Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County logo
6 days ago
Full-time
On-site
Nashville, Tennessee, United States

Position Description

A city with a great library is a great city, and that’s very true for Nashville. With nearly three million visits per year — and a collection of almost two million items — Nashville Public Library (NPL) is Music City’s gateway to lifelong learning, growth, and community connection. Our one-of-a-kind Civil Rights Room and Votes for Women Room bring visitors together to explore the history of civil rights and plot a course for our shared future. Our lauded Wishing Chair Productions puppet shows and story times delight audiences of all ages with stories that make them laugh, love, and grow. Meanwhile, initiatives like Studio NPL, Bringing Books to Life, Seed Exchange, Be Well at NPL, and Digital Inclusion connect Nashvillians with resources from across our 21-location system to learn new skills, enrich their quality of life, and forge long-lasting friendships. If you have a passion for helping people, love books and learning, and desire to be part of a team that does transformative work every day, then NPL just might be the place for you.

This position Library Associate performs paraprofessional and clerical work involved in day-to-day operations of a public library division or branch. This recruitment will be used to fill full and part-time positions in the following areas: 

TEEN SERVICES:
Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong interest in working in a public library; work experience with youth; a passion for serving middle and high school youth; a desire to develop teens’ interests through programs and library resources both at the library and during outreach; the flexibility and innovation necessary to keep up with best practices for serving teens.

CHILDREN’S SERVICES:
Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to relate in a friendly and open manner with children and parents; an energetic and willing desire to assist children and parents in using library services and facilities; ability to build relationships and outreach to schools and a great display of enthusiasm for creating innovative services for children through the library.

ADULT SERVICES: 
Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to offer excellent customer service in Adult Services; a passion for providing library services and programming for adults, with an emphasis on public service, reference, reader’s advisory and new technology.  

MATERIAL SERVICES: 
Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to perform high volume, detailed financial transactions while maintaining data accuracy.

Typical Duties

  • Provides direct library services to the public, such as reference, and reader guidance. 
  • Assists the public with library resources and services including public computers, use of the online catalog, internet resources, locating materials and information.
  • May assist with outreach services to groups and individuals in the community.
  • May function as person-in-charge in the absence of a supervisor.
  • May assist with public service desk duties, including circulation, as assigned.
  • May assist with training classes for the staff and the public.
  • May lead clerical or technical employees and/or oversee volunteers.
  • May oversee and participate in the opening and closing of the branch or division.
  • Prepares and presents programs for the public.
  • Conducts tours for school and community groups.
  • Processes electronic, online and paper invoices, and approves daily financial transactions, using library software and Metro’s Oracle financial software.
  • Contacts vendors for account setup and maintenance, including user profiles, fund and location codes, and order and invoice transmission methods.
  • Creates Excel financial reports for the tracking, analysis, and planning of present and future material purchases.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university

*Additional library, customer service, or similar public service experience may be considered in lieu of education 


Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply.

Note: Per Metro Ordinance No. SO94-1078. All employees of the Metropolitan Government shall be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents of the state within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment with the Metropolitan Government.

Preferred Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Knowledge of library materials, collections, and services.
  • Fluent bilingual language skills.
  • Knowledge of reference techniques. 
  • Knowledge of the operation and use of the online library catalog.
  • Skill in dealing with the public, in person, online and by telephone.
  • Skill in using computer software (Microsoft Office) and online resources.
  • Experience using library Integrated Library Systems (ILS), SQL and Oracle software.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. Metro Nashville is committed to selecting the most qualified candidate for each of our roles.

Metro Nashville Government respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will make, on request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on business operations.


Requests for ADA or other protected accommodations for the recruitment process should be directed to Human Resources at 615-862-6640.