Library Assistant

City of High Point • High Point, NC

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Library Assistant performs routine paraprofessional and customer service work in the Public Library. The role supports lending and tracking library materials, maintaining the organization of books and non-print materials, and assisting borrowers and other library customers. Work includes circulation, shelving, reserve processing, basic computer and payment transactions, and maintaining the photocopier. The full-time employee acts as team leader when the supervisor is absent.

The position is based at 901 N Main St, High Point, North Carolina, and works inside the library. The regular schedule includes evenings and a weekend rotation, with flexible hours that may include holidays. Certain assignments may involve digital services, public speaking, training, and occasional off-site events.

The position requires frequent communication with the public in person and by telephone, visual abilities for close and distance work, and the ability to move around all library floors, reach, handle and finger materials, push carts, and lift up to 50 pounds. The work involves interpreting information, using arithmetic for due dates and fees, and reading and writing job-related information. Candidates selected for employment must undergo applicable drug and background screenings; fingerprinting and a criminal history check may apply to positions involving work with children. A pre-placement physical exam may be required for certain positions.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• At least one consecutive year of recent customer service experience within the last three years in retail, a library, or a related service industry.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Submit a cover letter and resume with the application.
• Demonstrated commitment to exceptional customer service, with strong communication, listening, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse community and adapt to evolving library services.
• Intermediate experience with Microsoft Office and basic office practices; ability to accurately interpret and manage computerized records.
• Knowledge of organizational systems such as the Dewey Decimal System, and ability to maintain accurate shelving and interpret spine labels.
• Ability to move throughout all library floors, push carts, and lift materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays; the regular schedule includes evenings and a weekend rotation or as scheduled.
• Ability to communicate in person and by telephone, read and interpret job-related information, use arithmetic to calculate due dates and fees, and exercise judgment.
• Candidates selected for employment must pass applicable drug and background screening; additional fingerprinting, criminal history checks, or a pre-placement physical exam may apply depending on the position.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Canva or similar design tools, social media platforms such as X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Goodreads, and digital technologies such as online databases and streaming services may be required for certain assignments.
• Ability to assist customers with downloading apps, setting up accounts, and accessing digital content on mobile devices may be required for certain assignments.
• Comfort with public speaking and training for programs and instruction, including occasional off-site events, may be required for certain assignments.

Responsibilities

• Answer borrowers’ questions about reserves in person and by telephone using computer records.
• Answer and transfer telephone calls and respond to customer questions at the service desk as assigned.
• Check out and check in books and non-print materials using the circulation system, computers, and RFID equipment.
• Register new borrowers and enter and interpret information from applications and identification.
• Collect fees for damaged or lost materials and book sales, and operate payment and credit card systems.
• Perform circulation-related computer operations, including renewing materials and changing library-card status and holdings codes.
• Search library floors and shelves for overdue, lost, and requested materials.
• Straighten, shelf-read, shift, sort, and shelve library materials in alphabetical or Dewey Decimal order.
• Write RFID tags using a computer, antenna, and designated software; inspect returned materials for damage or missing components.
• Place and cancel borrower reserves and process reserved materials for library lockers and self-service pickup locations.
• Process interlibrary resource-sharing materials for NC Cardinal, including preparing outgoing shipments and handling incoming shipments.
• Instruct customers in use of the computerized catalog and assist with self-checkout and access to library services.
• Assist the public with photocopier use, provide change, troubleshoot issues, maintain copier inventory, and schedule repairs and maintenance.
• Open and close money transaction and credit card programs and machines, and tally end-of-day funds.
• Act as team leader in the supervisor’s absence, for full-time employees.
• Perform work in accordance with OSHA and City safety standards and policies.

Benefits

• Guaranteed lifetime monthly pension after vesting following five years of service.
• 401K and 457B retirement plans.
• Paid time off earned within the first year.
• 13 paid holidays per year.
• Tuition reimbursement plan.
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective on day one.
• Competitive salary commensurate with education and experience.

What This Job Offers

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