Library Associate I Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $30.58 - $38.41 Hourly
Location : Rochester Public Library, 101 2nd Street SE, Rochester MN 55904, MN
Job Type: Regular FT
Job Number: 20260039
Department: Rochester Public Library
Division: RPL Technical Services
Opening Date: 07/02/2026
Closing Date: 7/12/2026 11:59 PM Central
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Library Associate I
Youth Services Divisions
The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We commit to recognizing
the diversity of our community members, listening to ALL voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work.
We believe EQUITY should be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress and culture of our community.
It takes us all working together
Nature of Work
The Library Associate I position involves paraprofessional library work utilizing complex computer programs and electronic resources. Duties of this position may include, but are not limited to, acquiring and cataloging various library materials and collections; maintaining divisional services and library collections; working at a public desk assisting library patrons; organizing and facilitating library programs, classes and activities; and overseeing and directing the work of employees and/or volunteers. Depending upon assignment, responsibilities may include developing and maintaining website content.
This is a 40 hour per week position located in Youth Services, which Includes significant portion of time spent creating, presenting, and evaluating programs for children from birth through age 18 and the grown-ups who live and work with them.
Work Schedule
The Library is open until 8:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 6:00 p.m.Friday-Sunday. This position requires the flexibility to regularly work evenings and weekends.
Pay
The 2026 starting rate of pay is $30.58 per hour, with advancement to $38.41 per hour
Applications will be accepted until July 12th at 11:59pm.
The City of Rochester will not sponsor or transfer visas for this position including F1 OPT STEM.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
*Public Service

• Meet or exceed the library's customer service standards in all interactions with the public and staff.
• Provide readers advisory and reference services to the public at a service desk or bookmobile, using a number of different means of communication.
• Assist patrons in locating information and finding materials in the library using a variety of tools.
• Provide support to patrons using library collections, equipment and services including digital collections.
• Place interlibrary loan requests, place holds, and create bookings for patrons on the library's automated systems.
• Maintain public safety and security by enforcing the library's code of conduct: issue trespass notices and contact security as needed.
• Create and maintain displays.
• Create and maintain lists of resources as appropriate.

*Acquisitions and Cataloging

• Manage and/or perform ordering and record-keeping on orders for all library materials.
• Manage and/or perform the checking in of newly arrived materials and see that the appropriate information is recorded in items, on computer, etc.
• Keep financial or statistical records as appropriate.
• Handle direct, special orders, back orders, order errors, returns of imperfect materials, and other special acquisitions-related situations.
• Catalog assigned materials for easy access by the public.
• Maintain quality control of new items being added to the collection and revise old information as necessary to maintain consistency.

*Materials Maintenance and Processing

• Inventory specific collection areas as assigned by the Division Head by evaluating the condition and recommended mending, weeding or replacing of items as necessary within the context of the overall collection development policy.
• Assist in discard management: Coordinate the withdrawal of items which are damaged or no longer needed per instruction from various supervisors across the library.
• Evaluate donations for possible additions to the collection areas as assigned by the division head and within the context of the collection development policy.

*Training and Programming

• Plan, budget, promote, execute, evaluate programs that are consistent with the library and division's overall programming and outreach goals.
• Hire performers and manage contracts for library programs.
• Input public programs in the library's online programming tools and work with communications staff to help publicize the programming efforts of the Library.
• Create publicity materials such as flyers and brochures.
• Assist other library staff with programming efforts.
• Provide training to the public on the use of library resources.
• Conduct training and provide oversight to volunteers and other part-time staff as assigned.
• Train and assist staff and the public with computer, printer, and copier related problems.

