Library Assistant, 6 openings - Newark Public Library

The Newark Public Library is New Jersey’s largest municipal library, providing collections and services at the Main Library and six operating branches located in neighborhoods throughout the city.  The Library is a gateway to knowledge and lifelong learning: nurturing youth and families, contributing to the personal growth and well-being of all Newarkers, strengthening digital literacy skills for all, enhancing and promoting the Library’s special collections, and providing welcoming environments. 

The are 6 Library Assistant openings in the following locations: 

• Main Circulation Department (2 openings)
• North End Branch (1 opening)
• Branch Brook Branch (1 opening)
• Springfield Branch (1 opening)
• Weequahic Branch (1 opening)

Under the direction of the supervisor, the successful candidates for the Library Assistant positions will create a welcoming environment for patrons of all backgrounds; assist patrons by creating library cards, checking out items onto patrons’ library cards, locating items in the catalog and on the shelf, and preparing items for interlibrary loan; and assist in keeping the library orderly and presentable by repairing library items, shelving, and making sure shelves are in order using the Dewey Decimal System. The successful candidates will also excel at customer service.

• Charges and discharges library material to users.
• Computes and collects fines and makes change.
• Answers patron inquiries pertaining to physical location of library material, library hours, offices and personnel, and availability and reserve of popular or new publications.
• Reviews library membership applications for completeness as to name, address, and similar personal identification, and records changes of such information.
• Lists overdue library material from card files and completes overdue notices for notifying patrons.
• 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.
• Locates required publications primarily based on call number.
• Performs searches for publications in immediate vicinity of its proper location.
• Checks shelves to ensure materials are filed properly.
• Clips articles from newspapers/periodicals and arranges clippings in suitable form according to topical subject matter as directed.
• Repairs library material using mending tape, paste, and brush; places covers on material; pastes book pockets and/or data slips; sprays lacquer to protect spine.
• Prepares library materials for circulation.
• 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.

• Knowledge of basic arithmetic using whole numbers.
• Ability to perform extensive alphabetizing beyond the first letter of a word.
• Ability to converse, speaking clearly, concisely, and courteously.
• Ability to comprehend and follow written and/or oral one-or-two step instructions.
• Ability to perform numerical filing beyond the initial digit of a sequence of figures.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Successful candidates must reside in New Jersey within 1 year from date of hire per the New Jersey First Act.

Saturday and evening hours may be required.

$37,160