Library Assistant - Part Time - Jersey City Free Public Library

Job Description:

JCFPL JOB TITLE: Library Assistant  

LOCATION: PG Main - New Jersey Room

REPORTS TO:  New Jersey Room Department Manager (Librarian III)

CIVIL SERVICE JOB TITLE: Library Assistant

FULL-TIME/PART-TIME: Part-Time

WORKWEEK: Part-Time (up to 16 hours per week) Evenings and Weekends Required. as needed.

APPLICANTION DEADLINE: July 21, 2025

BENEFIT SUMMARY: This summary outlines the general benefits available to library employees, designed to support their health, financial security, and work-life balance. Benefits available to Full-Time Employees: 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.  Additional Full-Time benefits include 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.  A more detailed summary can be found on our Employment Opportunities page located at www.jclibrary.org

SALARY EXPECTATION: $21.98 / hour 

The Jersey City Free Public Library is looking for a part-time Library Assistant to help staff and patrons in our local history department (Priscilla Gardner Main - New Jersey Room).

JOB DUTIES:

· Charges and discharges library material to users; answers patron inquiries pertaining to physical location of library material, library hours, digital resources, etc.; refers complex questions to supervisors; checks availability of materials; reserves library materials; locates required publications primarily based on call number.

· Performs filing or shelving tasks involving the use of the Dewey Decimal Classification System and alphabetical filing systems beyond the initial letter of a word; performs searches for publications in immediate vicinity of its proper location; checks shelves to ensure materials are filed properly.

· May repair library material using mending tape, paste, and brush; prepares books for circulation, which may include placing covers on material, pasting book pockets and/or data slips, spraying lacquer to protect spine, etc.

· Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

· Operates standard office machines, such as copiers and microfilm readers.

· Under supervision, assists in archival processing and metadata management.

· Informs individuals of library services.

· Answers telephones.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Communication/Collaboration

· Communicates effectively using a variety of methods

· Effectively communicates relevant and timely information to appropriate stakeholders

· Develops and maintains effective relationships with others to achieve common goals

· Works effectively on teams with strong team-building skills and attitudes

· Ability to compare written and printed material for accuracy.

· Ability to read with comprehension.

· Ability to follow oral and written orders, directions, or plans.

· Knowledge of general vocabulary, spelling and of standard English grammar.

· Knowledge of filing systems

· Applies effective strategies to manage organizational politics, conflict and difficult coworker behaviors

· Communicates effectively with a variety of audiences and individuals from diverse backgrounds

· Selects and applies the most appropriate and effective communication means to meet situational needs

Customer Service

· Contributes to and models customer service standards that enhance the user experience

· Models standards and practices for the delivery of quality internal and external customer service

· Applies customer service skills to enhance the level of user satisfaction

· Applies effective techniques to address difficult situations with users and staff

· Understands and acts in accordance with the basic values and ethics of library service

Professional Development

· Manages the development of one’s own learning and ongoing improvement of skills and knowledge

· Uses creative and innovative approaches

· Establishes strategies and long-range initiatives to create a learning environment within the division and the library

· Plans for and supports staff career development opportunities

· Contributes to the development and implementation of a culture that embraces ongoing learning

Community Engagement

· Demonstrates the impact and value of the library to the community through ongoing evaluation and assessment of library services

· Maintains positive public relations through communication and promotion of the library’s values, services, accomplishments and needs to all stakeholders

· Builds relationships and support for the library with community organizations

· Contributes to creating a welcoming and user-friendly physical environment that encourages all community members to use library services

Technology

· Performs basic functions of email, calendar applications, and task management

· Understands and uses basic computer hardware, peripherals, software, and operating system functions

· Demonstrates information literacy and understands common security protocols related to Internet use

· Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (especially Word and Excel)

PERFERRED  EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:

· Ability to demonstrate a practical knowledge of library functions, services, terminology, techniques, procedures, and standard tools such as ILS (Integrated Library Systems),

shelving arrangements, Dewey Decimal Classification System, and successful completion of relevant manager training within the organization.

ADDITIONAL RELEVANT SKILLS:

· Knowledge of Jersey City’s population, geography, and/or local government.

· Facility in a non-English language spoken in Jersey City (such as Spanish, Hindi, Arabic, Tagalog, etc.).

NOTES:

For all employees, regardless of full-time or part-time status, JCFPL is considered the primary employer. Work hours are assigned according to the Library’s operational needs. Work hours are not scheduled to accommodate employees’ other employment, academic, or other outside obligations, except in circumstances agreed upon in writing by the employee and the employee’s supervisor.

Application link or email address: https://www.jclibrary.org/about/employment-opportunities/

Salary range or hourly wage: 21.98

MLS required: No, an MLS is not required.

Job focus:

Work schedule: