Senior Library Assistant

Req ID

Dept

Boston Public Library

Position

Regular Full-Time

Location

BPL Central Charging Rec

Salary Min

42,530.51

Salary Max

51,137.80

Union

AFP

Openings

1

Posting End Date

1/28/2026

Contact Email

Position Overview: Library Assistant whose duties include the following: Under the supervision of the Supervisor of Circulation, or delegate, performs duties relative to the routine operations of the Library's circulation activities.

Reports to: Borrower Services Supervisor.

Under immediate supervision and in accordance with standard policy and practices, performs any or all of the following:

• Greets and directs library patrons in person, over the phone, and electronically, providing simple directions, and information.
• Participates in related operations, including but not limited to charging and discharging materials in all formats, receiving and recording fines, processing reserves, registering borrowers, issuing library cards, maintaining patron records, and addressing customer service issues. Communicates and interprets BPL policies and procedures in a professional and courteous manner.
• Identifies, refers problems, and suggests solutions to their supervisor.
• Collects, routes in, sorts, shelves, and prepares periodicals and current newspapers for circulation, discard, or storage.
• Books museum passes and instructs the public in the use of booking software.
• Receives and routes requests, maintains reserve shelf, handles send item list, accepts requests for books, periodicals, and other materials from closed stack areas serviced by the department, inspects for completeness, and retrieves materials.
• Receives, sorts, shelves, shifts, verifies, delivers, and bar-codes books, and traces records and searches shelves for books. May, on occasion, re-check locations for materials not located in the initial search.
• Fills out simple forms and records, and assists in clerical duties as required.
• Prepares summary reports of activity and compiles basic statistical records.
• Provides simple equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, e.g., turning on and off, cleaning, filling with paper, replacing toner cartridges, etc., for machines within the department or immediately adjacent to a service desk.
• Assists in keeping an orderly appearance of public information in areas of responsibility. Sorts and routes U.S. Mail.
• Attends training as directed.
• Performs other related duties as required.

• Education – High School Graduate or equivalent.
• Experience – None required.
• Demeanor appropriate to a public service environment.
• Tact in dealing with people; dependability and good communication skills.
• Professional manner and appearance.
• Ability to use a keyboard.
• Demonstrated ability to accept responsibility and deal with the public.
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff.
• Proficiency with MS Word and Excel.
• Demonstrates initiative when performing job duties.
• Communicates effectively and presents ideas clearly.
• Ability to collaborate with library staff and the public.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
• CORI - Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: AFSCME/LA-3

Hours per week: Hours per week: 18 (Saturday/Sunday included)