Library Clerk Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $19.41 Hourly
Location : Douglas County Library, 720 Fillmore Street, Alexandria, MN 56308, MN
Job Type: Full Time - Regular - 40 hrs/wk
Job Number: 10200:8/28/2026
Department: Library
Opening Date: 08/28/2026
Closing Date: 9/9/2026 4:30 PM Central
Job Description
JOB TITLE: Library Clerk
DEPARTMENT: Library
STATUS: Full Time-40 hrs/week
STARTING SALARY: The starting salary for this position is $19.41 hourly.
*Receive anniversary step increases. In addition, receive annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA).
JOB OBJECTIVES:
A Library Clerk is responsible for all duties for maintaining circulation, including the checking out of materials, checking in and reshelving return materials, data entry, and assisting with other library operations as directed.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of those specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Answer and direct phone calls for patrons.
• Answer questions from the public in person, over the phone, and electronically.
• Assist patrons in operating the copy machine, Public Access Catalog (computer), fax machine, and self-checkout.
• Reserve requested materials using the Horizon terminals, and notify the patron when the material is available.
• Assist computer lab patrons with general questions about computer use.
• Register new library patrons on the Horizon automated system, issue and collect fees for replacement cards, and provide information about library rules and services.
• Check out library materials and collect library fines.
• Shelf reading, shelf maintenance, and empty book drop return.
• Assist in sorting mail and distributing it to the appropriate departments.
• Check-in library materials, re-sensitize, and shelf library materials.
• Assist in checking in newspapers daily and distributing them for patron use. Notify the Library Automation Supervisor if any are not received daily/monthly.
• Assist in moving magazines yearly and newspapers monthly.
• Assist in processing video and audio materials, compact discs, mending the same, and maintaining the collection.
• Assist with the delivery process.
• Assist in sorting mail and distributing to the appropriate departments.
• Complies with all rules and policies to maintain a safe work environment.
• Reliable, predictable attendance and punctuality.
• Other duties, as assigned or apparent.

Access to Not Public Data:
In this job, you may come across private or confidential information about people we serve. This data is protected by law and should only be viewed or used when it's truly needed for your work. You are expected to only look at private data when your job duties require it. Keep it secure and make sure others who don't need to see it don't have access. Stop accessing the data once your task is done, and store or dispose of it properly, following the rules in Minnesota's Data Practices Act (Chapter 13). If your job duties change and you need access to different private data, that access should also be limited to only what you need to do your job.
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT HIRE:
Education
High school diploma or G.E.D.
Experience

• Proficient clerical and office skills, with general typing ability and computer skills.
• Ability to serve/assist library patrons pleasantly and effectively. The library patrons (including people of all social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds) and situations.
• General knowledge of library resources, materials, and procedures.
• Good reading ability and some breadth of general knowledge are desirable.
• Ability to deal pleasantly and effectively with all types of library patrons and situations.

Licenses and Other Requirements:
None.
REQUIRED MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & QUALITIES AT HIRE:

• Ability to pay attention to detail in all aspects of work.
• Ability to follow directions or take direction from supervisors.
• Ability to be self-motivated.
• Must be able to lift 30 lbs. (see also physical demands below).

PREFERRED / DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Experience

• Previous paid work experience as a Library Clerk or a closely related position in a library.
• Previous volunteer work in a library.
• Previous paid work experience as a customer service representative, front desk clerk, help desk, or closely related position.
• Previous experience in a position providing direct customer service to children.

