Library Assistant Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Primary purpose:

Under the direct supervision of the Supervisor of Borrower Services, the Assistant Supervisor of Borrower Services assists in ensuring an efficient and customer-focused borrowing experience. The Assistant Supervisor of Borrower Services assists in managing the Borrower Services division of the Library, including personnel administration and management of the Automated Materials Handler and related technologies. This position also serves on the leadership team that works with the Administration to move the institution forward to meet the evolving needs of Newton’s current and future Library users.

Supervision:

Supervision Scope: Assists in supervising a staff of Senior Library Assistants, Pages, and volunteers.

Supervision Received: Works under the general direction of the Library Director and Supervisor of Borrower Services. Works according to City policies, procedures, laws, and special directives.

Supervision Given: Provide supervision to the Borrower Services staff and staff in other departments.

Essential Functions:

(The essential functions or duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Assists in supervising the staff and operations of the division including training, and evaluation of para-professionals, pages, and volunteers in performance of all duties and activities related to Borrower Services. Assigns and schedules staff to provide direct patron service at service points and in programming. Recommends changes to meet changing schedules and service needs.
• Manages service outcomes at the main circulation desk, includes monitoring cash drawers, and call center and assuring questions are answered promptly professionally. Works with patrons who have damaged or lost materials to determine fines and replacements and collects related fees. Manages escalated patron concerns referred by employees across departments.
• Performs all work related to Borrower Services functions, including assisting patrons at the service desks. Assists in the management of the set up and use of the integrated library system software, automated materials handler and peripherals for material checkout and returns, collection maintenance, reserves, fines and fee collection and patron registration and record maintenance.
• Manages processing of network returns and requests.
• Trains, manages and schedules Library pages and supervises the re-shelving of materials, including checking for condition of materials in the book and periodical collections, accuracy of placement of materials, and neatness. Assists with weeding, collection organization and displays.
• Implements approved changes in circulation policies and procedures to improve customer service.
• Collaborates with the Library’s Volunteer Coordinator and with other City departments engaged in volunteer placement or tax relief worker placement, for purposes of recruitment, scheduling and overseeing these workers.
• Prepares monthly, periodic and annual reports for more senior staff.

Secondary Elements

• Participates in Library staff and other meetings to provide input into planning and coordination of services.

• Through professional literature and/or workshops, keeps current on changing trends in reference services.

• May assist in updating the library website.

• May develop and conduct staff and patron training classes and programs in technology, research and other topics.

• May oversee an assigned area of collection development.

• Acts as duty officer as assigned in absence of more senior staff.

• Performs other duties as required.

• Attends and participates in Department and other meetings and special events.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications:

(To perform successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.)

Education, Training and Experience: Master’s Degree in Library Science and three to five years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Broad knowledge of advanced professional library science, personnel administration and technology management and the operation of library equipment.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

Knowledge: A broad knowledge of library functions, library databases and electronic resources, computers, audio-visual equipment, printers and other peripherals.

Ability: Ability to read and interpret documents such as routine reports and procedures manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to present information effectively, which may require considerable tact, to visitors, customers or employees of the City.

Skill: Strong oral and written communications skills. Strong technology troubleshooting skills.

A strong commitment to public service required.

Physical requirements/work environment

(The physical demands described here represent those requirements that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

Work is performed under typical office conditions; the noise level is quiet to moderate at most times. Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

Operates computers, printers, facsimile machine, copier, calculator, telephone and standard office equipment.

Has frequent contact with other City departments, current employees, and vendors/service providers.

Has access to all department-level confidential information, which requires the application of appropriate judgment, discretion and professional office protocols.

Work requires accuracy, consistent task execution, sound judgment and timely coordination.

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5 - 10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally. Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Performance Standard

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the City through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

THE CITY:
The City of Newton is a wonderful place to live and work. Newton has safe and attractive neighborhoods, an excellent public school system, an active community life, multiple transportation systems, proximity to Boston and a well-managed and financially strong City government. The City of Newton has a population of approximately 88,900, with 32,600 housing units and occupies a land area of 18.3 square miles. Newton is principally suburban-residential in character. Unlike many other communities that are established around a single Main Street or downtown, Newton is comprised of thirteen distinctive villages. Newton has a diversified economic base with approximately 4,700 establishments employing approximately 79,500 people. Newton is special in many ways. It is home to a variety of private secondary and post-secondary schools including a portion of Boston College, Lasell University, William James College, Hebrew College, and the UMass Amherst – Mount Ida Campus. The longest stretch of the Boston Marathon runs through the City, including the well-known Heartbreak Hill. Newton-Wellesley Hospital, part of the Mass General Brigham health care system, serves as an important partner to the City. In September 2018, Newton was again ranked #1 in Massachusetts as the best place to live and #12 in the U.S.
OUR GOVERNMENT:
Newton has what is known as a “strong Mayor” form of government with the Mayor having the executive and administrative powers of the City. The legislative branch is comprised of 24 City Councilors. Mayor Marc C. Laredo was sworn in on January 1, 2026 after serving on the City Council. The City of Newton was evaluated by Moody’s Investors Services in February 2020 and assigned its highest rating of AAA. Newton was thus well-positioned to weather the pandemic and economic downturn.
AS AN EMPLOYER:

The City of Newton believes that its employees are its greatest asset. To that end, we are committed to supporting our employees by providing competitive wages and growth, a comprehensive benefits package which includes a defined municipal pension plan, quality health and dental insurance plans, generous paid leave benefits, paid holidays, and access to supplemental benefits such as deferred compensation, short term disability plans, flexible spending accounts, and other employee benefits. We also provide access to an Employee Assistance Program and access to employee training and professional development opportunities. We continuously work to review and expand upon our benefit offerings. We encourage you to visit our Human Resources Department website to learn more about our organization and benefits which are available to our employees. And as always, you are encouraged to reach out to our dynamic HR Team by emailing hr@newtonma.gov.

Human Resources Diversity Statement

We recognize our workforce is a source of strength that is vital to our ability to effectively serve the City of Newton’s diverse community. We will:

• Actively recruit, develop, and retain a diverse and talented workforce.
• Proactively address discrimination through education and in partnership with other departments and leaders.
• Serve as a role model to celebrate and nurture diversity.
• Foster inclusion by staying curious and clarifying assumptions.
• Evaluate and develop policies and practices that reflect the diverse nature of our workforce.
• Build and strengthen accountability at all levels to support diversity efforts.

The targeted salary range reflects what the City of Newton reasonably and in good faith expects to offer for this position at the time of posting, but the final salary determination may be within or outside this range based on various factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, and market factors. The range will be reviewed regularly and is subject to change.

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 457 Deferred Compensation plans
• Metro Credit Union
• Verizon Wireless discount
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous paid leave time benefits and paid holidays.
• City Retirement (Mandatory)
• Weekly Direct Deposit
• Opportunity to serve the public and join a dynamic team of dedicated employees