Duluthga is hiring: Library Technician in Duluth

Overview

The Duluth Public Library is seeking people interested in our Library Technician role. If you have a passion for customer service and are dedicated to the library's mission of being a safe and welcoming place for everyone in the community, read on. Please note: an eligible list is being established for the Library Technician classification. Candidates whose names appear on the eligible list may be considered for any full-time or part-time vacancies that occur while the list remains active. The current opening is a part-time vacancy at the Mount Royal Branch Library.

The Library Technician position is an entry-level role that requires essential skills like excellent customer service, good communication, and attention to detail. Experience in front-line customer service positions, human services, or roles serving a wide variety of people is important. Any relevant experience gained while obtaining a degree should be highlighted. Library Technicians perform various tasks at all Duluth Public Library locations. Future openings may be full- or part-time and may have different areas of focus. Regardless of the work area, the work involves interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds, including children and their caregivers, in a customer service setting.

Our mission is to serve all people in the community. We are an equal opportunity employer and strive to have a workforce that reflects the diverse community of people who use the library.

Summary / Purpose

About the Job: This position supports the successful operation of the library by providing services to the public and by maintaining library materials and records. It operates under supervision and is also expected to use independent judgment.

Responsibilities

• Provide an outstanding customer experience to people of all ages and backgrounds, including children and families, by staffing a public service desk.
• Respect and maintain patron privacy.
• Assist library patrons to borrow, return, renew, or place requests for material.
• Teach and assist patrons in using library services and equipment, including public computers.
• Teach and assist patrons in accessing library resources on their own electronic devices.
• With direction, recommend library materials to patrons and refer them to various services, collections, and areas of the Library.
• Assist patrons with library-related financial transactions.
• Acknowledge complaints and problems, and resolve them within areas of authority.
• Order, catalog, process, and maintain various library materials.
• Create and maintain patron database files following Library policies.
• Support interlibrary loan services.
• Prepare, create, and execute reports in the integrated library system.
• Provide outreach to the community.
• With direction, plan, organize, promote, and implement programs, displays, and special events at the Library or in the community.
• With direction, help promote and market the Library.
• Under supervision, coordinate, schedule, and participate in the work and placement of volunteers and Library staff.
• Serve on and participate in special project committees, task forces, and work groups.
• Maintain required records and statistics.
• Under supervision, perform preliminary evaluation of existing library materials for removal.
• Help train less-experienced staff.
• Collect, count, and prepare daily cash receipts for deposit.
• Maintain office and library supply inventory.
• Perform general cleanup of library spaces as necessary.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot computer equipment and devices as required.
• Perform related tasks as assigned. Specific duties vary per work location.

Education & Experience Requirements

• One (1) year of experience in a related position (examples include working in a library, customer service positions, bookstores, early childhood programs, or schools); OR completion of a Bachelor's degree in a related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Education and/or experience must demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities in the job description.

Knowledge Requirements

• Knowledge of basic mathematics.
• Knowledge of personal computer operations, including internet use, social media, word processing and email.

Skill Requirements

• Skill in typing at a rate of 30 net words per minute.
• Skill in creating, organizing, maintaining, and updating electronic and manual files and records.
• Skill in providing customer service, including both assistance and instruction.
• Skill in detail-oriented tasks.

Ability Requirements

• Ability to learn and use library technology and equipment.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to understand and interpret policies and to effectively communicate them to the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the general public, including people of all ages, people with disabilities, and people from a variety of social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Ability to interpret questions, provide satisfactory explanations, and resolve complaints.
• Ability to work independently and to exercise discretion in the absence of specific instructions.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Ability to adapt to change.
• Ability to work evening and weekend hours at various locations as scheduled.
• Ability to create and maintain a positive working environment that welcomes diversity, ensures cooperation, and promotes respect by sharing expertise with team members, fostering safe work practices, and developing trusting work relationships.

Physical Ability Requirements

• Ability to retrieve and replace materials on shelves at various heights.
• Ability to propel a loaded shelving cart weighing up to 335 pounds for distances of up to 50 feet on a carpeted surface.
• Ability to frequently transport (usually by lifting and carrying) materials weighing up to 25 pounds, and occasionally weighing up to 50 pounds, from one part of the Library to another.
• Ability to work in a stationary position for long periods.
• Ability to transport oneself throughout the Library and to and from Branch Libraries.
• Ability to transport oneself to, from, and around sites of projects, tests, and other assignments.
• Ability to attend work on a regular basis.

Education/Experience Review (100% of scoring process; 70 pass point): Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be rated based on the type (relatedness) and extent of their experience as documented on their application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Applicants who pass this exam will have their names placed on an eligible list for this classification.

2026 Hourly Rate: $25.3918-$30.4689