STUDENT: Library Assistant

Title: STUDENT: Library Assistant
VP Area: Academic Affairs
Department: Library
Position Compensation: $11.50 per hour
Location: Main Campus

Who We Are:
Northwestern is a faith-driven community, UNWavering in our Christ-centered principles and identity as those who profess faith in Jesus. Rooted in the unshakable foundation of God’s Word and our calling to impact His world, our mission and vision flow from these core values, expressed through Christ-centered higher education at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and through gospel outreach and faithfulness with Northwestern Media.

Position Summary:

The Library Assistant supports daily operations by assisting library guests, managing circulation tasks, and maintaining organized collections. This role ensures a welcoming environment for students, faculty, and staff while helping facilitate access to library resources and services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Check materials in and out, process renewals, and ensure accurate transaction records.
• Shelve returned items and retrieve materials for courier or interlibrary services.
• Provide courteous assistance to students, faculty, and staff, answering questions and resolving basic issues.
• Respond to phone calls and emails promptly and professionally.
• Prepare new materials for circulation, including labeling and cataloging as needed.
• Open and close the library according to established procedures.
• Perform other duties as requested or assigned

Because our community is a significant part of our mission and the development of our students and listeners, all employees serve as ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ by actively partnering with the University to disciple students as they grow intellectually and spiritually, and with Northwestern Media to lead people to Christ and nurture believers to maturity in their faith. 

Qualifications:

Required:

• Ability to interact with a variety of individuals in a professional, tactful, and courteous manner
• Must be able to work a night or weekend shift, consistently/weekly
• Ability to lift heavy books and/or push a full cart of books (up to 200 lbs.)
• Maintain a growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, reflect His character in all interactions, and faithfully uphold and embrace Northwestern’s mission, Doctrinal Statement and Declaration of Christian Community 

Nice to Have:

• Familiarity with library systems or cataloging processes
• Previous experience in a library of customer service setting

Key Skills:

• Independent & Teamwork: Capable of working both independently and collaboratively, with minimal supervision.
• Confidentiality: Maintains discretion and handles sensitive information appropriately.
• Organizational Skills: Strong time management and problem-solving abilities; able to prioritize and meet deadlines with attention to detail.
• Technical Proficiency: Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and related software.
• Written & Verbal Communication: Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills. Able to promote Northwestern in a compelling and engaging manner.
• Punctuality & Initiative: Prompt, self-motivated, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment with shifting responsibilities.
• Background Check: Must pass background check as a condition of employment.

Work Environment:
The work environment involves working for a suburban, Christian university or Christian owned and operated radio station alongside those with a demonstrated commitment and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a commitment to the mission and values of Northwestern, and an agreement to abide by all Northwestern policies.

WORKING CONDITIONS & DEMANDS

The following working conditions reflect the typical demands associated with this position and are subject to reasonable accommodation as required by law:

• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to safely and effectively perform job duties in a typical office setting. 
• Clear and professional verbal communication for instruction, collaboration, and customer service. 
• Manual dexterity and motor coordination for typing, writing, and using equipment/tools. 
• Physical mobility to sit, stand, walk, and occasionally bend, reach, or lift as required. 
• Cognitive abilities such as focus, memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and adaptability. 
• Professional appearance and hygiene appropriate to the role. 
• Ability to read, write, and understand instructions and technical information.
• Lift up to 20 lbs.; stoop, kneel, crouch, and handle materials, constantly.