Library Clerk - Valente Branch

Posting Date:

12/10/25

Department:

Library - Valente Branch

Job Code:

L422 (#1521)

Sequence #:

713

Number of Hours Per Week:

15

Additional Work Hours Information:

The work week is 15 hours assigned in the best interests of the Library. The schedule may include evening and weekend hours.

Union Affiliation:

CPLSA, MSLA, Local 4928

# of openings:

1

Type of Employment:

Regular

Civil Service Type:

SUMMARY: Under minimal supervision, provides outstanding customer service to diverse patrons of all ages and performs circulation, reader's advisory and clerical duties in all areas of the library.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Delivers exceptional and engaging customer service to the public.
• Maintains orderliness and neatness in the library. Processes deliveries; merchandizes and shelves materials.
• Performs circulation and patron account management duties (e.g., checkouts, check-ins, account inquiries, reserves, renewals, fine assessment and collection, patron registration).
• Assists patrons in locating books and information, and using a wide range of technologies (e.g., desktop computers, laptops, e-readers, tablets, scanners, emerging STEAM technologies, Wi-Fi hotspots), including basic troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Monitors public areas of library.
• Communicates and applies library policies and procedures; addresses and resolves patron issues, referring to other team members as needed.
• Promotes library services and may participate in occasional outreach and programming activities, including setting up and operating audiovisual and STEAM equipment.
• Participates in trainings and workgroups for planning and implementing projects, programs, and initiatives.
• Other duties as required for the good of the Library.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or high school equivalency is required.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of the Library’s mission, vision, values and strategic priorities.
• Commitment to doing all work through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism.
• Strong customer service skills and commitment to public service.
• Ability to work with a diverse population in an urban setting.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills and a positive attitude
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills, including ability to handle unexpected situations.
• Strong teamwork skills, including flexibility to fill in during scheduling emergencies and vacation periods.
• Knowledge of current technology and technological trends.
• Ability to operate computers, equipment, software and systems.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree or coursework beyond the high school level is preferred. Fluency in a language in addition to English is desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Ability to operate standard office equipment; transport carts of materials which can weigh more than 100 pounds across a level floor or on a ramp; carry baskets of materials weighing up to 30 pounds; pay attention to details and concentrate on tasks despite frequent interruptions and moderate noise levels; communicate effectively and exchange accurate information with coworkers and members of the public; read and organize written material; place library materials on shelves or carts which can be located at floor level or overhead .

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Works in assigned area, including public desk, office areas, training rooms, and various library locations as necessary.
• Typical exposure to noise, stress and interruptions in a lively, urban public library.
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs designed to keep abreast of changes in profession.

SCHEDULE: The work week is 15 hours assigned in the best interests of the Library. The schedule may include evening and weekend hours. The schedule is:

• Monday: 10-3
• Tuesday: 10-3
• Friday: 10-3 (or off for Saturday)
• Every third Saturday: 12-5 (Saturday Rotation #2)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Please upload the below documents to complete your application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

ABOUT THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE

The City of Cambridge is a diverse and vibrant community that 120,000 residents of different ethnic, racial, religious, U.S. nationals and other backgrounds call home. We take pride in our City’s diversity and strive to create a workplace that is reflective of the community we serve - one in which all employees can thrive. The City is also deeply committed to creating an environment in which all our employees are treated equitably and feel included. In joining our team, you would work in a workplace environment that advances and values antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI), and that is committed to embedding ADEI best practices and tenets in all aspects of our work. City of Cambridge residents are especially encouraged to apply to job openings.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY / AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

The City of Cambridge is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ Community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The City is committed to advancing a workforce culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request by contacting Human Resources at [email protected].