Senior Library Assistant Burbank Branch
Portland Public Library (PPL) is currently seeking a Senior Library Assistant for the Burbank Branch, which
extends the delivery of public library services to Portland’s neighborhoods. Reporting to the Burbank Branch
Manager, this position is responsible for processing a variety of circulation transactions using the Polaris ILS,
responding to patron reader's advisory and reference inquiries, answering a variety of public computing
questions, and assisting with programming activities.
The Branch Senior Library Assistant works with a wide variety of the public and facilitates a variety of patron
account matters. They must be able to interact effectively and manage sometimes difficult situations. This work is performed in a fast-paced environment and requires an exceptional level of customer service.
This is a union-represented, part-time, 20 hours per week onsite position, normally scheduled to work Tuesdays, Fridays, & Saturdays, after training.
Nature & Scope
This position:
1. Issues new borrowers' cards and orients patrons to library policies and services.
2. Updates the patron database by accurately entering patron information and attends to all patron
account matters with great accuracy, care, neutrality, and attention to detail, always safeguarding the
privacy of patrons’ borrowing histories and other sensitive information.
3. Receives, interprets, and answers inquiries from library patrons made in person, by telephone, and
email, from a diverse cross-section of the public, both adults and children.
4. Checks materials out and in at the Branch lending desk; collects payments for lost materials; makes note
of the condition of materials leaving the library, and checks returned print and audiovisual material for
damage or missing parts; creates on-the-fly records in the database for non-catalogued materials as
they are circulated; processes special requests such as renewing materials, placing reserves, and
answering patrons’ queries about locations of books, standing on hold queues, and status of
accounts/materials.
5. Identifies and refers materials needing repair to the proper department, processes deliveries from other
library locations, and sorts returned items by location to be staged and reshelved. The incumbent
performs shelving duties daily.
6. Performs certain other tasks associated with the branch such as requesting the assistance of other staff
or City first responders when needed.
7. Actively engages the public as the initial point of information in the library, demonstrating use of library
catalogs, the PPL website, cloudLibrary, and related technology and systems.
8. Assists patrons in the use of public computers and printers. This includes answering questions related to
various computer programs, issuing guest passes, and assisting with the print, scan, and email functions
of the printer.
9. The Branch Senior Library Assistant collects and records miscellaneous statistical data as requested for
the management of the branch, and other duties as assigned.
10. Exercises independent judgment with every library patron and selects appropriate sources to assist the
patron in answering the inquiry. Has a broad knowledge of children’s, teen, and adult services, the
library circulation system, databases, and internet resources, and the ability to connect patrons to the
materials they desire (books, magazines, movies, video games, and more).
11. May organize, prepare, and produce a wide variety of programming for infants, children, teens, and
adults and may create and run their own programs based on special interests, as approved by Branch
Manager; may also assist with classroom visits, school visits to the branch, and development and
maintenance of displays.
12. May oversee the opening/closing and daily operation of the branch, and may be Branch Person in
Charge, depending on seniority, in the absence of the Branch Manager and the Assistant Branch
Manager.
13. Assist the Branch Manager or Assistant Branch Manager with projects related to collections
management, including assessing materials for condition and circulation statistics.
14. Manages a complex variety of services and processes, in collaboration with the entire branch team. Each
team member must be responsible to and rely upon the entire team to ensure that service to patrons is
efficient and effective, and the environment is collegial. This includes solid communication in patron
records, logs, and in person.
15. Participates in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for fellow staff and library users. This
position must use careful judgment to discern patron needs and resolve matters in the most mutually
successful way.
Basic Qualifications
At the entry level, this position requires a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university or any equivalent combination of experience, training, and education, which provide the following:
• Knowledge of reader interests, books, authors, and interest in promoting reading.
• Ability to accept direction from Branch Manager as requested.
• Ability to work independently, and to organize and follow through on multiple assignments.
• Ability to collaborate and work well with other members of library staff and administration.
• Strong service orientation and demeanor appropriate to provide a high level of service to a diverse
public; Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to remain calm and pleasant under pressure while maintaining attention to detail in a fast-paced,
multi-tasking environment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written format.
• Knowledge of and proficiency with popular operating systems and their software, particularly Microsoft
Office, web browsers and search engines, and email programs.
Additional Attributes:
• An active interest in one or more of the visual, written and/or performing arts is preferred.
• Fluency or proficiency in a language other than English.
• Experience working with English Language Learners.
• Prior library experience a plus.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
• This position is performed in a busy and diverse public library environment
• Branch hours vary and this position includes evening and weekend hours.
• This work is fast-paced and may be demanding during peak hours of operation.
• The incumbent works at a public service point throughout the workday. This position requires use of a
computer, regular movement throughout the library, with standing, sitting, & lifting.
Compensation & Benefits
Hours & Pay: This is a union-represented, part-time, 20 hours per week onsite position, normally scheduled to work Tuesdays 10am-6pm, Fridays 10 am-4pm, & Saturdays 9am-4pm. The tentative starting date for a new hire is June 24, 2025. Pay begins at $19.78/hr.
Benefits & Other Details: Excellent benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement
options (in lieu of Social Security), and paid leave.
How to Apply
To apply, please send your resume, letter of interest, and three professional references via email at
[email protected].
Mailed applications may be sent to: Human Resources, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Portland, ME 04101.
Initial consideration will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled.
About PPL - Core Values
Portland Public Library is an equal-opportunity employer dedicated to creating a culture that fosters continuous staff development and engagement to reflect the learning role we play for our patrons. We value self-directed growth as well as sharing knowledge and experience, working collaboratively, and communicating openly.
PPL promotes professional engagement with colleagues, with community efforts, and with others in the library field. Every employee of the Portland Public Library strives to offer the highest quality service – externally to library patrons and internally to colleagues.
We are committed to hiring and maintaining a diverse workforce of highly qualified staff to broaden
perspectives, promote equity and inclusion, and connect to the breadth of our community. Applicants with
racially, ethnically, or culturally diverse identities or backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
