Library Assistant

POSITION:                

Library Assistant

DEPARTMENT:         

Library

POSITION TYPE:     

Full-time

LOCATION:

Hillside Center (Mizonokuchi station)

REPORT TO:

Library Director

WORK HOURS:        

37.5 hours per week

LIBRARY OPERATING HOURS:    

During Semester

Monday to Thursday:  08:30 – 23:00

Friday:  08:30 – 22:00

Saturday:  11:00 – 17:00

During Semester Break

Monday to Friday:  09:00 – 17:00

SHIFT SCHEDULE:

• Work on one of the following shifts on a weekly rotation basis


• Employees will be given a substitute holiday on a weekday when working on a weekend


• Shifts may be adjusted based on operational needs

During Semester

Monday to Friday

• Opening shift:  08:15 – 16:45


• Regular shift:  09:00 – 17:30


• Evening shift:  11:00 – 19:30

During Semester Break

• Regular shift:  09:00 – 17:30

VISA REQUIREMENT:

Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) is able to sponsor a visa for this position.

SALARY & BENEFITS:

Commensurate with experience.

Eleven (11) days paid vacation in the first fiscal year (July-June) increasing to 20 days after 6 years of employment, plus 5 paid “personal and sick days” each year. In addition, approximately two weeks company-wide break over Christmas/New Year. Japanese social insurance and pension, commuting/telework allowance, a welfare-discount program membership, retirement payment system and tuition benefits for Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) programs.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION:

Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) is hiring a full-time Library Assistant. We are looking for a service-oriented individual with strong library skills to assist with daily library operations and provide high-quality service to students, faculty, and staff.

The position supports circulation services, collection management, technical processing, and general library operations. The duties listed below are representative of the work typically performed in this role.

The Library operates across TUJ’s City Campus (Sangen-jaya station) and the newly established Hillside Center (Mizonokuchi station), and staff members work between both locations to support university operations.

Circulation & Patron Services

• Assist patrons at the circulation desk by checking out, checking in, and renewing materials


• Register new patrons and assist with account issues


• Provide technical support for library equipment and assist patrons in using library resources


• Search for lost or missing items and communicate with patrons regarding account holds


• Handle interlibrary loan requests and coordinate with partner institutions

Collection Management & Technical Services

• Maintain the library collection by shelving and organizing materials


• Assist with inventory and maintenance of library materials


• Manage reserve and textbook collections, including processing, tracking, and reporting


• Assist in cataloging, including copy cataloging


• Process prints and non-print materials for inclusion in the library collection

Acquisitions & Periodicals

• Support acquisitions and collection development activities, including reviewing book order lists to prevent duplication


• Receive donated books and coordinate material selection with librarians


• Maintain records related to acquisitions and withdrawn materials


• Manage the periodicals collection, including ordering, processing, weeding, and inventory of periodicals and newspapers

Vendor & Administrative Support

• Coordinate orders with library vendors and manage vendor communications


• Process invoices, payments, claims, and circulation preparation for new materials


• Manage the ordering and receipt of office and specialized library supplies


• Maintain accurate statistics, fiscal records, procedure manuals, and office documentation

General Library Operations

• Supervise and train student workers


• Assist with special projects and compile data for reports


• Perform general clerical tasks such as data entry and file maintenance


• Manage library opening and closing procedures as assigned


• Provide backup support to other library staff members


• Participate in staff meetings and university events


• Collaborate with library staff on operational improvements and strategic initiatives


• Perform additional duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Associate or bachelor’s Degree


• Minimum of two years of increasingly responsible library work experience, including experience with automated cataloging systems and integrated library systems


• Effective written and verbal communication skills in English

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:

• Strong customer service skills, including the ability to handle disruptive situations


• Familiarity with contemporary office practices, library equipment, and technical process relevant to library operations


• Ability to analyze situations and determine effective strategies and ensure efficient organization of day-to-day operations within a specific area


• Knowledge of financial and statistical record-keeping methods and basic mathematical skills


• Able to comprehend and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures while meeting schedules and deadlines in a multicultural environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Paraprofessional Library Technology certificate


• Experience in a similar role in academic library environments


• Japanese proficiency (spoken and written)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

This position requires the physical capability necessary for typical library work, including prolonged periods of standing or sitting, and occasional stooping, bending, kneeling, reaching, or lifting light to moderate materials. Duties also include operating library and office equipment, which requires repetitive hand movements and the use of a computer keyboard.
The work environment is primarily within the library and includes regular interaction with students, faculty, and staff. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Desired start date is July 2026.

Required application materials to be submitted:

1. cover letter,


2. resume or c.v.,


3. contact information for two references.

Only those applicants who make it past the initial review will be contacted.