Library Associate - Merrill - 2026-2027 School Year

Des Moines Public School District • Des Moines, IA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Assist teachers and students in the use of the library/media center and its materials. Provide ongoing support to maintain the library and textbook collections. This position requires continuous use of independent judgment. The essential functions as shown below represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on the needs of the department.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, Hi SET or G.E.D.
• Proficient oral and written communication skills.
• Basic computer/keyboarding skills with ability to operate district software programs.
• One of the following: (1) 48 credit hours post-secondary education, or (2) associate’s degree or higher, or (3) Para educator certification from Board of Educational Examiners, or (4) combined score of 150 or higher on the COMPASS test, or (5) a passing score on the AcuPlacer test
• Ability to relate to students.
• Ability to carry out duties cooperatively with others.
• Strong inter-personal skills with a proven record of building rapport.
• Basic computer skills.

Nice To Haves

• Previous library work or volunteer experience

Responsibilities

• Create an inviting learning environment.
• Open library during school hours.
• With guidance from building administrators, plan schedule of class visits to the library.
• Assist as needed with district literacy initiatives and promote information literacy while reinforcing instruction provided by the classroom teacher.
• Create library exhibits and displays to illustrate library materials effectively.
• Attend meetings for school staff and library associates.
• Perform the necessary organizational and clerical functions to maintain the library/media center and assist students in their selections.
• Take responsibility for the organization, utilization and circulation of library/media center materials and textbooks.
• Use automated library and textbook system to provide service to students and faculty including circulation of materials and textbooks, notification of overdue materials and textbooks, and to create monthly reports, teacher book lists, and classroom checkout lists.
• Maintain records of materials and textbooks that are lost, added, or missing.
• Notify teachers, students, and parents about overdue/lost library and textbook materials.
• With guidance from district library services, building administrators, and teachers prepare library book/magazine, and supply orders as needed.
• Maintain all financial and budget records for materials, including books on order.
• Submit orders to Library Services on announced schedules.
• Receive and shelve materials if ordered shelf-ready.
• Send non-shelf-ready materials for cataloging.
• Repair materials not needing rebinding.
• Perform annual inventory of library materials/books, textbooks and other material.
• Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.
• Assist with other duties as may be assigned.

Benefits

• Candidates offered employment will be compensated based on skills, work experience and education.
• All candidates offered a position will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check, and a child and adult abuse registry check.
• Certain positions may require fingerprinting, a drug and alcohol test, a physical capacity test and/or a motor vehicle record check.

What This Job Offers

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