Library Associate I Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $22.10 - $28.45 Hourly
Location : Portsmouth, VA
Job Type: Part-Time Regular
Job Number: FY2025-01427
Department: Library
Opening Date: 06/24/2026
Closing Date: 7/8/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
General Statement of the Job & Essential Functions
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
Under general supervision, this position performs professional work in the planning, organizing, promoting and directing of program services for the city library. Reports to a Librarian I or Senior Librarian.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Provides reference assistance for patrons; locates materials, suggests resources in other libraries, and provides guidance on the choice of books or materials; instructs readers in the use of reference tools, including computers, answers reference questions and requests, and administers computer literacy tests; performs basic cataloging and classifying of library materials; participates in collection development of materials suitable for pre-school and school aged children, by reviewing journals and compiling book lists.
Responsible for circulation activities to include, checking library books in and out, registering patrons for borrower's card, preparing books to be shelved, and maintaining records and tabulations; collects books and other materials from book depository; inspects condition of library books and materials, and recommends either repairing, reordering or discarding.
Participates in the planning and presentation of library programs, that may include Children's Services programs for pre-school and school-age patrons, Summer Reading Programs, storytelling and craft activities; provides assistance to library personnel in the preparation of book displays, and bulletin boards that advertise public events and programs throughout the city or specific to the Children's Services department.
Schedules visits and tours by local schools, repairs and distributes books for the 'Book by the Box Program; compiles data and statistics for maintaining library records and reports pertaining to designated program(s).
Performs other related work as required. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Knowledge of Job: Has considerable knowledge of services available through the library and associated library routines and procedures. Has considerable knowledge of literature for juveniles, and adult literature appropriate for young adults. Has considerable knowledge of library routine and procedures. Has general knowledge of arts and crafts and is able to produce illustrations and decorations in various media. Is able to use standard library methods and principles in bibliography, acquisitions, cataloging, classification, circulation and reference services. Is able to use common office machines including DOS and Macintosh computer software. Is able to gather data on departmental activities and compile reports from these records. Is able to follow established procedures and to perform work requiring some detail. Is able to instruct patrons in the use of various office machines, computer programs and library reference materials. Is able to plan, develop and implement educational programs of appropriate interest to children of different age levels. Is able to present programs and speak before large groups of people. Is able to read books and tell stories to children and young adults. Is able to stimulate interest in the children's services offered through the library. Is able to exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with library patrons of various ages and the general public. Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts within department and division, and with co- workers and the general public.
Quantity of Work: Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Essential Job Functions."
Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.
Attendance: Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time- off requests.
Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.
Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.
Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with city policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons within the department.
Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all department employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the general public so as to maintain good will toward the department and project a good departmental image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the city. Interacts effectively with fellow employees, patrons, supervisor, professionals and the general public, especially children.
Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events.
Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.
Education, Experience & Special Requirements
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Library Associate (Children's Services): Bachelor's degree in Library Science, Education, or related field, and 3-5 years of experience working with children in an educational setting preferred; computer experience required; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Library Associate (Programming): Bachelor's degree in Library Science, Education, or related field, and 3-5 years of experience working in a Library or an educational setting; computer experience required; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and sex offender registry check.
Individuals in this position cannot be listed as having a founded child abuse or neglect complaint.
Physical Demands
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIREDTO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including office equipment such as VCRs computers, calculators, copiers, and printer, etc. Must be able to exert 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. Physical demand requirements are those for Light Work. Requires standing or walking for long periods of time.
Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions from superiors.
Language Ability: Requires the ability to read a variety of publications, reference materials, policy manuals, computer manuals, catalogs, etc. Requires the ability to prepare bibliographies, inventory order forms, time sheets, statistical reports, etc., using prescribed formats. Requires the ability to speak before groups of people especially children, with poise, voice control and confidence.
Intelligence: Ability to apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently using college-level English and library terminology.
Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; multiply and divide; utilize decimals and percentages.
Form/Spatial Aptitude:Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.
Motor Coordination: Requires the ability coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using office equipment.
Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as office equipment. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Color Discrimination:Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under varied levels of stress.
Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words. Hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear.) Must be able to communicate via a telephone.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) REQUIREMENTSThe City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.This is a class description and not an individual position description. A class specification defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
EEO Cat: 2
01
Please select the highest level of education completed.

• Less than High School
• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College
• Associates/Vocational/Technical
• Bachelor's Degree or Higher

02
Do you have at least a Bachelor's degree in Library Science, Education, or related field?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have 3-5 years of experience working in a Library or an educational setting?

• Yes
• No

04
This position works various shifts which may include weekends and evenings. Please confirm that you are available to work outside typical business hours.

• Yes
• No

05
Please describe your computer experience.
Required Question