engaging, and educational library space that supports structure, learning, and personal growth within the facility.
This role also supports the Religious Activities Program at Montana Women’s Prison, working with the RAC Coordinator to facilitate diverse religious programs, coordinate volunteers, schedule pastoral care, prepare for services, maintain records, and manage activity schedules. The position contributes to fulfilling the RAC mission of protecting constitutional rights, meeting institutional goals, and supporting genuine spiritual development.

Requirements

• High School Diploma
• Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities

• Delivering essential library services within a secure‑care environment
• Overseeing inmates and ensuring smooth daily operations across the main library and multiple satellite locations
• Maintaining circulation and inventory records
• Updating patron accounts
• Cataloging and processing materials
• Shelving resources
• Helping individuals find and use both print and digital tools
• Managing interlibrary loan requests
• Conducting reference searches
• Assisting with copying and equipment upkeep
• Facilitating diverse religious programs
• Coordinating volunteers
• Scheduling pastoral care
• Preparing for services
• Maintaining records
• Managing activity schedules

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Generous State of Montana Benefits
• State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED