Library Assistant

Role Overview

The City of Kodiak’s Public Library Department is seeking a part-time Library Assistant to support day-to-day library operations in a community-focused setting. This role is suited to someone who is comfortable working as part of a team, can also handle tasks independently, and brings accuracy, initiative, and a service-oriented approach to the position.

The assistant will carry out paraprofessional and clerical library duties across an assigned area, including helping visitors find educational, professional, and recreational resources; supporting circulation; maintaining the organization, security, and condition of collections and equipment; and helping prepare materials for library programs. The position is expected to represent the City and department in a professional and positive manner.

This part-time role is scheduled for 15 hours per week.

Key Duties

• Work as a collaborative member of the library team while also being able to complete tasks with minimal supervision.
• Provide circulation support by checking items in and out, helping patrons locate materials through the catalog, databases, printed resources, and shelf searches, and handling hold requests and related tasks.
• Register patrons, update circulation and patron records in the library system, and protect the confidentiality of those records.
• Support collection upkeep by retrieving, processing, shelving, and relocating items such as books, DVDs, CDs, periodicals, and digital resources.
• Maintain the order of the collection through shelf reading, inventory checks, and locating missing or problematic items.
• Complete technical library tasks such as preparing new materials for circulation, adding temporary records, applying labels and covers, repairing materials, and replacing damaged or missing components.
• Carry out clerical support work such as restocking copiers and printers, preparing program materials, and creating or updating book displays.
• Assist patrons with library computers, printers, copiers, video equipment, and similar devices.
• Answer patron questions by phone, in person, and by email in a courteous and timely way.
• Clean computers, audiovisual equipment, and audiovisual media as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

A high school diploma or GED is required, along with two to three years of combined library and customer service experience, or an equivalent mix of education and experience that allows successful performance of the job.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The role calls for familiarity with customer service practices, library operations, basic math, record keeping, filing, modern office procedures, and computer/software use. The person in this role should be able to deliver strong service, process library materials, provide clerical support, use computers effectively, and communicate clearly with coworkers, supervisors, and the public.

Additional abilities include maintaining library materials physically, working independently and with others, handling public interactions respectfully, cataloging materials and entering data into systems, operating a cash register, responding appropriately to patron needs, communicating clearly in person and by phone, adapting to new technologies and systems, keeping accurate records, and building effective working relationships.

Physical Requirements

This position involves frequent reaching, standing, walking, finger dexterity, grasping, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, twisting, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. The work requires enough physical ability and mobility to function in a library setting, stand or sit for long periods, and use office equipment with repetitive hand movement and fine coordination, including a computer keyboard. The role also involves regular interaction with the public, including situations that may sometimes be complex or challenging.

The position is classified as light work, requiring up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, or very light force constantly to move objects.

Working Conditions

Most of the work takes place in a standard library environment. Non-traditional work hours are required.