Substitute Library Assistant

Under the direction of the Administrative Services Manager, the Substitute Library Assistant is responsible for providing direct service to library patrons at multiple locations at the main library, satellite libraries, and other outreach events.

• Provides library services both on-site and at off-site locations.


• Works all library service desks at both the main library and satellite sites.


• Provides excellent customer service to patrons of all ages and backgrounds.


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


• Aids patrons with technology-related needs and services.


• Charges and discharges library materials.


• Assists patrons in signing up for library cards and issues library cards.


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


• Assists patrons in locating material on the shelves.


• Assists in shelving materials and straightening shelves as needed.


• Collects money for library fines and fees.


• Explains and enforces library policies and procedures.


• Communicates hold arrivals to patrons.


• Ensures patron record confidentiality.


• Aids all departments with programs, both at the main branch and satellite sites.


• Assists in driving library vehicles to various locations in Scott County.


• Assist with setting up satellite library sites and/or other organized library outreach events.


• Moves shelves, furniture, and unloads and loads items for transport to library programs/events.


• Other duties as assigned.

Expected Hours of Work:

May work no more than 20.0 hours a week, can work as little as 0 hours a week, and operates on an on-call basis. Cannot exceed 99 hours a month. Open availability, including mornings, evenings, and weekends, is required.

Required Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED.


• Experience working with computers and Microsoft Office 360 applications.


• Experience working in a library is preferred.


• Fluency in Spanish is 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 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.


• Ability to troubleshoot effectively.


• 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 50lbs. carts and handling moderately 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 and sit for long periods of time.


• 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.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

• Climate-controlled environment inside the building, inside the library vehicle, and seasonal conditions outside the building.


• Limited access to restroom facilities when driving a library vehicle.

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