PREFERRED DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & QUALITIES

• General knowledge of library resources, materials, and procedures.
• General proficiency in using Microsoft Word.
• General proficiency in performing internet searches.
• Ability to clearly explain to others how to use/operate e-books.
• Knowledgeable of children's literature and trends.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Indoors 99% of work time. Exposure to basic office, computer, and audio/visual equipment. Works with and around others constantly.
HOURS
Monday to Saturday, 40 hours a week scheduled between 5-6 days, shifts are between 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Physical Demands can involve, but are not limited to:
Amount Lifted:
Amount Lifted Up to 20 lbs.: Constant;
Amount Lifted 21 to 50 lbs.: Occasional
Amount Lifted 31 lbs. to 40 lbs.: Occasional
Amount Lifted 41 to 50 lbs.: Occasional
Amount Lifted 51 to 101+ lbs.: Not Present
Amount Pushed or Pulled:
Amount Pushed or Pulled Up to 50 lbs.: Frequent
Amount Pushed or Pulled 51 to 100 lbs.: Rare
Amount Pushed or Pulled 101+ lbs.: Not Present
Vision:
Near & Far Vision: Constant
Depth & Field of Vision: Constant
Color: Constant
Contact with Others:
Works Alone: Rare
Works With, Around Others & Customer/Public Contact: Constant
Clients with Behavior Challenges: Rare
Communications:
Talking, Hearing & Reading: Constant
Sitting & Standing: Frequent
Basic Body Positions:
Walking/Moving About: Constant
Climbing: Occasional
Balancing: Not Present
Crouching & Kneeling: Frequent
Crawling: Rare
Motor Skills:
Handling, Grasping & Using Fingers: Constant
Reaching & Feeling: Constant
Driving: Occasional
Exposures To:
Mechanical, Moving & Electrical Equipment: Frequent
Pressurized & Burning Material Equipment: Not Present
Explosive & Radiant Energy : Not Present
Heights: Not Present
Fumes/Odors, Gases & Dirt/Dust : Not Present
Environmental:
Inside: Constant
Outside: Frequent
Confined : Not Present
Extreme Hot & Cold: Not Present
Wet: Not Present
Noise & Vibration: Not Present
Infectious Diseases and/or Body Fluids: Rare
Shift & Extended Day : Occasional
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, communicate, or hear; occasionally required to walk, must be able to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to thirty pounds. The employee must be able to load, move, and unload mobile book trucks that weigh between 75 and 125 pounds. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges. Physical requirements may also include setting up the physical space for the programs, moving library furniture to accommodate seating, arranging chairs and tables for performances, returning the space to its original order following the programs, and/or driving with a valid driver's license.
See also Physical and Environmental Factors Form.
EXAMPLES OF EQUIPMENT USED
Book carts, book drop, computer, printer, paper cutter, copy machine, and other office equipment, library material check in/out stations, Public Access Catalog (computer), fax machine, and self-checkout.
OTHER
All listed above are essential functions of the job.
STARTING SALARY: The starting salary for this position is $40,372.80 annually. ($19.41 hr).
*Receive anniversary step increases for the earning potential of $51,272. annually. ($24.65/hr). In addition, receive annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA).
Benefits- We offer a no-cost/low-cost health insurance plan options. Douglas County contributes to a Health Savings Account and a (PERA) pension plan. Become vested in as little as 3 years of employment for lifetime benefits upon retirement! Douglas County is also a qualified Employer for the Public Sector Loan Forgiveness Program.
Life Insurance- as a County employee you will be covered by $40,000 of life insurance at no expense. Supplemental coverage is available for you, your spouse, and your dependents.
The official holidays for this Douglas County postion are: *New Year's Day *Martin Luther King Jr Day *Presidents' Day *Memorial Day *Juneteenth *Fourth of July *Veterans' Day *Thanksgiving Day *Day after Thanksgiving (in place of Columbus Day) *Christmas Eve Day *Christmas Day *Labor Day *Personal Holiday.
Sick Leave/Earned Safe and Sick Time: An employee shall be credited with 1 day of sick leave for each month of service accumulative to 90 days. The first 48 hours (or up to 80 hours if any eligible time was carried over) will be counted as ESST.
Vacations:
Employees will accrue vacation according to the following schedule:
0 - 4 years - 10 working days.
5 -9 years - 15 working days.
10-14 years - 20 working days.
15-19 years - 25 working days.
Over 20 years - 30 working days.
Supervision Received: Works under the general supervision of Adult Circulation Desk Supevisor and Library Director.
Supervision Exercised: None
Labor Group: Non-Union
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Grade: 3
EEO Job Category: Administrative Support Workers
Work Comp Code: 8810-Clerical Office
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 the requirements of the job change.
Revised:.8/26.
Douglas County offers an exceptional benefits package to full-time employees including vacation, sick, funeral leave, and holiday pay. Also included in this benefit package are health, dental, and life insurance; medical and dependent care reimbursement accounts (Section 125 Plan) and supplemental insurance; deferred compensation plan and Public Employees Retirement (PERA). For a more detailed overview of our benefits package,
Benefits may offered on a pro-rata basis or not offered for less than full-time employment.
01
INSTRUCTIONS:The responses you provide to these Supplemental Questions will be used in combination with your application to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements and/or your final score.1) DO NOT submit a resume in place of completing the Supplemental Questions. 2) DO NOT type "See Resume" as a response for any of the supplemental questions or on the employment application. 3) Thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of the application. 4) Give detailed descriptions of each position that you feel qualifies you for the job you are applying for. 5) Be sure to accurately report dates and hours worked per week.6) Concisely, briefly, and accurately complete the Supplemental Questions. 7) Be sure to cross reference where in your Education and Work Experience you learned your skills.8) Any information you submit may be verified. 9) Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in your application being rejected or receiving a lower score.10) You must have a valid e-mail address to apply for jobs with the Douglas County. All communication regarding your application and status will be done by e-mail. If you do not have an e-mail address listed in your profile, you must include one before you submit and confirm your application.

• I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree with the above statements.

02
Will you be able to work the schedule for this position as described in the job posting or job description?

• Yes
• No

03
Have you achieved a high school diploma or G.E.D. (General Educational Development) diploma?

• Yes
• No

04
Indicate highest level of education completed:*Note: If you are in the process of earning a degree, do not list it as your highest level of education completed.

• Did not complete high school or GED.
• High School Diploma/GED.
• Some college, No degree received.
• Certificate (1 year education program post High School).
• Completed 2 years of post secondary education.
• Associates Degree (A.A.).
• Bachelor's Degree (B.S. or B.A.).
• Bachelor's Degree or higher.

05
Do you have previous clerical and office work experience?

• None.
• Less than 1 year.
• 1 year to less than 2 years