Summary
This entry-level job at the Detroit Public Library involves helping library visitors by sorting and shelving books, processing new materials like DVDs and magazines, and providing basic customer service such as answering questions and routing calls.
It also includes operating office equipment, making minor repairs to items, and assisting with programs or mail.
A good fit would be someone reliable and friendly with basic clerical experience, who enjoys working with people and can handle a flexible schedule including weekends.
Key Requirements
- High school diploma/GED or equivalent (community college student or high school student aged 14+ with work permit also eligible)
- Six months of clerical experience involving customer service, preferably with computer tracking and software systems
- Ability to interact effectively with diverse backgrounds and provide customer service
- Clerical office skills, including accurate record-keeping and basic mathematical calculations
- Good time management and ability to learn library rules, Dewey Decimal System, and procedures
- Physical ability to lift up to 25 pounds, push/pull carts, and work in a library environment with standing, walking, and bending
- Flexible schedule availability, including Saturdays and Sundays
Full Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all
employees in this classification.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
• Sorting and shelving books.
• Receives and processes new materials such as books, DVDs, video games, audiobooks,
magazines, and newspapers; repairs DVD cases; maintains damaged or missing library
materials; conducts interlibrary loan searches and retrieves all loan request forms from Library
departments; makes minor repairs to worn and damaged books; discards library materials and
assists with preparations for book sales.
• Operates office equipment including copiers, laminating machines, printers, and faxes; laminates
forms and books; may assist in scheduling computer classes; and provides general information,
department locations and current library events information.
• Provides support to the assigned Library supervisor on matters as directed.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.
Depending on area of assignment:
• Greets customers, answers and routes phone calls to appropriate locations.
• Assists in processing and cataloging books, magazines, newspapers, audio and video materials;
and maintains computer usage tallies in the DPL computer system.
• May process, sort, and deliver incoming and outgoing mail and cleans and sanitizes computers.
• Assists with special programs; contact references and schedules to customers wanting to attend
the program; compiles program packets.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
Community College Student, High School Diploma/GED, High School Student (must be 14 years or older
and have a permit to work) and six months clerical experience that involves customer service; preferably
using automated computer tracking and software systems.
Required Licenses or Certifications:
• None.
Required Knowledge and Skill:
• Interacting with a diverse background.
• Ability to learn library rules, policies, and procedures.
• Provide customer service and assistance.
• Clerical office skills and keeping accurate records.
• Making basic mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Good time management skills.
• Ability to learn the Dewey Decimal System.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with Library staff and the general public.
Physical Demands / Work Environment:
• Work is performed in a standard library environment.
• Subject to sitting, standing, walking, stair climbing, bending, reaching, and lifting of objects up to 25
pounds.
• Must be able to push/pull library carts and lift/carry library materials.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including Saturdays and Sundays.