Job Description

Full job description

Work Type: Part-time

Nature of Work: This is an entry-level paraprofessional library work performing library duties and providing customer service. The employee in this position works as part of a team with guidance from a supervisor.

Education and Experience: (The knowledge, skills, and abilities above may be acquired through, but are not limited to, the following combination of education and/or experience.)

High School Diploma or Graduate Equivalent Degree (GED) AND One (1) year of customer service experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of, and ability to operate, computers and other technology using standard or customized computer or systems software applications appropriate to the assigned tasks.
• Ability to learn standard library principles, procedures, services, and materials.
• Ability to learn library reference and resource tools.
• Ability to learn and adapt to advances in computer and electronics device technology and software.
• Ability to view printed text on book bindings to retrieve library materials.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy when interacting with difficult patrons.
• Ability to maintain patron confidentiality.
• Ability to use and explain the functions of library tools and facilities.
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the general public.
• Ability to understand oral or written instructions.
• Ability to adhere to safety policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Ability to stand, walk, and bend from 76 to 100% of the time; reach, stoop, squat, crouch, and push from 51 to 75% of the time; and to climb, balance, kneel, crawl, pull, and sit up to 50% of the time.
• Ability to use up to fifty (50) pounds of force up to 33% of the time, up to twenty (20) pounds from 34 to 66% of the time, and up to ten (10) pounds of force from 67 to 100% of the time to move objects.

Essential Functions: (Any one position may not perform all of the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all of the duties that may be performed in positions allocated to this classification.)

• Supports the overall mission of the Library by providing customer service in a manner that creates a positive experience both internally and externally.
• Creates new patron accounts and assists patrons with account questions and issues.
• Takes and processes payments, and may prepare monies for deposit.
• Checks materials in and out, manages holds, retrieves and loads items into the Automated Storage Retrieval System, and prepares and processes materials transiting to and from other library locations.
• Collects and checks in book drops, sorts materials for shelving, and shelves library materials.
• Searches for claim returned items, patron requests, trace/transit lists, request pull lists, and items identified for weeding.
• Assists with collection maintenance, which includes shifting materials, shelf reading, and cataloging periodicals.
• Answers patrons’ reference questions in person, over the telephone, and online by searching online catalogs, subscription databases, internet resources, and print materials.
• Assists library patrons in the use of the library’s online and printed resources, library services, and library technology equipment.
• Performs front-line computer troubleshooting, such as helping customers with printer jams, printer selection, software functions, and free e-mail services, and reports problems to technology services if needed.
• Helps maintain a welcoming environment by cleaning, picking up trash, removing snow, and spreading grit/salt when necessary.
• Assists with setup and cleanup for programs and events.
• Advises readers by recommending authors, titles, and topics of interest.
• Under supervision, creates and maintains materials displays and assists in the coordination of displays to ensure community appeal.
• Helps with material issues by mending and repairing items, cleaning disks/cases, and recovering items.
• Labels, covers, and stamps new materials.
• Packages, meters, and sends items by postal mail and/or UPS.
• Keeps informed of developing library practices and issues.
• Maintains regular job attendance in accordance with a schedule established for the position by the supervisor.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation dictates within the scope of this classification.

Special Qualifications: Must register for Nebraska Public Librarian Certification through the Nebraska Library Commission within 30 days of the hiring date. Must complete necessary continuing education requirements to keep certification current while employed by the Omaha Public Library.


Must be able to transport oneself or coordinate transportation to worksites throughout the City during the course of the workday.


Must be able to work flexible schedules that include evenings and weekends.


Fluency in other languages preferred.

Pay: $16.88 Hourly

Benefits: Not applicable to part-time/seasonal employment

Who Can Apply: Any person who meets the qualifications and other requirements described in this posting.

How to Apply: Completed City of Omaha employment applications must be submitted using the on-line application from the City website. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to check and ensure that any and all required application materials and supplemental forms are received by the City of Omaha Human Resources Department. You may confirm receipt of any materials and forms by contacting the Human Resources Department. If the materials are not received in the Human Resources Department, they will not be considered. There will be no exceptions to this rule. If you do not meet the requirements at the time of this posting, once you do meet the requirements you may apply when it is posted again.

Examination Information: Not applicable to part-time/seasonal employment

Veteran Points: Not applicable to part-time/seasonal employment

Conditions of Employment: Candidates must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or proof of permanent residence or authorization to work. The City of Omaha reserves the right to conduct criminal history, driving record, reference and credit checks and a background investigation on applicants for employment. Successfully passing a criminal background review, reference check, and if applicable, a credit check, is required as a condition of employment. If applicable, the City will require that you successfully pass a review of the driver's license, driving abstract, a pre-employment drug test, a hearing test and a back screening examination as a condition of employment. Failure to provide the information requested in the application process in a truthful, accurate and complete manner may result in disqualification, revocation of conditional employment or termination.

Reasonable Accommodation: The City of Omaha does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you need a disability-related accommodation during the job application or selection process, advise the Human Resources Department at least 48 hours prior to the need by emailing employment@cityofomaha.org.

If Under Age 16: Any employee under the age of 16 will need to provide a copy of your certified Nebraska Department of Labor Employment Certificate (for Minors 14 and 15 Years of Age) in order to begin working. Visit the Nebraska Department of Labor website to download the form

For a complete job description please visit the City of Omaha's website at hr.cityofomaha.org/compensation

Contact Points:

City of Omaha Human Resources Department
1819 Farnam St, Suite 506
Omaha, NE 68183
Phone: (402) 444-5300
Fax: (402) 444-5314
Website: hr.cityofomaha.org
Email: employment@cityofomaha.org

The City of Omaha is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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