Library Assistant III – Circulation Daytime Job at Oberlin College in Oberlin

Job Summary

The Oberlin College Libraries invite applications for the position of Library Assistant III in the Terrell Library. This is a full time, 12-month, continuing, Administrative Assistant position, reporting to the Head of Circulation and Access Services.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Head of Circulation and Access Services, the Daytime Circulation Supervisor oversees daily operations of the circulation desk during scheduled hours, ensuring effective, welcoming, and consistent service for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This position plays a central role in managing a large team of student assistants and works closely with fellow supervisors to foster a culture of excellent customer service, accountability, and teamwork. The position work week is Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. & Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.. This schedule will vary during breaks and Winter Term.

Essential Job Functions

• Supervise daily circulation desk functions, including loans, returns, renewals, holds, and patron account management
• Hire, train, evaluate, and direct the daily workflows of student assistants, ensuring student staff are well prepared to provide accurate, courteous, and professional service
• Oversee student scheduling and payroll processes, including timecard approval
• Provide high-quality customer service by answering questions, resolving problems, interpreting and enforcing library policies, and making referrals to other staff as needed
• Support equitable access to library services and collections and promote a positive image of the library through friendly, cooperative, and respectful interactions with patrons and colleagues
• Write daily shift reports and communicate issues to other supervisors and staff
• Prepare and maintain basic circulation reports and statistics
• Assume major responsibility for Terrell Library facilities during scheduled hours, which may include opening and closing the building, and implementing appropriate safety and emergency procedures when needed.

Marginal Job Functions

• Assist with course reserves, interlibrary loan processing, and stack maintenance as needed
• Troubleshoot basic departmental equipment problems (printers, copiers, circulation workstations)

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant library work experience
• Strong public service orientation and demonstrated interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Keyboarding proficiency (minimum 35 wpm)
• Proficiency with standard office software (word processing, spreadsheets, databases)
• Aptitude in troubleshooting basic computer and mechanical issues
• Strong organizational skills, attention to accuracy, and ability to multitask effectively
• Positive references verifying reliability, judgment, and professionalism
• Commitment to inclusive and equitable library services.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working in a library, preferably with an integrated library system or automated circulation system
• Supervisory or student staff management experience
• Experience working collaboratively in a team environment
• Ability to remain calm and effective in busy or stressful situations
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing procedures and communicate them clearly to others
• Other duties as assigned.

Quick Link for Posting

https://jobs.oberlin.edu/postings/16920

Compensation

The Pay Grade 5 Administrative Assistant position is to be filled at an hourly rate of $24.92 or at the appropriate transfer rate for internal candidates and includes an excellent benefits package.

Special Instructions to Applicants

This position is open to all current OCOPE members and external candidates. Ocope members will be given preference during the 10-day review period that expires on 11/18/25.

Note: Applicants chosen for interview will be contacted to take the following tests in the Human Resources Office: Keyboarding, Basic Word, Basic Excel and Proofreading testing. Candidates must pass all tests in order to be considered for an interview.