25-162- Library Assistant (LA1) - University Libraries

Join a vibrant campus community whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success. West Chester University of Pennsylvania’s Library Services team invites applicants for the part-time and temporary position of  Library Assistant (LA 1). This is a one-year assignment with 15 scheduled hours per week.

West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

WCU proudly offers a positive and purposeful work environment; commitment to work-life balance; and a University mission to support employee personal and professional growth including training and development and advancement opportunities. 

The University Libraries empower intellectual exploration through building connections, collections, and community.    As an active partner in the University’s academic programs, the libraries are a major contributor to WCU’s core mission of student success. The faculty members serve as both instructors of information literacy and stewards of library resources. The staff members support the operation of the libraries whether it be assisting patrons at help desks, making the various library resources ready for patron use, or providing access to library technology. 

Library Assistants support the daily operations of the University Libraries during the academic year at both the FHG Library and Presser Music Library. This position moves between two library locations on campus to staff Library Help Desks.  

The hours of this position are scheduled between 10 am and 10 pm from Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 6 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 12 pm to 10 pm on Sunday. Hours are significantly reduced over the summer and the winter sessions and may increase during busy times including exam periods.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate experience working at a library help desk; excellent customer service skills; the ability to communicate effectively across a diverse population; and the ability to work creatively, independently, and collaboratively while contributing to a positive and professional work environment. 

Responsibilities include:

• Staff Library Help Desks at two libraries
• Assist patrons by answering questions and loaning library materials
• Shelve
• Maintain quality control and inventory of collections
• Process resource requests
• Maintain equipment including laptops, printers, and desktops
• Troubleshoot equipment issues
• Assist with on-going and special projects
• Open and/or close the library on weekends as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

• One year of library- clerical experience OR
• One year of experience in clerical, typing or secretarial work OR
• One year of appropriate post-high school training
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, and Excel

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of correct English usage, punctuation, spelling, grammar, and vocabulary
• Knowledge of modern library techniques, procedures, and working tools used in accessing, cataloging, circulating and maintaining library materials
• Skill in the performance of clerical and manipulative tasks
• Ability to apply library methods and principles in acquiring, circulation, and providing limited patron services
• Ability to understand and carry out moderately complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other library personnel and with the public

• Library help desk experience 
• Customer service experience 
• Experience using ALMA or related library management systems
• Experience troubleshooting simple equipment issues

This position requires the ability to push carts of books weighing up to 50 pounds and to crouch and climb on step stools to shelve books.

Candidates must apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa. A cover letter and resume attachment are both required for consideration.

Applicants must successfully complete the interview process to be considered as a finalist.

All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all pre-employment criminal background checks.