Job Description
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- Provides patron assistance at designated service points in and throughout the library, as well as over the phone and by electronic means. May help patrons locate or request items.
- Utilizes library's computer systems and related technology to process library returns, checkouts, renewals, reserves, registrations and collect fines and fees. Sorts returned items for shelving and may shelve items. Processes returns and requests incoming and outgoing from network libraries.
- Assists patrons with museum pass information, event and study room registration and related library services.
- Processes reserve and inter\-library loan requests from patrons or other libraries; places requests in the database; receives materials from delivery and packages them for delivery. Notifies patrons of item availability.
- Follows and adheres to department, City and other government rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Assists library users in the use of library computers and other equipment and technology Is familiar with the standard operation of all technology and equipment in service with the public in their assigned areas and can perform first pass troubleshooting of that equipment. Promptly uses established protocols to inform IT support staff of problems that do not respond to initial troubleshooting.
- May attend and participate in Department and other meetings and special events.
- Performs other duties as required.
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- Actively recruit, develop, and retain a diverse and talented workforce.
- Proactively address discrimination through education and in partnership with other departments and leaders.
- Serve as a role model to celebrate and nurture diversity.
- Foster inclusion by staying curious and clarifying assumptions.
- Evaluate and develop policies and practices that reflect the diverse nature of our workforce.
- Build and strengthen accountability at all levels to support diversity efforts.
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Under the direct supervision of the Supervisor of Borrower Services or Assistant Supervisor, the Part Time Library Assistant is responsible for providing exemplary customer service at designated service points and throughout the library, as well as over the phone and by electronic means. Performs item retrieval tasks, patron and item data entry, and processes holds and returns.
Hours of Work: 10\-12 hours weekly to be determined by Supervisor based on Library needs.
Essential Functions:
(The essential functions or duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. 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.)
Secondary Elements
Minimum Entrance Qualifications:
(To perform successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.)
Education, Training and Experience: Bachelors and up to one\-year related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience. Customer service experience and general interest in public libraries.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill:
Knowledge: A broad knowledge of library functions, library databases and electronic resources, computers, audio\-visual equipment, printers and other peripherals.
Ability: Ability to read and interpret documents such as routine reports and procedures manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to present information effectively, which may require considerable tact, to visitors, customers or employees of the City.
Skill: Strong oral and written communications skills. Strong technology troubleshooting skills.
A strong commitment to public service required.
Physical requirements/work environment
(The physical demands described here represent those requirements that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
Work is performed under typical office conditions; the noise level is quiet to moderate at most times. Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
Operates computers, printers, , copier, calculator, telephone and standard office equipment.
Has access to department\-level confidential information, which requires the application of appropriate judgment, discretion and professional office protocols.
Work requires accuracy, consistent task execution, sound judgment and timely coordination.
Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5 \- 10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally. Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.
Performance Standard
Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the City through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.
Company Description
THE CITY:
The City of Newton is a wonderful place to live and work. Newton has safe and attractive neighborhoods, an excellent public school system, an active community life, multiple transportation systems, proximity to Boston and a well\-managed and financially strong City government. The City of Newton has a population of approximately 88,900, with 32,600 housing units and occupies a land area of 18\.3 square miles. Newton is principally suburban\-residential in character. Unlike many other communities that are established around a single Main Street or downtown, Newton is comprised of thirteen distinctive villages. Newton has a diversified economic base with approximately 4,700 establishments employing approximately 79,500 people. Newton is special in many ways. It is home to a variety of private secondary and post\-secondary schools including a portion of Boston College, Lasell University, William James College, Hebrew College, and the UMass Amherst – Mount Ida Campus. The longest stretch of the Boston Marathon runs through the City, including the well\-known Heartbreak Hill. Newton\-Wellesley Hospital, part of the Mass General Brigham health care system, serves as an important partner to the City. In September 2018, Newton was again ranked \#1 in Massachusetts as the best place to live and \#12 in the U.S.
OUR GOVERNMENT:
Newton has what is known as a “strong Mayor” form of government with the Mayor having the executive and administrative powers of the City. The legislative branch is comprised of 24 City Councilors. Mayor Marc C. Laredo was sworn in on January 1, 2026 after serving on the City Council. The City of Newton was evaluated by Moody’s Investors Services in February 2020 and assigned its highest rating of AAA. Newton was thus well\-positioned to weather the pandemic and economic downturn.
AS AN EMPLOYER:
The City of Newton believes that its employees are its greatest asset. To that end, we are committed to supporting our employees by providing competitive wages and growth, a comprehensive benefits package which includes a defined municipal pension plan, quality health and dental insurance plans, generous paid leave benefits, paid holidays, and access to supplemental benefits such as deferred compensation, short term disability plans, flexible spending accounts, and other employee benefits. We also provide access to an Employee Assistance Program and access to employee training and professional development opportunities. We continuously work to review and expand upon our benefit offerings. We encourage you to visit our Human Resources Department website to learn more about our organization and benefits which are available to our employees. And as always, you are encouraged to reach out to our dynamic HR Team by emailing hr@newtonma.gov.
Human Resources Diversity Statement
We recognize our workforce is a source of strength that is vital to our ability to effectively serve the City of Newton’s diverse community. We will:
The targeted salary range reflects what the City of Newton reasonably and in good faith expects to offer for this position at the time of posting, but the final salary determination may be within or outside this range based on various factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, and market factors. The range will be reviewed regularly and is subject to change.
Benefits
This is a non\-benefited position