Library Assistant (Outreach)

Jersey City Free Public Library • Jersey City, NJ

1d

About The Position

Overview:
The Library Outreach Assistant is classified as a Library Assistant under civil service and plays a key role in expanding the library's reach by engaging with diverse community members outside of the library's physical locations. This position supports all divisions of the Outreach Branch while performing the standard duties of a Library Assistant, including circulation, shelving, interlibrary loan processing, and other core library functions.
Supervision:
While the Outreach Branch Manager is the primary supervisor, the Library Assistant coordinates with the Supervising Library Assistant and other division staff - such as those overseeing bookmobiles, community outreach, career and education programs, wellness initiatives, and community events - to ensure coverage and effective support for programs, events, and materials across all Outreach Branch divisions while performing the standard duties of a Library Assistant.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; some college coursework or a degree in library science, education, or a related field is preferred.
• Knowledge of basic arithmetic operations using whole numbers.
• Ability to perform extensive alphabetical filing beyond the initial letter of a word.
• Ability to perform numerical filing beyond the initial digit of a sequence of figures.
• Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable
• Ability to demonstrate practical knowledge of library functions, services, terminology, techniques, procedures, and standard tools, including ILS (Integrated Library Systems), shelving arrangements, Dewey Decimal Classification System, and successful completion of relevant manager training within the organization.

Nice To Haves

• Preference given to applicants currently earning a Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited program or from a New Jersey college Master’s program in Library Science deemed acceptable by Thomas Edison College.
• Previous experience in community outreach, customer service, or a library setting is desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage with diverse populations.
• Cultural sensitivity and an understanding of community needs and dynamics.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Basic computer skills
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required by outreach activities.
• Knowledge of Jersey City’s population, geography, and/or local government.
• Facility in a non-English language spoken in Jersey City (e.g., Spanish, Hindi, Arabic, Tagalog) is desired.
• CDL licenses are highly desirable.
• NJ Driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and implementing outreach strategies and marketing pieces to increase awareness of library services and programs among targeted community groups.
• Represent the library at community events, fairs, festivals, and other off-site locations to promote library resources and services.
• Distribute promotional materials and provide information about library services to individuals and organizations.
• Collaborate with library staff to develop and deliver engaging and informative outreach activities and presentations.
• Assist in planning, coordinating, promoting and executing outreach programs, including mobile library services, bookmobile visits, pop-up library events, and community-based programs such as story hours, preschool programs, and senior or ethnic group programs.
• Set up and dismantle outreach displays, ensuring materials are organized and accessible.
• Provide direct support during programs, including assisting patrons with library card applications, checking out materials, answering basic inquiries, and ensuring a welcoming environment for all participants.
• Support the preparation and arrangement of library materials for displays, exhibits, and special programs.
• May assist with assembling craft materials, handouts, invitations, registration, and links for virtual or in-person programs.
• Support library unit activities such as circulation, shelving, interlibrary loan processing, periodical and book processing sections, and other routine tasks assigned.
• Perform check-in/check-out of library materials, shelving according to Dewey Decimal Classification and alphabetical filing systems, and maintaining organized library collections.
• Register new members, review library card applications for completeness, and update records as needed.
• Answer basic patron inquiries about library hours, services, locations, and materials, including explanations of online catalogs, digital resources, and other basic reference services.
• Maintain an organized inventory of outreach materials and ensure stock is complete and in good condition.
• Assist with administrative tasks, including responding to phone calls and emails, scheduling appointments, and tracking outreach-related budgets and expenses.
• Learn and utilize electronic and/or manual recording systems and computerized information systems used by the library.
• Demonstrate information literacy and proficiency with basic computer applications (MS Office, Google Suite), hardware, and security protocols.
• May be required to drive one of the bookmobiles as needed (one requires a CDL license)
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical coverage 60 days from the first day of employment
• Prescription coverage is the first of the month following 60 days of employment at no cost to the employee and additional cost per each dependent added.
• Dental coverage is provided at no cost 60 days after the first day of employment.
• Vision coverage is provided at no cost and reimbursed at $250.00 per year.
• Life & AD&D insurance
• 403b
• Participation in pension plan (dependent on age at the time of hire date).
• Part-Time Employee benefits include participation in pension plan and sick/vacation leave.

What This Job Offers

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