Circulation Librarian, Southwick Public Library, (Southwick, MA)
Posted August 13, 2026
Description
The Southwick Public Library seeks to fill the role of a Circulation Librarian. The position is an 18 hour per week union position paying $16.77/hourly. The schedule is as follows: Mondays 3:15-8:15pm, Tuesdays 3:15-8:15pm, Wednesdays 3:15-8:15pm, and Saturdays 10am-1pm. When the Library is closed on Saturdays for the summer, the Saturday hours are moved to Fridays, 2-5pm. A high school diploma is required for the position, while a 2 year college degree, 2-4 years of library experience and a demonstrated interest in public service is preferred. The Circulation Librarian performs all front desk duties at the library including checking items in and out, assisting patrons, processing new items, and shelving. A copy of the job description and employment application can be obtained by visiting the library at 95 Feeding Hills Road, contacting the library at 413-569-1221, or visiting the Town of Southwick website at southwickma.org. Applications and the names of three references must be returned in hard copy to the library. Hire is contingent upon a background check. Applications must be received by the closing date of August 26th at 5:00pm. Southwick is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Town of Southwick is an ADA/EOE/AA employer.
Responsibilities
Supervision Received
The Circulation Librarian reports to the Library Director and is responsible for the all circulation procedures. The occupant of this position is expected to be able to perform the duties of the position under the director supervision of the Library Director and/or Assistant Director
Supervision Exercised
The position is responsible for the orientation and training of personnel as assigned.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed by the Circulation Librarian. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Strong interpersonal communication skills are necessary in this position. This person is usually the initial contact for patrons of the library. The Circulation Librarian assists patrons with research, ready reference, and circulation procedures; directs patrons to appreciate staff when necessary.
- Assists in maintaining catalogue controls by participating in a double-check system for filing new materials and weeding discarded or lost items as needed form the shelf list. Shelves returned books and reads shelves for accuracy as needed. Assists with the end-of-day record keeping of statistical data. Collects library materials from drop boxes and follows circulation procedures relative to same. Investigates past-due notices.
- Takes telephone calls and provides information, renewals, ect. or refers, when necessary, to the appropriate staff in a professional and courteous manner. Takes patron requests for items over the phone and prepares for pickup. Assists in providing curbside service to patrons by preparing materials and arranging times for pickup. Monitors the phones to schedule patrons for computer and browsing appointments (when applicable). Signs patrons up for computer use when reference staff are unavailable.
- Processes and repairs books for circulation.
- Participates in training programs and cross training with other personnel as assigned. Assists other librarians in preparing for and conducting special programs when necessary. Assists library personnel generally with reference during peak periods, and directs patrons to the appropriate staff when necessary.
- Assists in maintenance and trouble-shooting of library equipment.
- Attends workshops and seminars, in person and virtually, as offered.
- Performs other duties as required or duties as assigned by the Director and the Assistant Director.
Qualifications
Educational and Work Experience
- Required: A high school diploma
- Preferred: A 2 year College Degree, 2-4 years of library experience demonstrated interest in Public Library Service
Special Knowledge/Abilities for the Position
- Strong customer-service skills
- Willingness to operate or train on computer systems
- Good telephone manner
Physical Requirements
The occupant of this position must spend several hours a day walking, standing, and sitting. Activities include moderate to frequent physical exertion in body movement such as reaching, bending, and twisting. This position also requires moderate to frequent grasping, pulling, and pushing of materials as well as fine manipulation associated with the use of a computer, keyboard, and calculator. The Circulation Librarian must be able to lift and move objects up to twenty (20) pounds on a frequent basis.
Environmental Conditions
The Circulation Librarian works indoors. The regular solvents used are adhesives such as rubber cement and cleaning solution.
Hours and Compensation
The position is an 18 hour per week union position paying $16.77/hourly. The schedule is as follows: Mondays 3:15-8:15pm, Tuesdays 3:15-8:15pm, Wednesdays 3:15-8:15pm, and Saturdays 10am-1pm. When the Library is closed on Saturdays for the summer, the Saturday hours are moved to Fridays, 2-5pm.
How to Apply
Physical application packets are available at the Southwick Public Library, or applicants can reach out to Heather Dunfee at [email protected].
A copy of the job description and employment application can be obtained by visiting the library at 95 Feeding Hills Road, contacting the library at 413-569-1221, or visiting the Town of Southwick website at southwickma.org. Applications and the names of three references must be returned in hard copy to the library. Hire is contingent upon a background check. Applications must be received by the closing date of August 26th at 5:00pm. Southwick is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Town of Southwick is an ADA/EOE/AA employer.