Library Assistant Jobs in Walpole, MA (NOW HIRING)

Primary purpose:
Under the direct supervision of the Supervisor of Adults Services, the Part Time Adult Services Librarian provides a wide cross section of professional librarian services in direct patron assistance, collection development, program and workshop design and implementation, resource sharing, community outreach or other assigned area.

Hours of Work: Alternating weekends and one evening shift per week, with the opportunity to pick up more hours based on Library needs.
Supervision:
Supervision Scope: Works under the general direction of the Supervisor of Adult Services. Works according to City policies, procedures, laws, and special directives.
Supervision Received: Works under the general direction of the Supervisor and Assistant Supervisor of Adult Services. Works according to City policies, procedures, laws, and special directives.
Supervision Given: Occasional direction of work activities of library assistants, pages, or volunteers in the performance of their daily work.

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.)
Essential Elements
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Provides assistance and information and referral services to library patrons.
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Instructs patrons in how to use and identify information sources.
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Instructs patrons in the use of library technology and equipment.
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Assists Library users in the use of library computers and other equipment and technology. Is familiar with the standard operation of all technology and equipment in service with the public and can perform first pass troubleshooting of that equipment. Promptly uses established protocols to inform IT support staff of problems that do not respond to initial troubleshooting.
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Follows and adheres to department, City and other government rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
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May participate in compiling, editing and maintaining library documentation and finding aids in print or online, including such things as topical book lists or subject guides, the local history collection annotated bibliography, periodical publication lists, newspaper or plays indexes, and community resources newspaper columns.
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May design, organize and oversee the implementation and presentation of workshops, book talks and other programs in a particular area or discipline, as assigned.
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May attend and participate in department and library staff meetings and workshops.
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Assists in the filling of requests for the inter-library loan system. Locates and prepares requested books, periodicals, microfilm, and other media for trans-shipment.
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Collects fine and fee payments from library users.
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Performs other duties as required.
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: Masters of Science degree in Library Science from an accredited program and one to three years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill:
Knowledge: Broad knowledge of advanced professional library science, and the operation of library equipment such as personal computers and computer software.
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. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations within the limits of established policy. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Skill:. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra.
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 access to 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.

This is a non-benefited position