City of Sioux City is hiring: Library Assistant (Part-time) in Sioux City

Overview

We’re Hiring: Library Assistant (Part-Time, 20 hrs/week)

Do you love books, people, and the idea of making your community a little brighter every day? The Sioux City Public Library is looking for a Library Assistant to join our team. This is a hands-on, people-first role where you’ll help connect folks with the stories, resources, and tech that make a real difference.

Why You’ll Love This Job

• You’ll meet people of all ages and help them every day
• You’ll be surrounded by books (and can recommend your favorites!)
• You’ll learn new skills, especially with technology
• You’ll be part of a supportive team that values creativity and service

Every shift brings something new:

• Greeting patrons and making them feel welcome
• Helping kids and adults find the right book or resource
• Answering questions and pointing people in the right direction
• Sitting down for one-on-one tech help (training included)
• Putting together book displays, reading lists, or social media posts that get people excited about reading

Schedule & Location

• About 20 hours each week
• Mix of daytime, evening, and weekend shifts
• Occasionally working at different Library branches in Sioux City (travel time is built in)

Why Work With Us

Working with the City of Sioux City provides you with competitive pay and IPERS retirement benefits — giving you stability now and peace of mind for the future.

Ready to Apply?

Remember to include your cover letter and resume with your application.

Employees must live within 30 miles of Sioux City (including parts of Nebraska and South Dakota).

Responsibilities

• Under general supervision, provide Library patrons with assistance regarding reference, technology, and general use of the Library and assist with circulation duties, programs and the general maintenance of Library collections and materials.
• Staff the public service desks and assist patrons in person and via telephone or the internet with general use of the Library, answer reference and technology questions and make suggestions using various reference tools and resources.
• Conduct specific research in response to requests for information.
• Assist patrons in the use of everyday technology and devices.
• Check materials in and out.
• Create content for the Library’s social media platforms.
• Assist with the planning and delivery of various outreach programs; plan, promote, and conduct programs for the public.
• Assist with collection development, review materials, and make recommendations for additions and deletions for the collection.
• Maintain specialized files for public and professional use.
• Shelve books and review shelves for proper order; identify lost or misplaced materials.
• Make presentations to groups and conduct Library tours.
• Organize and prepare books and materials for use in the book van.
• Prepare Library newsletters, booklists, guides, pathfinders, etc.
• Prepare and maintain professional communication with individuals and organizations concerning Library business and services.
• Gather and maintain records and data for use in preparing reports regarding Library activities.
• Respond to citizens’ questions and concerns in a courteous and timely manner.
• Follow and enforces all Library policies to help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for patrons.
• Perform other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the position as assigned by management.
• Expected to temporarily perform duties outside of normal classification in the event of a declared emergency. In the event that an employee is excused from work other than being sick, they will be required to report to work in a state of declared emergency.

Cognitive Demands, Skills, and Abilities

Skills and abilities: Ability to apply current library technology and automated services in selecting appropriate materials, resources and services to assist patrons; ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in serving the general public; ability to maintain records and reports regarding Library usage and services; adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions; using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems; understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents; ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences; ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

Job Knowledge: Requires a thorough knowledge of Library policies and practices; a broad range of reference, general technology, and readers’ advisory materials and services; general clerical methods and procedures; knowledge of basic business math and computer applications; public relations and the ability to use the English language effectively; knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services; knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, designing forms and workplace terminology.

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication: Requires effective communication skills and the ability to provide technical assistance and direction to other employees and Library patrons; must be able to speak clearly, distinctly and effectively with patrons and fellow employees; read in English; write effectively for the needs of the audience; establish and maintain an effective working rapport with fellow employees, patrons, and City officials.

Physical Requirements: Requires ability to reach and handle a variety of paper documents using fingers and hands; precise use of fingers in typing and entering data using a standard keyboard. Occasionally lifts and carries objects weighing up to 30 lbs. and may push or pull objects up to 30 lbs. Requires clarity of vision at 20 inches or less, numerical/clerical/form perception and discrimination, and motor coordination of eyes, hands, and fingers at a normal speed.

Work Environment

Work is normally performed in a general inside office environment with heating and cooling and is not subject to significant hazards other than general public contact. Some occasional exposure to extreme weather conditions is involved.

Minimum Requirements

• Employee must possess a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in any field of study, and at least one year of public service experience in any profession; or
• High School Diploma or GED, and at least three (3) years of clerical experience working in an office setting, and two (2) years of experience working in a public library performing reference or circulation duties with customer service responsibilities; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.