Library Clerk - Part-Time (On-Call)

About the Role

This is a part-time Library Clerk On-Call opportunity, assigned to work up to 29 hours per week and a maximum of 1,200 hours per calendar year. The City of Salem welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and communities as we strive to deliver the highest quality of service to everyone we serve.

Responsibilities

• Sort, retrieve, process, and shelve library materials.
• Assist patrons at customer service desks with:
  • Registering for new library accounts
  • Providing routine reader’s advisory and account assistance
  • Answering library questions and providing directional assistance
• Assist library users at the Main Library and West Salem Branch Library, including:
  • Checking out materials
  • Answering questions about library services
  • Assisting with technology questions at public computer stations (printing, copying, scanning)
  • Answering general reference and readers’ advisory questions
  • Registering users for new library cards and updating existing accounts
  • Resolving low-level library account issues and escalating complex issues
  • Providing directional assistance and help locating materials
  • Checking library users into study and meeting rooms
• Shelve library materials both numerically by Dewey Decimal Classification and alphabetically by author.
• Review shelves for correct organization of books, magazines, and newspapers.
• Perform tasks requiring physical exertion, including:
  • Lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally
  • Lifting up to 20 pounds frequently
  • Lifting up to 10 pounds constantly
  • Balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, and using manual dexterity
• Work inside with infrequent travel between library branches.
• Assist with projects and other work duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must pass the pre-employment background check and drug test (including marijuana).
• High School diploma or GED and one of the following:
  • One year of library experience or other relevant customer service positions
  • One year of in-person customer service or related work experience
  • Equivalent combination of education, coursework, experience, and/or training
• Evening and weekend availability.
• Ability to commute between the Main Library and the West Salem Branch Library.
• Must work at least two on-call shifts per month and a minimum of 120 hours per year.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher.
• Spanish language bilingual or biliteracy skills.
• Experience working with diverse populations and age groups.
• Experience with computers and mobile devices, including troubleshooting basic computer issues.
• Technology skills, including:
  • Google and/or Microsoft Word processing
  • Microsoft Excel (spreadsheets, formatting, data entry, sorting, shortcuts, filters)
  • Integrated library systems and other software applications

Skills

• Experience with library operations or retail/customer service involving frequent public contact.
• Knowledge of effective decision-making strategies and adaptability to diverse and competing demands.
• High level of attention to detail, especially in shelving materials using alphabetical order and Dewey Decimal systems.
• Experience assisting customers with computers and mobile devices across digital platforms.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and team-oriented workplace.
• Knowledge of modern office or library environments, practices, tools, and emerging technologies.
• Ability to adapt to change and maintain a positive attitude.
• Excellent communication skills.

Schedule

On-call Library Clerks work on an as-needed basis with variable hours, including evenings and weekends. There is no guarantee of a minimum number of work hours per week.

About Us

The City of Salem is the second-largest city in Oregon and the state capital, located in the Willamette Valley. The city spans 49 square miles across Marion and Polk counties and is home to nearly 180,000 residents. The City of Salem employs roughly 1,350 staff members across eight primary departments and collaborates with five labor unions.

Learn more about the Salem Public Library at: https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/library.