Job Description
JOB SUMMARY
Library Assistants at the Providence Athenæum perform a dual function, working some hours on the circulation desk (serving Athenæum members in a library-oriented role) and some hours in the visitor center (serving non-member visitors in a tourism-oriented role). Duties for this position thus involve clerical, paraprofessional, and tourism-based work, with a strong emphasis on excellent customer service. Staff must be courteous, efficient, and helpful, and must represent the institution well in this front-facing position. Library Assistants work under the general supervision of the Circulation Manager. A regular commitment of 20-28 hours per week, including weekends, is required.
DUTIES
· Welcoming members and visitors and providing general information about the library, programs, collections, etc.
· Explaining membership benefits and policies; processing new and renewing memberships.
· Orienting visitors to the library and leading weekly building tours.
· Circulating library materials, including reserves, renewals, and requests.
· Providing light reference help and readers’ advisory for members.
· Handling sales transactions, including library fines, merchandise sales, and membership dues.
· Processing incoming mail and phone calls and directing to appropriate departments.
· Performing routine shelving of library materials and processing new periodicals.
· Assisting in other library departments as needed, including programming support, fundraiser staffing, technical services assistance, and other tasks.
REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS
· Bachelor’s degree, associate degree, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
· Substantial customer service experience in a library, retail, tourism, or clerical setting.
· Basic computer literacy, including Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and typing skills.
· Ability to stand, sit, lift, stoop, walk, climb stairs, and move library materials.
· Ability to perform routine work accurately, follow instruction and procedures, and work independently.
· Ability to establish and maintain effective and pleasant working relationships with library members, visitors, and staff.
Please send resumes to Juli Anna Herndon, Circulation Manager, jaherndon@provath.org.
The Community
The Providence Athenæum is a historic member-supported library. For nearly 200 years, we have been at the heart of cultural life in Providence. Our mission is to enrich the mind, inspire the spirit, and elevate the public discourse.
Website
https://providenceathenaeum.org/
Human Resources / Job Listings
https://providenceathenaeum.org/about/jobsvolunteer/