Employment

Part-Time Library Assistant
We are seeking candidates with great customer service skills, knowledge of basic office
software, comfort with technology, and a dedication to the library principles of intellectual
freedom and equitable service to all. This is a part-time/fill-in position offering a minimum of 8
hours per week.

Library assistants provide prompt and courteous phone and in-person service to library patrons
and assist patrons with computer usage at the library. Work collaboratively with library staff to
support operations and further the library’s mission to engage and enrich the community.

Examples of Essential Duties
● Performs circulation desk and drive-up window procedures, such as checking in and
checking out materials, registering patrons, placing holds, and collecting fines.
● Shelf-reads and straightens materials on the shelves.
● Assists patrons with operations of library equipment.
● Answers questions and refers patrons to appropriate personnel.
● Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
● Ability to effectively communicate with the public and staff in person, by phone, and
through email.
● Ability to participate in and maintain a courteous and cooperative work environment,
developing rapport with patrons, peers, and supervisors.
● Ability to follow instructions and apply library policies as appropriate.
● Ability to efficiently sort in alphabetic or numeric order and develop a working
understanding of the Dewey Decimal System.
● Ability to understand and apply technical knowledge to efficiently perform routine library
procedures, use the library computer system, and file materials.
● Ability to stand for long periods, perform moderately heavy physical work to include
bending, squatting, kneeling, reaching, and crouching; pushing and pulling carts; and
lifting and carrying materials.
● Ability to maintain a regular work schedule and apply time-management skills.
● Cleaning work space and patron surfaces as needed.

Education: high school diploma or G.E.D. required. Applications accepted until the position is
filled. First review of applications will begin on March 26, 2025 . To apply, complete an SLPL job
application and return it with an optional cover letter and resume to Shell Lake Public Library.
Full Job Description and application are below.

Library Assistant Job Description  
A Library Assistant performs a variety of general duties necessary to library work; patron
registration and assistance, circulation desk services, technical support services and other duties
as assigned.

All library employees are under the general supervision of the library director. Library Assistants
are under the direct supervision of the senior staff. Once training is complete, assistants may
supervise student workers.

Desired Characteristics:
 Solid communication skills
 Ability to work with minimal supervision
 Ability to maintain effective working relationships with patrons and other staff
Circulation Desk Duties – 
 Perform circulation functions: checking library materials in and out, renewing 
library materials, processing reserved materials, collecting fines and fees. 
 Reviewing new patron application forms, entering data and issuing library cards, 
 Renewing library card records by receiving and processing changes of address, name,
modifying patron records when changes are necessary. 
 Answer standard questions regarding library services and policies both in the library and
on the telephone and directing patrons to appropriate areas or departments.
 Assist in the creation and upkeep of library documents and records in Word and Excel.
 Resolving patron problems in conformity with library procedures and policies.
 Assisting patrons with public computers and printing.
 Processing and modifying patron hold requests.
 Conduct searches for reference desk questions.
 Assist patrons with devices and use of electronic catalog and library.
 Troubleshoot problems with office machines.

Back Office Operations –
 Sort incoming materials and mail as directed.
 Processing incoming and outgoing ILL.
 Inspect incoming materials for damage and complete damage slips as needed.
 Attend scheduled and unscheduled staff meetings.
 Perform a variety of office and staff support tasks such as data entry, documenting
equipment and maintenance problems.

Education requirements: High School diploma. Additional education beyond high school is
preferred but not required.

A Library Assistant is required to perform additional duties as assigned, including filling-in for
other employee’s absences, maintenance of a tidy work space, cleaning and sanitizing surfaces as
needed. There are physical demands necessary for the performance of the job: standing for long
periods, lifting, bending, squatting, kneeling and sometimes lifting up to 25 pounds. 
The work schedule includes day time, evenings and or Saturdays as needed.