Library Assistant III

The Boise Public Library is looking for a Library Assistant III to join the team at the Library! at Hillcrest branch. This position works directly with the public, helping customers find library materials and resources, use computers and technology, navigate their accounts, and answer questions about library services.

The Library Assistant III also plays an important role in the day-to-day operations of the branch, including supporting programs, helping train and guide staff, and coordinating work when a supervisor or librarian is unavailable. We’re looking for someone with strong customer service skills who is comfortable working with people of all ages and backgrounds and can handle a variety of situations with patience and good judgment.

This position works some evenings and weekends, and schedules may vary.

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Four years of experience in a library setting or directly related field, working with diverse populations
• Or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Special Requirements
Applicants must be able to pass:

• City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation

Why the City of Boise?

The benefits are real and among the best in the Treasure Valley:

• 100% Employer paid medical coverage for you and your family.
• PERSI retirement (11.96% Employer Contribution) plus employer-matched 401(k)/457b
• 10 hours vacation/month (grows with tenure), 12 paid holidays, and 8 hours sick leave/month
• 10 weeks paid parental leave
• $500 annual wellbeing incentive
• Tuition reimbursement and free local bus pass
• Basic life and long-term disability insurance at no cost

Disclaimer: This job posting may close earlier than the listed closing date. If this occurs, a minimum of 24 hours’ notice will be provided prior to closing. Applications received for this recruitment may be used to fill similar vacancies within the City of Boise as they occur.Assists library users with circulation, reference, readers advisory and other library services. Researches user's account information and resolves customer concerns tactfully, using discretion and initiative to meet customer needs. Maintains an advanced knowledge of library resources and practices. Assists the public with library computer use and related technology. Researches user inquiries and explains policies and procedures. 

Performs proper library opening and closing procedures. Checks in returned materials using library computer systems. Maintains library collections by accurately sorting and shelving materials. Processes damaged or incomplete library materials. Orders supplies for office and programs. 

Provides guidance, direction, and support for training for lower-level staff. In the absence of a librarian and supervisor/manager, coordinates day-to-day work, delegates tasks, and maintains branch operations. 

Performs moderately complicated tasks that require knowledge, including but not limited to planning, publicizing and delivering in-house and outreach programs for users of all ages, as needed. 

Represents the library, participates in library-wide teams and city-wide system projects and collaborates with other branch staff to maintain and improve branch operations. Maintains an awareness of current library trends and technologies. 

Utilizes judgment, independent analysis and problem-solving to conduct administrative duties such as balancing the register and making bank deposits. Performs all duties of lower-level related positions handles complex issues and problems and refers only the most complex issues to higher-level staff. 

Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.Additional Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

Knowledge of:

• Customer service techniques and office software applications.

Ability to:

• Learn and use automated library systems
• Work independently and use initiative while performing duties
• Prioritize a broad range of administrative tasks
• Exercise tact, patience, diplomacy, cultural sensitivity and courtesy when dealing with customers
• Carry out day-to-day activities independently within established guidelines and procedures
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance
• Perform all essential and marginal functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor, and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training
Five years of experience in a public library or similar environment providing customer service to diverse populations.

Specialized training or certification in relevant field.


The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Efforts
While performing the duties of this job the employee is always lifting/carrying up to 35 pounds and rarely lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds. Also, the employee is always pushing/pulling up to 20 pounds, frequently pushing/pulling up to 75 pounds and occasionally pushing/pulling up to 100 pounds. The noise level is occasionally moderate. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear, smell and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, climb and balance. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.

Working Environment
The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter. Work includes protected exposure to bodily fluids.
This position works: some weekends and evenings and schedules vary.