Library Assistant Jobs in Albert Lea, MN (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $32.20 - $41.70 Hourly
Location : 105 North Elm Ave., MN
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: Library Specialist 08 2026
Department: Library
Division: Library
Opening Date: 08/27/2026
Closing Date: 9/1/2026 3:00 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NA
Description
THE COMMUNITY WE SERVE:
The City of Owatonna is a growing community strategically placed at the crossroads of I-35 and two major US highways, approximately one hour south of the Twin Cities metro area. The community has a commitment to growth, access to services, and quality of life for its 26,000 residents.
Click the link below to learn more about the community this position would have the opportunity to be part of and serve.
ABOUT THE LIBRARY DEPARTMENT:DEPARTMENT PURPOSE:
We believe that libraries are an essential hub in any community. The Library Department creates a better tomorrow by providing a welcoming space supporting the access to diverse educational resources to enhance the quality of life in our community.
As an organization, our Purpose is to create a better tomorrow. We are guided in that work by our organization's 3 Core Values: Better Together, Community Stewardship, and Pride in Our Work.In our department, the City's values look and sound like . . .BETTER TOGETHER:

• Creating one Library team - it takes all of us
• Utilizing individual strengths, skills, abilities, and backgrounds while learning from one another
• Developing programming with other city departments and celebrating each other's successes
• Working toward shared goals
• Positively explaining how and why a task supports shared goals

COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP:

• Working with and building relationships with organizations throughout the community
• Creating a space, collection, and programming that meets the diverse needs of the community
• Serving and welcoming all
• Using taxpayers' money and city resources wisely, efficiently, and effectively

PRIDE IN OUR WORK:

• Going above and beyond to consistently provide prompt and positive customer service to all patrons
• Holding ourselves to a high standard--we know our collection, keep work areas organized, and show up ready to serve our community
• Taking satisfaction in the public's utilization and enjoyment of our services and facilities
• Celebrating our hard work

Duties / Responsibilities
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
This position is responsible for performing the more complex daily operations of the library. Responsibilities may include purchasing; processing accounts payable; maintain periodical titles for regional data base; interacting with customers; ensuring policies and procedures are followed; recommending and purchasing equipment; and managing special projects.
Specifically, as the Library Specialist you will...

• Assist patrons in finding and checking out library materials and using public computers, while providing an outstanding customer experience to people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Retrieves, scans, shelves, and repairs returned materials.
• Catalogues, inventories, and processes materials.
• Participates in program planning and conducting tours and classes for groups.
• Reviews work schedule.
• Conducts outreach visits to schools and other off-site programming areas.
• Maintains data bases.
• Performs miscellaneous housekeeping duties, including straightening of furniture, and occasionally cleaning up of bodily fluids.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Qualifications
ABOUT YOU:
A successful candidate will have some or all of the following ...
A High school diploma or G.E.D.; 2 years library or related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the duties such as those listed above.
Licensing in:

• None

Knowledge of:

• Developmental stages of children and their needs;
• Daily library operations, including cataloguing and inventorying;
• Computer operation and related software applications.
• Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) for processing books.

Skill in:

• Organization and time management;
• Programming development.
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc., are sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Hours of Work/Physical and Mental Demands

• This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week. Days and hours may vary depending on department needs.

• To view the full job description including position specifications and physical demands

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
NA
01
Did you receive a High School Diploma or a GED?

• Yes
• No

02
Which of the following best describes your level of education?

• Currently in High School or completing GED
• High School or GED
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Master's Degree

03
Do you have experience working in the Owatonna Public Library?

• Yes
• No

04
Which statement best describes your work experience at the Owatonna library?

• No work experience
• Less than two years of equivalent work experience
• Two years, but less than three years of equivalent work experience
• Three years or more of equivalent work experience

05
Which of the following best describes your computer related skills and ability?

• No experience
• Limited - I can use a computer to create documents, print documents and send e-mail messages.
• Moderate - I consider myself more advance in computer technology than someone with "limited" skills. I am proficient with Microsoft Office products. I can create Word documents, Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations.
• Extensive - I have advanced and technical skills such as computer and cell phone use.

06
Describe your employment experience working in a paid or volunteer position at a library. If no experience, type N/A.
07
How many years of experience do you have in customer service.

• No Experience
• Less thank 1 year of experience
• 1 - 3 years of experience
• 3 - 5 years of experience
• More than 5 years of experience

08
Describe your customer service experience. If no experience, type N/A.
09
How much experience do you have completing projects or initiatives from start to finish (such as a library program, collection project, or workflow improvement)

• No experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1 - 3 years of experience
• 3 - 5 years of experience
• More than 5 years of experience

10
Provide an example of a project you initiated and completed below. If none, write N/A.
11
Select the statement that best describes your feelings about working with the public:

• I absolutely love it!
• I enjoy it, but it gets in the way of my actual duties.
• I don't mind it.
• It is part of my job.
• It is something I dread.
• I prefer to work behind the scenes, away from the public.

12
Please list the languages other than English that you are able to understand and speak. (Select all that apply) NOTE: if asked to interview, you will be required to demonstrate your ability.

• Spanish
• Somali
• Cambodian/Khmer
• Arabic
• Vietnamese
• Chinese
• Laotian
• Serbo-Croatian
• Cutchi/Kutchi/Katchi
• Hmong
• Hindi
• Korean
• Russian
• Nuer (Sudan)
• Sign language
• Other
• None of the above - I do not speak or understand any languages other than English

13
Please select the following systems you have experience with:

• Evergreen
• Libby
• MNLink
• Other library databases
• None of the above

14
Do you wish to apply for Veteran's Preference?You must complete the Veteran's Preference points below and submit the requited documentation (MEMBER COPY 4 VETERAN's DD214) to the City of Owatonna by the application deadline of the position for which you are applying.

• Not Claiming Veteran's Preference
• Veteran
• Disabled Veteran
• Spouse of Deceased Veteran
• Spouse of Disabled Veteran

Required Question