What are the responsibilities and job description for the Library Assistant position at Erie County Government?
Department
Main Library
Location
Erie County Public Library, Blasco Library
Status
Full Time
Starting Pay Rate
$17.16 Hourly
Hours Per Week
37.5
Exemption Status
Non-Exempt
Posting Date
07/31/2026
Closing Date
08/14/2026
Pay Grade
AP09
Bargaining Unit
AFSCME PROFESSIONAL
Posting Number
5820
Definition of Class
Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Collections, a Library Assistant provides for direct customer service and instruction to library patrons. Utilizes basic knowledge of library science, electronic databases, current technologies, and community resources. Performs work related to processing and handling of Interlibrary Loan requests for borrowing or lending library materials utilizing manual and computer files. Prepares items lent from outside libraries to be borrowed by library patrons and lends materials to outside institutions. Performs other technical services or collection maintenance duties as directed by the department supervisor.
This position requires self-directed work in an office setting and enthusiastic face-to-face service for the public. This position requires working at the reference desk, Idea lab, and other service points as assigned. Library staff members work rotating weekends and up to two nights per week.
Duties & Responsibilities
Interacts with patrons in person, over the telephone, and online to offer assistance in accessing information and library collections in a variety of formats, including both print and digital, personally helping them find the best resource for what they need.
Supplies a full range of patron services in obtaining requested material or information through searching the computerized circulation system, online catalog, bibliographies, and electronic databases.
Guides patrons in use of Internet services.
Maintains working knowledge of library resources: print, digital, and special collections, and instructs patrons in their use.
Performs work relating to the processing and handling of interlibrary loan requests.
Searches numerous databases for specific author and title entries, determines which libraries own the correct title being sought, and generates requests from lending libraries.
Receives and prepares incoming materials for patron loans.
Processes requests from outside institutions, determines item availability, and prepares outgoing packages.
Maintains organized records of items received and sent while upholding patron privacy standards.
The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work
requirements that may be inherent in the job.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Excellent customer service skills which include active listening, effective communication, an expression of patience, friendliness, and courteousness, and a desire to help others.
The ability to work well with others in a team.
The ability to plan, prioritize, and focus on what is critical.
The ability to remain flexible and positive in a time of continuing change.
Demonstrable computer and technology related skills on all manner of PCs and mobile devices.
Knowledge of Online Public Access Catalogs, electronic resources, and other information technology sources to research, obtain, and access program materials needed to fulfill the job responsibilities.
Ability to interpret and communicate library policy to staff, patrons, and the community and resolve patron problems when necessary.
Accuracy and neatness of work.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in a related field with experience.
Minimum of 2 years of public or private library experience; or a comparable combination of work and relevant educational experience.
This job requires a high level of mobility: employee needs to stand for long periods of time, bend over, squat, twist, stoop, climb, and lift up to 50 lbs.
Must be able to Type a Minimum of 30 Words Per Minute with Accuracy
Must provide own transportation.
Demonstrate Accuracy- testing requirement
Conditions Of Employment
The selected candidate will be pre-employment required to obtain, at their own expense, 3 forms of clearance,
including PA State Police Criminal History Record Check; PA Child Abuse History; and FBI Criminal History
Background Check including finger printing.
Main Library
Location
Erie County Public Library, Blasco Library
Status
Full Time
Starting Pay Rate
$17.16 Hourly
Hours Per Week
37.5
Exemption Status
Non-Exempt
Posting Date
07/31/2026
Closing Date
08/14/2026
Pay Grade
AP09
Bargaining Unit
AFSCME PROFESSIONAL
Posting Number
5820
Definition of Class
Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Collections, a Library Assistant provides for direct customer service and instruction to library patrons. Utilizes basic knowledge of library science, electronic databases, current technologies, and community resources. Performs work related to processing and handling of Interlibrary Loan requests for borrowing or lending library materials utilizing manual and computer files. Prepares items lent from outside libraries to be borrowed by library patrons and lends materials to outside institutions. Performs other technical services or collection maintenance duties as directed by the department supervisor.
This position requires self-directed work in an office setting and enthusiastic face-to-face service for the public. This position requires working at the reference desk, Idea lab, and other service points as assigned. Library staff members work rotating weekends and up to two nights per week.
Duties & Responsibilities
Interacts with patrons in person, over the telephone, and online to offer assistance in accessing information and library collections in a variety of formats, including both print and digital, personally helping them find the best resource for what they need.
Supplies a full range of patron services in obtaining requested material or information through searching the computerized circulation system, online catalog, bibliographies, and electronic databases.
Guides patrons in use of Internet services.
Maintains working knowledge of library resources: print, digital, and special collections, and instructs patrons in their use.
Performs work relating to the processing and handling of interlibrary loan requests.
Searches numerous databases for specific author and title entries, determines which libraries own the correct title being sought, and generates requests from lending libraries.
Receives and prepares incoming materials for patron loans.
Processes requests from outside institutions, determines item availability, and prepares outgoing packages.
Maintains organized records of items received and sent while upholding patron privacy standards.
The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work
requirements that may be inherent in the job.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Excellent customer service skills which include active listening, effective communication, an expression of patience, friendliness, and courteousness, and a desire to help others.
The ability to work well with others in a team.
The ability to plan, prioritize, and focus on what is critical.
The ability to remain flexible and positive in a time of continuing change.
Demonstrable computer and technology related skills on all manner of PCs and mobile devices.
Knowledge of Online Public Access Catalogs, electronic resources, and other information technology sources to research, obtain, and access program materials needed to fulfill the job responsibilities.
Ability to interpret and communicate library policy to staff, patrons, and the community and resolve patron problems when necessary.
Accuracy and neatness of work.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in a related field with experience.
Minimum of 2 years of public or private library experience; or a comparable combination of work and relevant educational experience.
This job requires a high level of mobility: employee needs to stand for long periods of time, bend over, squat, twist, stoop, climb, and lift up to 50 lbs.
Must be able to Type a Minimum of 30 Words Per Minute with Accuracy
Must provide own transportation.
Demonstrate Accuracy- testing requirement
Conditions Of Employment
The selected candidate will be pre-employment required to obtain, at their own expense, 3 forms of clearance,
including PA State Police Criminal History Record Check; PA Child Abuse History; and FBI Criminal History
Background Check including finger printing.
Benefits:
Pension Plan, Health Insurance, Vacation & Paid Time OffSalary : $17