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WE ARE HIRING Tiffin-Seneca Public Library is looking for two (2) part-time Public Service Assistants to join our team. As a Public Services Assistant, you will help our patrons find library materials, answer their information needs, and check out materials for use at home. You will play a key role in helping the Library fulfill its mission of “Providing access to diverse materials, technologies, spaces, and experiences to enrich lives and encourage community.”

TO APPLY: Apply online via Indeed.com, or email your resume, cover letter, and professional references to mailto:jobs@tiffinsenecalibrary.org with “Public Services Assistant Search (07-26)” in the subject line; Applicants may also may mail materials to the library via USPS (77 Jefferson St, Tiffin, OH 44883) or drop-off paper copies at our Circulation Desk.

DEADLINE: This posting closes on 07/31/2026.

Public Services Assistant POSITION DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Public Services Assistant

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Hours: Part-Time (24 Hours/Week)

Starting Rate: $14.00

WFH Eligibility This position is not eligible for remote work.

Department: Public Services

Reports To: Public Services Manager

JOB SUMMARY Provides direct assistance to patrons at both the Information and Circulation desks, moving flexibly between these locations as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Greets patrons; assists or refers them according to their needs.

  • Performs standard circulation duties such as checking library materials in and out; processing holds; calling patrons; emptying the book drop; registering new borrowers; sorting materials for shelving, holds, or transport, etc.

  • Performs standard reference duties such as answering reference questions, providing readers’ advisory services, helping patrons locate library materials, assisting with genealogy inquiries, etc.

  • Assists patrons in learning to use library resources, library equipment, and personal digital devices.

  • Participates in library programs and special projects as assigned.

  • Creates and stocks displays based on library needs.

  • Resolves incidents, problems, concerns, and conflicts according to library policies and procedures.

  • Provides in-person public service and resolves problems, concerns, and incidents according to library policies and procedures at scheduled service points during assigned shifts.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Outstanding customer service skills.

  • Excellent verbal communication, written communication, keyboarding, and telephone skills.

  • Knowledge of the principles of Intellectual Freedom as they apply in a public library.

  • Comfortable with effectively using and accurately explaining common technologies including computer hardware, software, and mobile devices such as e-Readers, tablets, and smart phones.

  • Ability to work independently, accurately, and with attention to detail.

  • Takes initiative, exercises independent judgment, and prioritizes workload effectively

  • Ability to retain, follow, and explain organizational procedures, processes, policies, and operations.

ORGANIZATION-WIDE WORK EXPECTATIONS Every library staff member is expected to:

  • Interact professionally with other staff members, patrons, and vendors.

  • Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.

  • Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.

  • Communicate and coordinate work efforts with others.

  • Uphold library performance standards, work rules, and policies

  • Comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and Library policies.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • None.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS While performing the responsibilities of this job, these work environment characteristics are representative of the environment an employee will encounter. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job:

  • The employee may occasionally be exposed to chemicals used in common cleaning products.

  • The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate but may occasionally be loud when working around library machines or equipment or after school.

  • In general, work will be in the equivalent of an office environment.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

  • Remain in a stationary position for extended periods while assisting patrons at service desks or working at a computer.

  • Move about the library to retrieve materials, re-shelve books, and assist patrons in various areas.

  • Operate standard office and library equipment, including computers, printers, scanners, and photocopiers.

  • Lift, carry, and shelve library materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

  • Bend, stoop, reach, and push/pull book carts weighing up to 100 pounds.

  • Communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and via electronic means.

  • Adjust focus and read small print on labels, computer screens, and printed materials.

SCHEDULE 24 hours per week, typically scheduled as three (3) eight-hour workdays and including at least one evening shift. Participates in department’s weekend rotation. Schedule will vary as required to meet the library’s needs.

TRAVEL Infrequent local travel may be required.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor’s Degree

  • Criminal Background Check

  • Ability to utilize reliable transportation to report to work promptly.

  • Ability to work a variable schedule including day, evening, and weekend shifts.

  • Willingness to pick-up occasional uncovered shifts.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Previous public library experience preferred.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Tiffin-Seneca Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.

This job description is not a contract of employment and does not create any contractual rights or obligations. Employment with the Library is at-will and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.

The Library reserves the right to modify this job description at any time.

Any individual who poses a direct threat to the health and safety of themselves or others in the workplace will be deemed not qualified for this position.