Library Access Services Assistant

Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

Pay Range:

$21.37 - $26.08 Hourly

Department:

Library Department

Job Type:

Regular Represented

Exemption Status:

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

March 06, 2026

The Opportunity:

Overview

Please note: This recruitment will remain open until the closing date (March 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST) or until 150 applications are received - whichever event occurs first.

Dedication to Outstanding Service: Our Priority!

Providing outstanding customer service to patrons is one of our most important priorities at Multnomah County Library (MCL). Whether they are helping a patron locate an item, making sure our items are shelved correctly, or assisting with library account questions, it's our employees and their dedication to that priority who make a visit to the library an enjoyable one.

 

If you're a customer service superstar, then we invite you to join us and help us provide our patrons with an outstanding experience. Consider becoming an Access Services Assistant (ASA)!

 

As an ASA, you will provide outstanding library services, ranging from performing materials movement and routine library support duties to assisting with circulation and account management duties, to both patrons and staff.

 

You will help our diverse patron base understand and use library services while demonstrating a welcoming and helpful demeanor. You will answer access services, informational, and directional questions and, for more difficult or complicated inquiries and questions, provide positive and timely referrals to appropriate staff. You will work under well established standards, policies or procedures, and typically receive detailed instruction or technical assistance when encountering changes or exceptions. You will be flexible and adaptable, as the roles and responsibilities of this and other positions within the library may be subject to change at any time. You will also possess an understanding of what equity and inclusion means and how it relates to your work.

Some of your duties may include:

• Provide account management assistance, including clearly explaining account management policy and procedures to patrons.

• Assist patrons with balances due, including accepting payment, providing positive options, and negotiating and waiving charges when appropriate.

• Use standard computer technology effectively and continually seek to learn and incorporate new technologies and best practices into work assignments.

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and teach internal and external customers how to use equipment such as computers, copiers, print management, internet management, check-­out stations, credit card payment machines, and cash registers.

• Prepare meeting rooms or other designated areas for programs.

• Open and/or close a library location, including turning equipment on or off, ensuring the location is organized and safe for operations.

• Quickly and accurately receive, process, sort, and shelve materials, as well as maintain shelf order by shelf reading or shifting the collection as needed or assigned.

• Empty book drops, check in materials, and assist our diverse patron population by locating holds and missing items.

• Set-up computer and audiovisual equipment for programs and meetings.

Physical Demands

• Frequently lift and move items such as crates, stacks of books, tables and chairs.

• Standing for extended periods of time, kneeling, reaching, bending, and constantly grasping and lifting materials from 15 - 50 pounds.

The library is open and welcoming to all members of our community, including individuals who may be encountering hardships or challenges that affect their behavior and interactions. This position requires someone with the ability to work respectfully and capably with people from all backgrounds and age groups. You must demonstrate a positive attitude, excellent interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity and a sense of humor while working with customers, co-workers and community. In providing customer service, you may encounter situations that require assistance from a supervisor or person-in-charge. Your ability to exercise quick and mature judgment in deali