Senior Library Assistant, Portland Public Library, (Portland, ME)

Posted May 13, 2025

Description

Portland Public Library (PPL) is currently seeking a Senior Library Assistant for the Burbank Branch, which
extends the delivery of public library services to Portland’s neighborhoods. Reporting to the Burbank Branch Manager, this position is responsible for processing a variety of circulation transactions using the Polaris ILS, responding to patron reader’s advisory and reference inquiries, answering a variety of public computing questions, and assisting with programming activities. The Branch Senior Library Assistant works with a wide variety of the public and facilitates a variety of patron account matters. They must be able to interact effectively and manage sometimes difficult situations. This work is performed in a fast-paced environment and requires an exceptional level of customer service.

This is a union-represented, part-time, 20 hours per week onsite position, normally scheduled to work Tuesdays, Fridays, & Saturdays, after training.

Responsibilities

1. Issues new borrowers’ cards and orients patrons to library policies and services.
2. Updates the patron database by accurately entering patron information and attends to all patron
   account matters with great accuracy, care, neutrality, and attention to detail, always safeguarding the
   privacy of patrons’ borrowing histories and other sensitive information.
3. Receives, interprets, and answers inquiries from library patrons made in person, by telephone, and
   email, from a diverse cross-section of the public, both adults and children.
4. Checks materials out and in at the Branch lending desk; collects payments for lost materials; makes note of the condition of materials leaving the library, and checks returned print and audiovisual material for damage or missing parts; creates on-the-fly records in the database for non-catalogued materials as they are circulated; processes special requests such as renewing materials, placing reserves, and answering patrons’ queries about locations of books, standing on hold queues, and status of accounts/materials.
5. Identifies and refers materials needing repair to the proper department, processes deliveries from other library locations, and sorts returned items by location to be staged and reshelved. The incumbent performs shelving duties daily.
6. Performs certain other tasks associated with the branch such as requesting the assistance of other staff or City first responders when needed.
7. Actively engages the public as the initial point of information in the library, demonstrating use of library catalogs, the PPL website, cloud Library, and related technology and systems.
8. Assists patrons in the use of public computers and printers. This includes answering questions related to various computer programs, issuing guest passes, and assisting with the print, scan, and email functions of the printer.
9. The Branch Senior Library Assistant collects and records miscellaneous statistical data as requested for the management of the branch, and other duties as assigned.
10. Exercises independent judgment with every library patron and selects appropriate sources to assist the patron in answering the inquiry. Has a broad knowledge of children’s, teen, and adult services, the library circulation system, databases, and internet resources, and the ability to connect patrons to the materials they desire (books, magazines, movies, video games, and more).
11. May organize, prepare, and produce a wide variety of programming for infants, children, teens, and
    adults and may create and run their own programs based on special interests, as approved by Branch Manager; may also assist with classroom visits, school visits to the branch, and development and maintenance of displays.
12. May oversee the opening/closing and daily operation of the branch, and may be Branch Person in
    Charge, depending on seniority, in the absence of the Branch Manager and the Assistant Branch
    Manager.
13. Assist the Branch Manager or Assistant Branch Manager with projects related to collections
    management, including assessing materials for condition and circulation statistics.
14. Manages a complex variety of services and processes, in collaboration with the entire branch team. Each team member must be responsible to and rely upon the entire team to ensure that service to patrons is efficient and effective, and the environment is collegial. This includes solid communication in patron records, logs, and in person.
15. Participates in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for fellow staff and library users. This
    position must use careful judgment to discern patron needs and resolve matters in the most mutually successful way.

Qualifications

At the entry level, this position requires a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university or any
equivalent combination of experience, training, and education, which provide the following:

• Knowledge of reader interests, books, authors, and interest in promoting reading.
• Ability to accept direction from Branch Manager as requested.
• Ability to work independently, and to organize and follow through on multiple assignments.
• Ability to collaborate and work well with other members of library staff and administration.
• Strong service orientation and demeanor appropriate to provide a high level of service to a diverse
  public; Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to remain calm and pleasant under pressure while maintaining attention to detail in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written format.
• Knowledge of and proficiency with popular operating systems and their software, particularly Microsoft Office, web browsers and search engines, and email programs.
• An active interest in one or more of the visual, written and/or performing arts is preferred.
• Fluency or proficiency in a language other than English.
• Experience working with English Language Learners.
• Prior library experience a plus.

Hours and Compensation

Hours & Pay: This is a union-represented, part-time, 20 hours per week onsite position, normally scheduled to work Tuesdays 10am-6pm, Fridays 10 am-4pm, & Saturdays 9am-4pm. The tentative starting date for a new hire is June 24, 2025. Pay begins at $19.78/hr.

Benefits & Other Details: Excellent benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement options (in lieu of Social Security), and paid leave.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your resume, letter of interest, and three professional references via email at [email protected].

Mailed applications may be sent to: Human Resources, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Portland, ME 04101.

Initial consideration will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled.