Library Clerk

Under the direction of the Circulation Manager, the Library Clerk is responsible for providing direct service to library patrons and performs basic clerical and circulation-related tasks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Be present, visible, and provide excellent customer support and service to patrons.


• Respond to a variety of questions and needs from patrons related to the library.


• Charge and discharge library materials.


• Assist patrons signing up for library cards and issue library cards.


• Assist patrons in the use of the online public access catalog and self-check station.


• Assist patrons in locating material on the shelves.


• Assist in shelving materials and straightening shelves as needed.


• Collect money for library fines and fees.


• Explain and enforce library policies and procedures.


• Communicate hold arrivals to patrons.


• Work in other areas of the library as needed.


• Other duties as assigned

Expected Hours of Work:

Must work an average of 20.0 hours a week and cannot exceed 99 hours a month. Evenings and weekends are required.

Non-negotiable work schedule: Sundays 3:00-7:00, Mondays 4:00-8:00, Tuesdays 4:00-8:00, Saturdays 10:45-7:15 

Required Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED


• Ability to obtain a Paraprofessional Library Certificate issued by the KY State Board for the Certification of Librarians.


• Experience working with computers and Microsoft 360 applications.


• 6 months’ experience working with library operating systems, software, and technology preferred.


• Fluency in Spanish preferred.

Required Skills:

• Ability to exercise initiative and maintain professionalism in uncomfortable situations.


• Ability to organize, plan, set priorities, use time effectively, and meet deadlines while working with frequent interruptions.


• Ability to do basic math for routine calculations.


• Ability to adapt, remain flexible, and flourish in a changing environment while maintaining a positive attitude.


• Ability to be tactful and respect confidentiality.


• Ability to communicate effectively with others, orally and in writing, including through email, and the ability to actively listen.


• Ability to establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships with co-workers, patrons, user groups, community organizations, and volunteer groups of varying personalities and ages, and to serve the public courteously in a variety of situations.


• Contributes to creating an environment oriented towards trust, open communication, creative thinking, and a cohesive team.


• Keen attention to detail.


• Possesses strong analytical, time management, interpersonal, and organizational skills as well as the ability to anticipate future needs.


• Ability to take initiative and interest in improving existing work techniques and procedures,


• Willing and able to speak effectively in public.


• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Physical Demands:

• Moving up to 50 lbs. carts and handling heavy boxes of books when the occasion requires.


• Ability to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, grasp, talk, type, pick, pinch, hear, and perform repetitive motions.


• Ability to stand for long periods.


• Movement through facility locations and assisting patrons.


• Ability to handle books, materials, and equipment.


• Ability to reach above the head and below the knee to retrieve shelved items.


• Visual acuity sufficient to identify materials on shelving up to 90” and to read primarily typed or printed text in a variety of type sizes.

Work Environment:

• Climate-controlled environment inside the building.


• Barrier-free work area

Note: This job description does not necessarily reflect all aspects of the job function.