Job Opportunities

Employment Opportunity

Cambridge Public Library - Libraries Assistant (Central Square)

We're here to help

Schedule a time to review your resume, work on interview skills, or to chat about your career goals with Job Connector staff.

Request an Appointment

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under minimal supervision, provides outstanding customer service to diverse patrons of all ages and performs circulation, technical, programming, reader's advisory and clerical duties in all areas of unit.

  • Deliver exceptional and engaging service to the public.
  • Perform circulation and patron account management duties.
  • Assist patrons in locating books and information and in using a wide range of technologies (e.g., computers, laptops, e-readers, tablets, scanners, emerging STEAM technologies, Wi-Fi hotspots), including basic troubleshooting and maintenance.
  • Maintain orderliness and neatness in the library. Process deliveries; merchandise and shelve materials.
  • Monitor public areas of library.
  • Communicate and apply library policies and procedures; address and resolve patron issues.
  • Promote library services and may participate in outreach and programming activities, including setting up and operating audiovisual and STEAM equipment.
  • Perform data entry, record editing, and other clerical tasks.
  • Participate in trainings and workgroups for planning and implementing projects, programs, and initiatives.
  • May assist with special projects and coordinate daily tasks of unit.
  • Other duties as required for the good of the Library.

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

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • High school diploma or high school equivalency is required
  • Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university is desirable.
  • Experience working in public libraries or other community settings is desirable.
  • Fluency in a language in addition to English is desirable.
  • In exceptional instances, specialized education, training and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the required elements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

  • Knowledge and understanding of the Library's mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities.
  • Commitment to doing all work through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
  • Strong customer service skills and commitment to public service.
  • Ability to work with a diverse population in an urban setting.
  • Effective communication, interpersonal skills, and a positive attitude.
  • Sound judgment and problem-solving skills, including the ability to handle unexpected situations.
  • Strong teamwork skills, including flexibility to fill in during scheduling emergencies and vacation periods.
  • Knowledge of urban public library concepts and techniques, literature and media, digital resources, and current technology.
  • Ability to operate library computers, equipment, software, and systems.
  • Knowledge of developmental principles, materials, and current issues related to serving target audiences.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  Works in assigned area, including office areas, training rooms, library locations, as needed. Normal office exposure to noise, stress, and interruptions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Ability to operate standard office equipment; transport carts of materials which can weigh more than 100 pounds across a level floor or on a ramp; carry baskets of materials weighing up to 30 pounds; pay attention to details and concentrate on tasks despite frequent interruptions and moderate noise levels; communicate effectively and exchange accurate information with coworkers and members of the public read and organize written material; place library materials on shelves or carts which can be located at floor level or overhead.  

HOURS OF WORK:   30 hours/week. Hours are assigned and may be changed to meet the needs of the Department and the Library. Flexibility is required. Initial schedule as follows:

L414-728: Monday 9:30-6, Tuesday 12:30-9, Wednesday 12:30-9, Friday 9:30-6, Saturday 10:00-2 (once every three weeks, extra hours, no day off for Saturday). May temporarily work Wednesday 9:30-6 if Central Square Branch is not open on Wednesday nights yet at the start date.

L414-741: Monday 1:00-6, Tuesday 12:30-9, Wednesday 4:00-9, Thursday 12:30-9, Friday 1:00-6 (Off on Saturday rotation weeks), Sat 9:30-2:30 (1 of 3 Saturdays). May temporarily work Wednesday 1:00-6 if Central Square Branch is not open on Wednesday nights yet at the start date.

 

RATE: $26.15 - $28.08 per hour in five steps + excellent benefits

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Internal applicants submit a job bidding form and 2 copies of both your resume and cover letter; external applicants submit both your resume and cover letter via email to: employment@cambridgema.gov or to the Personnel Dept, Room 309, City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge MA  02139. Fax 617-349-4312. POSITION WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FILLED.

THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, SEX, RELIGION, AGE, NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY OR ANY OTHER PROTECTED CATEGORY. WOMEN, MINORITIES, VETERANS, MEMBERS OF THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY, AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE RESIDENTS ARE ESPECIALLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES, WRITTEN MATERIALS IN ALTERNATIVE FORMATS, AND REASONABLE MODIFICATIONS IN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES WILL BE PROVIDED TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES FREE OF CHARGE, UPON REQUEST. The City is committed to advancing a workforce culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

A program of:

Office of Government and Community Relations

The Job Connector by MIT was created as part of the community benefits package of the VolpeMIT rezoning.