Miscellaneous

• Coordinate and partner for library services with outside agencies.
• Assist in the maintenance of website information for the division.
• Develop schedule drafts and usage statistics.
• Serve on library wide and divisional committees as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

*ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
A high school diploma or equivalent and two years of library experience.
ORAn Associate's Degree and six months related experience.
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job may also be considered.
Desirable QualificationsCompletion of a Bachelor's degree.
Ability to speak and/or read a language other than English.
Special RequirementThis position requires evening and weekend hours.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.
In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.
Work assignments in the Bookmobile are best described as Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:
Continuous demands: auditory, visual, and verbal functions.
Frequent demands: simultaneous use and repetitive movements of the hands, wrists, and fingers.
Occasional demands: balancing, stooping, kneeling, twisting, bending, climbing, crouching, or reaching; lifting, carrying pushing, pulling materials that range from 10 to 50 pounds.
Environmental conditions that may exist in the performance of the essential functions of this job include:
NONE (not substantially exposed to environmental conditions)
Environmental conditions that may exist in the performance of work assignments in the Bookmobile include:
Extreme cold (below 32 degrees
Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
Noise (need to shout in order to be heard)
Vibration (exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities or whole body)
Exposure to dust/gas/fumes/steam/chemicals
Work outdoors (no effective protection from weather)
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AND RETIREMENT SUMMARY
01
By completing your application and supplemental questions you are attesting all information is true, accurate, and verifies your relevant education and experience. Your submitted materials will be used to determine your employment eligibility. Do you understand and agree with this statement?

• Yes
• No

02
What is your preferred name?
03
Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status)?

• Yes
• No

04
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

• High school diploma/GED
• Less than 2 years post-secondary training
• Completion of a 2 year program or degree
• Completion of a 4 year program or degree
• Completion of a Master's degree or higher
• None of the above

05
Which statement best describes your full-time equivalent work experience in a library or closely related environment?

• No experience
• Less than 6 months
• More than 6 months, but less than 1 year
• More than 1 years, but less than 2 years
• More than 2 years, but less than 3 years
• More than 3 years, but less than 5 years
• More than 5 years

06
Which statement best describes your full-time equivalent experience working directly with the public?

• No Experience
• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year, but less then 2 years
• More than 2 years, but less than 3 years
• More than 3 years, but less than 5 years
• More than 5 years of experience

07
Which of the following best describes your full-time equivalent work experience working with youth (ages birth to 18 years)?

• No Experience
• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year, but less than 2 years
• More than 2 years, but less than 3 years
• More than 3 years, but less than 5 years
• More than 5 years

08
Describe your experience working with youth (ages birth to 18 years). Please include your position title(s), the name of the institution(s), duration of employment and the actual duties you performed.Do not type "see resume". If no experience type "N/A".
09
Please select the statement that best describes your feelings about customer service:

• I enjoy working with the public and with internal customers/colleagues.
• I prefer a balance of time working independently and working with customers/colleagues.
• I enjoy working independently, and prefer to not work with customers/colleagues.

10
Please specify the areas in which you have moderate to proficient skills (select all that apply).

• Creating, presenting and evaluating library programs for youth ages 0 to 5
• Creating, presenting and evaluating library programs for youth ages 6 to 8
• Creating, presenting and evaluating library programs for youth ages 9 to 12
• Creating, presenting and evaluating library programs for youth ages 13 to 18
• Creating, presenting and evaluating library programs for families
• Creating, presenting and evaluating library programs or educational classes for adults
• Providing direct customer service to children, teens, and families
• Providing readers advisory service children, teens, and families
• Conducting tours for classes and other groups
• Providing outreach services to children, teens, and families
• I have no experience with any of the above

11
Describe your experience creating, presenting, and evaluating programs for children, teens, and their caregivers. Do not type "see resume". If no experience, type "NA".
12
In 150 words or less describe your philosophy of service to youth in libraries.
13
In 150 words or less describe the value you would bring to the Youth Services team at Rochester Public Library.
14
Two of Rochester Public Library's core values are providing a welcoming environment to the public and being committed to inclusivity. In 150 words or less describe how you have exemplified these values in your past employment.
15
Are you able to understand and speak any languages other than English? Note: Answering "yes" indicates that you can fluently communicate in a language other than English.

• Yes
• No

16
Describe your experience or ability speaking and understanding languages other than English. Do not type "See Resume". If no experience, type "NA".
17
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: If selected as a finalist, are you willing to undergo a background investigation which may include, but not limited to: verification of employment and educational records, identification verification, driver's license record and a criminal history?

• Yes
• No

Required Question