Library Assistant 1 Job at City of Eugene in Eugene

Overview

Eugene Public Library is seeking passionate, collaborative, public-service oriented people to fill 3 Library Assistant 1 positions – 2 at Downtown Library and 1 at Sheldon Branch Library.

The entry level Library Assistant 1 (LA1) performs routine and recurring duties of a physical and clerical nature in support of Circulation Services. The LA1 is a valued member of the library team delivering excellent customer service to the community, including at risk and vulnerable populations. The successful candidate will participate in and support library efforts related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and access, and must respond collaboratively, respectfully, and appropriately to requests of patrons and colleagues. This position requires the ability to work independently as well as as part of a dynamic team, read small text, interact with computers (Polaris Leap, Microsoft Suite), maintain physical stamina, and perform repetitive fine motor tasks. Responsibilities include opening items to check for completeness, pushing book carts containing approximately 50 pounds of materials, shelving, shifting, filing, processing, and sorting up to 600-800 materials per shift, standing for extended periods, and walking about 5 miles per day. The LA1 must be able to work with an assembly-line style automated sorting system and observe all safety protocols.

Successful applicants may be assigned to any branch and may be asked to work across locations as needed for coverage.

Responsibilities

• Sort, organize, and shelve materials using carts or shelves; open storage cases, verify items, close cases, and shelve items in call number order according to shelving protocols.
• Transport materials to shelving areas using a book cart; shelve items according to Dewey Decimal, numerical, and alphabetical systems; monitor shelf order and adjust material placement as needed.
• Operate and oversee basic functions of the automated materials handling system (AMS); communicate with teammates, monitor belt status, perform basic troubleshooting, and interact with AMS software interface.
• Assess materials for damage or incompleteness; adjust item records as needed; process patron holds and manage expired holds.
• Accept and process returned materials from manual bins and other locations; check materials in using RFID or barcode scanners when necessary.
• Utilize technology systems to stay updated on staff information, schedules, and desk assignments; communicate with coworkers in a positive and supportive manner.
• Participate in library committees and department meetings; pursue career development and cross-training within the circulation section and other areas of the library.
• Provide basic information to patrons on item location, resources, and services; refer complex policy questions to appropriate staff.
• Ensure assigned work areas are clean and orderly; adhere to City and Library training and respectful work environment policies.

• Actively support and respect diversity, inclusion, equity, and access in the workplace.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Locations and Unit Details

Circulation, Downtown Library

The Circulation work unit at the Downtown Library seeks to fill 2 Library Assistant 1 positions. The team of 22 Library Assistant colleagues works to maintain a respectful, safe, and welcoming environment. Responsibilities include handling a high volume of materials and working with automated materials handling systems.

Sheldon Branch Library

Sheldon Branch seeks 1 Library Assistant 1. The branch prioritizes early literacy, teen services, older adult services, and inclusive access. The LA1 will be integral to creating a welcoming, inclusive work culture and ensuring access to diverse, browsable materials. The role is highly physical and involves managing workflow to ensure materials are checked in and re-shelved; strong communication, flexibility, and task-prioritization are essential.

About Eugene Public Library

The Eugene Public Library is part of the City of Eugene's Library, Recreation & Cultural Services Department. It serves three locations—Downtown, Bethel, and Sheldon—and welcomes over 3,000 visitors daily. The library offers diverse materials and programs and upholds values of equity, inclusion, and responsive service.

Application Details

Application Deadline: Monday, November 3, 2025, at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Accepting online applications only.

Classification: Library Assistant 1

Salary: $21.09 - $26.28 hourly / $43,867.20 - $54,662.40 annually

The starting pay is determined by relevant education and experience. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act.

Department, Division: Library, Recreation and Cultural Services, Library

Union Representation: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

Work Location: Downtown Branch: 100 West 10th Avenue, Eugene, OR 97402; Sheldon Branch: 1566 Coburg Road, Eugene, OR 97401

Schedule: Schedule will be set per business need and communicated during the interview process. Full and part-time options are available. Shifts include:

Downtown: Sundays 9am-6pm; Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays 7am-6pm; Tuesdays-Thursdays 7am-8pm.

Sheldon: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays 9:00am-6:00pm; Tuesdays 11:00am-8:00pm.

Benefits: The City of Eugene offers robust benefits. For more information, view benefits summaries and employee benefits.

Bilingual Pay Benefit: This position qualifies for up to an additional 5% of base salary for bilingual pay. Details available in the posting’s supplemental information.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: Six months of general office or library experience or related customer service experience (e.g., food service, warehouse, fulfillment, shipping, retail).

Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Background: Must pass a background check.

Physical: Must pass a physical assessment and drug test.

Ideal Candidate Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge: Alphabetic and numeric filing; general office equipment (PCs, Microsoft Word/Outlook, photocopier, scanner); interpersonal communication and problem-solving.

Skills: Provide excellent internal and external service, including to at risk and vulnerable populations.

Abilities: Maintain professionalism, communicate effectively in writing and orally; work independently and as part of a team; handle high-volume, fast-paced environments; learn Dewey Decimal and library equipment; lift up to 25 pounds; read documentation and labels; be punctual and adhere to schedules; demonstrate inclusivity and positive library presentation; prioritize tasks and support EPL’s mission, vision, and values.

Working Conditions: Office-like environment; occasional lifting up to 25 pounds and pushing up to 50 pounds; potential for difficult interactions and interruptions; may operate automated materials handling systems.

Other: The City offers diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments and acknowledges bilingual pay as described above. This posting may be used to establish an eligibility list for future vacancies. Selection processes may include questionnaires, tests, interviews, background checks, and possibly medical evaluations. Some requirements may vary by position.

EEO and Legal

The City of Eugene is an equal opportunity employer. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply. The City complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will provide accommodations as needed. The City does not participate in E-Verify.