St. John’s, established in 1870, has three New York City campuses; international locations in Rome, Italy; Limerick, Ireland; and Paris, France; and study abroad locations around the world. The Princeton Review and other top rankings consistently recognize the University’s outstanding academics, diverse student body, dynamic internship, and volunteer opportunities, focus on student life, and diverse study abroad offerings. St. John’s University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in its six colleges and schools, with a growing number of programs offered online. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and 12 other major academic and professional associations.  

A dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is at the heart of our mission.  As a Catholic and Vincentian university, St. John’s is committed to institutionalizing practices of inclusive excellence to ensure that we welcome and celebrate the intrinsic worth of all members of our community.  We will become an even stronger university as we enhance equity at every level of our institution. Our graduates will excel in the competencies and values needed for leadership and service in a rapidly evolving world.  

Department: University Libraries

Specific Job Title: Part-Time Library Assistant, Weekends

Reports to: Supervisor, Queens Library Circulation Department 

Campus: Queens

Job Summary:

The Part-Time Library Assistant provides front-line customer service to our students, faculty, staff, administrators, and others as needed relating to circulation and reserve functions.

Essential Functions:

• Provide accurate and timely information and service from the 3^rd Floor Service Desk and/or via online or telephone, regarding circulation, interlibrary loan, hold shelf, reserves, reference, and media etc.
• Provide access to group study rooms for standing reservations and the scheduling of reservations.
• Participate in library-related projects as needed.
• Supervision of student workers when needed. This includes training, assigning tasks, overseeing, and reinforcing library policies and procedures.
• Maintain ongoing dialogue with department supervisor addressing issues or concerns in a timely manner.
• Follow department “open” and “close” procedures.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule as needed.
• Other duties as needed.

Competencies:

• Develop proficiency in all ILS/WMS functions, i.e. charging and discharging items, posting fines, loading patron records, etc. Includes the ability to diagnose and resolve patron issues in an efficient and timely manner in line with library policies.
• Excellent computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft suite of products, including Outlook, Word. and Excel.
• Excellent communication and customer service.
• Ability to work in groups and independently.
• Exhibit flexibility when challenged by changing workflow priorities.
• Willingness to learn skills and procedures pertaining to circulation, Course Reserves through formal and on-the-job training.

Supervisory Responsibility

Supervise one or more student workers if needed.

Work Environment

• This position operates in an academic library setting, including staffing Circulation Service Desk.
• Ability to operate office equipment. This position is required to use standard office equipment such as computers, printers, scanners, etc., and occasional use of microfilm or microfiche readers.

 Physical Demands

Must be able to retrieve books from the library stacks and move a book truck holding items. Must be able to move frequently and lift materials for processing. While performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally required to stand; move about; sit; carry work and use controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs, use the elevators; communicate. The employee must occasionally move up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by the employee include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. 

Environmental Conditions

May be exposed to dust and mold typically found in libraries. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Part- Time work schedule: Saturdays, 10am -6pm, Sundays 12pm-8pm
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule as needed.
• This is a fully on-campus position.

Required Education and Experience: 

• Some library experience.
• HS Diploma or associates degree.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule as needed. Demonstrate reliable and predictable punctuality and attendance as required for the position.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Library public service experience.
• Bachelor’s degree.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.