Library Assistant Jobs in Smithfield, RI (NOW HIRING)

Job Description:
This position performs skilled tasks in Access Services-Circulation in support of the Library's mission. Provides Circulation services at multiple service points (Rockefeller, Science & Orwig libraries). Provides library users with timely assistance and customer service, and promotes self- sufficiency in locating and using library and information resources, equipment and services onsite or online. Provides library users with timely retrieval of library materials upon request and within preferred time frame. Performs functions related to the operation and maintenance of course reserve systems.
Hours of work during the Academic year
Tuesday through Saturday
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday, 2:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Hours of work during the summer
Tuesday through Saturday:
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 1:45: p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 9:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
This is a full-time position working as a member of the Library's bargaining union staff.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides customer service and assistance to users in support of library services
• Provides instruction and guidance on how to use the library, access its re-sources, and develop information seeking skills
• Provides assistance to increase self-sufficiency
• Assists users with research software and related tools (e.g., bibliographic citation management software and e-book reading software)
• Provides general library tours consistent with the Library's tour outline Interprets library policies and procedures
• Assists users in locating alternative information resources and services Answers directional, navigational, informational, and how-to queries Facilitates referral of in-depth questions to specialists as appropriate
• Responds to and interacts with online users referring to specialists as appropriate Assists users in locating, retrieving, borrowing, and copying library-owned information resources
• Routes, lends, pages, searches, receives, charges, discharges, holds, scans, downloads, and copies library materials
• Creates and edits patron, course reserve, bibliographic (e.g., minimal level "on the fly") records; creates and edits item records for storage.
• Collects fines and fees, adjusts patron accounts, issues library privileges, and assigns carrels/lockers
• Assists onsite users with the Library's public equipment; does basic troubleshooting, arranges for repair, and refers to specialist as appropriate. Checks and performs basic maintenance on the Library's public equipment (e.g., fills paper trays, adds toner, clears paper jams, stocks needed supplies)
• Assists onsite users with other equipment within the library, including CIS-owned, Graphic Services-owned and BrownCard-owned equipment in the absence of non-library staff; does basic troubleshooting, refers to specialist as appropriate and checks and performs basic maintenance on such equipment
• Utilizes resource sharing systems including consortia! and reciprocal agreements to borrow and lend library materials
• Receives and processes requests for material, as for example, course reserves or resource sharing
• Physically prepares material for reserves and resource sharing, and for return to stacks
• Identifies, selects and creates physical or electronic copies of source material requested for course reserves or resource sharing
• Creates links for electronic reserves
• Assists with compliance with resource sharing policies within Library guidelines Assists supervisors with generating and/or reviewing reports
• Maintains hold shelf, Reference collection and Course Reserves Opens and closes buildings in the absence of other security personnel
• Assumes additional responsibility on evenings, weekends and holidays for collections and buildings in the absence of other library personnel
• Trains and provides assistance to co-workers
• Trains, schedules their work, directs, and assists with payroll for student assistants
• Performs related duties as required

Supervisor
Rockefeller Circulation Manager
Works independently under general direction; makes independent judgments and decisions within scope of library policies and procedures
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
Previous public service experience in an academic library preferred
Computer skills, ability to use standard computer software packages
Capacity to learn new technologies and systems necessary for continually effective job performance
Ability to interact favorably with library users and co-workers
Oral and written communication skills Problem solving skills
Ability to unpack, shelve, and move library materials
Eyesight which permits close work
Ability to perform detailed work accurately with reasonable speed
Knowledge of one or more foreign languages desirable Keyboarding skill of 30 WPM
Successful completion of a test may be required
Will be required to work evenings and/or weekends
Library Union position which must be posted internally for 5 work days prior to posting for external candidate
All offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown.
Benefits of Working at Brown:
Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.
Recruiting Start Date:
2026-07-21
Job Posting Title:
Senior Library Specialist-Access Services -Circulation-Rockefeller-Sciences-Orwig
Department:
University Library
Grade:
Library Grades
Worker Type:
Employee
Worker Sub-Type:
Regular
Time Type:
Full time
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
37.5
Position Work Location:
Hybrid
Submission Guidelines:
The designated Position Work Location for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on-site, hybrid, or remote.
Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business. Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C.
Please note that to be considered for a staff position at Brown University, you must submit a separate application for each position you wish to be considered for. Applications are reviewed only for the specific position to which they are submitted and are not automatically considered for future openings.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Still Have Questions?
If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.
Brown is an E-Verify Employer.
EEO Statement:
Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person's race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.