Temporary Library Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Title of the position:

Temporary Library Assistant

Department:

Various Department Openings

Status:

Temporary (Estimated employment dates) May 11, 2026- August 15, 2026 Actual beginning and end dates will be discussed when hired.

Schedule:

Day, evening, and weekend hours. Schedules may be adjusted in response to changing operational needs.

Benefits:

Not Eligible

Salary:

$12.00 per hour

Reports to:

Department Supervisor

Supervisory Responsibility:

None

Position Summary:

The Library Assistant provides service to library patrons by assisting them with routine material requests, checking materials in and out, processing library card applications, sorting/shelving and locating materials, answering the phone, answering routine questions, entering data, providing computer assistance, inspecting returned materials for damage, repairing materials as directed, and processing damaged materials appropriately.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements are typical of an office environment and include sitting, standing, bending, walking, reaching, pushing/pulling carts weighing over 100 lbs., lifting items weighing up to 50 lbs. and looking at a computer screen for long periods.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED, with some post-secondary education preferred
• One (1) – two (2) years previous experience providing customer service to the general public
• A valid driver’s license

Competencies:

The individual must understand the Library’s mission, goals, and objectives, as well as follow the Library’s policies and procedures. In order to perform the job successfully, an individual in this position must demonstrate the following competencies.

1. Accurate/Efficient work performance: The individual performs job functions in an accurate and efficient manner; produces an appropriate quantity of work; follows detailed procedures and ensures accuracy in data and documentation; has a strong attention to detail (without getting bogged down); makes sound judgments and timely decisions; is able to manage multiple projects; demonstrates strong ability to plan work and carry out tasks with minimal instructions; demonstrates ability to determine project urgency in a practical way; gathers information and bases decisions on fact rather than emotion ; communicates openly and appropriately with immediate supervisor and chain-of-command.
2. Good communication skills: The individual writes and speaks clearly and effectively; demonstrates openness and honesty; listens well during meetings and feedback sessions; states own opinions clearly and concisely; is willing to listen to the opinions and feedback of others; asks questions to ensure understanding; uses consideration and tact when offering opinions; informs supervisor/chain-of-command of problems in a timely manner.
3. Reliability and Dependability: The individual can be counted on to complete work in a timely and consistent manner; keeps commitments; is regularly present and punctual; arrives prepared for work; is committed to doing the best job possible; follows policies and procedures.
4. Cooperation and Teamwork: The individual treats all people with kindness and respect; values diverse perspectives; works harmoniously with others; responds positively to instructions; works well with management, coworkers, and patrons of the Library; is open minded and is willing to change his/her opinions on the basis of new information; refrains from activity that disrupts the workplace, affects productivity, disparages others, or harms the reputation of others or the Library.
5. Committed to Safety: The individual takes personal responsibility for safety; understands, encourages, and carries out safety measures at all times; uses equipment and materials properly; maintains a neat and orderly work environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

It is the responsibility of every employee of the Tuscaloosa Public Library (TPL) to perform duties that are necessary to ensure that the Library operates in a professional, efficient, and effective manner at all times. The list below is an outline of the primary duties to be performed in this position; however, the list is not all-inclusive and should not be perceived as such. Employees are expected to perform all duties as assigned by their supervisor or chain-of-command (or his/her designee).

Primary Duties:

• Greets and assists library patrons and visitors in a friendly and appropriate manner
• Provides library service to patrons by checking materials in and/or out, processing library card applications and material requests, assisting with computers and equipment, answering telephone calls and providing necessary assistance, and entering and producing receipts for monies in payment of fines or other library services
• Inspects returned material for damage and routing instructions; processes according to standard library procedures; repairs materials as needed
• Creates and maintains displays
• Maintains library collection by sorting, shelving, shelf reading, shifting, and weeding materials
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrates strong customer service skills in interactions with patrons and coworkers by being attentive and task oriented
• Communicates professionally, courteously, and effectively
• Operates library equipment such as computers, copiers, bar code scanner, book carts, postage processing equipment, vehicles, and telephone in an appropriate, respectful, and efficient manner
• Works on special projects as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED, with some post-secondary education preferred
• One (1) – two (2) years previous experience providing customer service to the general public
• A valid driver’s license