Part-Time Library Assistant, Weekends (Academic year, 40 weeks)

St. John's University • Queens Campus, NY

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Part-Time Library Assistant provides front-line customer service to students, faculty, staff, and administrators from the Circulation Service Desk. This is a 40-week part-time position aligned with the academic Fall/Spring calendar, working on campus in an academic library setting. The assistant supports circulation and related services, including interlibrary loan, hold shelf, reserves, research, and media services, and helps maintain a welcoming and productive service environment. The role requires following established library policies and workflows, resolving patron questions, and adapting to changing service and staffing needs. The position also involves monitoring study areas, taking hourly headcounts, and supervising student workers as needed.

The position operates in an academic library and requires use of standard office equipment, including computers, printers, and scanners, with occasional use of microfilm or microfiche readers. Physical duties include retrieving books from stacks, moving a book truck, frequently moving and lifting materials, and occasionally moving up to 50 pounds. The employee may be exposed to dust and mold typically found in libraries. The schedule is Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the academic year, with flexibility as needed.

Requirements

• Some library experience or similar customer service experience.
• High school diploma or associate degree.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule as needed.
• Reliable and predictable punctuality and attendance.
• Commitment to student-centered service and creating a welcoming, supportive library experience.
• Ability to develop proficiency in ILS/WMS functions, including checking items in and out, searching the catalog, and locating course reserve materials.
• Attention to detail.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to learn to use standard equipment such as scanners and microfilm readers.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, follow workflows, identify inefficiencies, and complete tasks accurately and promptly.
• Ability to assess patron and operational issues and resolve them in accordance with library policies.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively on a team and independently, using sound judgment and initiative.
• Adaptability to changing priorities, workflows, staffing needs, and service demands.
• Willingness to learn circulation and Course Reserves procedures through formal and on-the-job training.
• Ability to retrieve books from library stacks, move a book truck, frequently move and lift materials, and occasionally move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to occasionally stand, move about, sit, carry work, use controls, reach, climb stairs or use elevators, and communicate.
• Required vision abilities include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

• Library public service experience.
• Bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate, timely, student-centered service at the 3rd Floor Service Desk in person, online, and by telephone, supporting circulation, interlibrary loan, hold shelf, reserves, research, media, and related library services.
• Apply library policies, procedures, and workflows consistently to ensure accurate transactions, efficient operations, and a positive patron experience.
• Identify and resolve patron questions and service issues, provide information and directions, and connect students with appropriate library resources and support.
• Follow established opening and closing procedures and maintain an organized, welcoming, and productive service environment.
• Monitor study areas by taking hourly headcounts throughout the day.
• Train, assign, and prioritize tasks for student workers as needed, and reinforce library policies and procedures.
• Maintain ongoing communication with the department supervisor about operational issues, service challenges, and other concerns.
• Participate in library projects and initiatives that improve operational efficiency, service quality, and the student experience.
• Adapt to changing workflow priorities and staffing needs while maintaining high-quality service.
• Perform other duties as needed to support library operations and student success.
• Retrieve books from library stacks, move book trucks, and move and lift materials for processing.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Tuition remission
• 403(b) employer contribution
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Access to performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation, and sporting events

What This Job Offers

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