Technical Services Assistant, Forbes Library (Northampton, MA)
Posted June 10, 2026
Description
Forbes Library, Northampton’s public library, is looking for a creative and energetic person to work in our busy Technical Services Department. This position requires a strong customer service background with excellent communication and interpersonal
skills, detail orientation, and the ability to work well in a team environment. The position is part of a supportive and highly collaborative team, and helps to create a welcoming library for all. Forbes Library fosters an inclusive environment and
prioritizes hiring, mentoring, and developing library staff that reflect the diversity of Northampton and surrounding area.
The goal of this position is to prepare library materials for public use. This includes receiving, processing, cataloging, and classifying library materials in all formats for all ages, collection maintenance, and direct patron service. The Technical Services
Assistant ensures that materials are available to and findable by patrons in a timely manner. They may run reports and work with the resulting data as needed for collection development and maintenance, use databases and the internet to verify data
as required, and respond to patron inquiries and staff requests for new library materials.
Essential Functions
Essential functions include, but are not limited to:
- Receiving: unpacking and verifying shipments of library materials
- Processing: preparing materials for library circulation
- Cataloging: creating and editing records in the integrated library system (currently Evergreen)
- Classifying: assigning library materials to collections and categories as appropriate
- Collection Maintenance: developing library collections as assigned
- Patron Service: research assistance, technology support and instruction, and readers’ advisory
- Support other technical services department functions as needed
Qualifications
- High School education required; 2 years college level education preferred
- At least two years of experience providing customer service to diverse public populations, preferably in a library setting
- Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job
Preferred Job Requirements
- Previous library experience
- Knowledge of Evergreen ILS
- Bilingual with fluency in one of the following languages: Spanish/French/Arabic/ASL
Work Environment
- Serves patrons where needed throughout the building, and interacts with all library departments.
- Frequently retrieves and/or shelves objects from high and low shelving levels.
- Pushes or pulls carts loaded with materials.
- Grade 5 ($35,039-$44,022/year), 37.5 hrs/week including one evening per week and one Saturday per month (Anticipated to move to Grade C: $43,745- $56,879/year with new contract currently under negotiation)
- Benefits including pension, health and dental insurance, and paid time off including vacation, personal, and sick time
- This position is a member of the Forbes Library Employee Association bargaining unit
Level of exertion from state definition: Light – Walking or standing frequently, using physical controls while sitting or driving, or working at a production rate pace with lighter materials. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; or up to 10 pounds of
force frequently. Ability to work around dust, mold, adhesives and other potential allergens.
How To Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to [email protected]
Revision Date: 5/2026