Position Description
Philbrick-James Library
Library Assistant: Interlibrary Library Loan & Book Club Coordinator
Part Time, non-exempt hourly employee, permanent 24 hours per week
Tuesday 1:00pm-7:00pm
Wednesday 9:00am-6:00pm
Thursday 12:00pm-5:00pm
Saturday (every other, in rotation) 9:00am-1:00pm
one 2 hour shift, monthly, for staff meetings,TBD
occasional additional hours for coverage as mutually agreed upon
The Philbrick-James Library is seeking a friendly and welcoming library assistant to join our small library team to oversee our interlibrary loan program. The ideal candidate will enjoy research, detail-oriented task management and have excellent communication skills. Responsibilities include requesting and lending items via the New Hampshire State Interlibrary Loan System, managing book club material requests, as well as regularly serving on the help desk. The right candidate will be able to comfortably multitask while maintaining strong attention to detail. Library experience is preferred; interest and experience in book club facilitation (adults and children 12+) is also a plus.
STATEMENT OF DUTIES
Under the supervision of the Library Director, the ILL Library Assistant’s duties include processing interlibrary loan requests and library materials, and communicating with patrons regarding the status of these requests. Additional duties include coordinating the library book groups, maintaining ILL statistics, tracking and communicating with patrons regarding overdue materials, staffing the help desk, shelving materials on occasion, and providing patrons with basic technology and information assistance as needed.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The essential functions listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Processing interlibrary loan requests; advising patrons on availability and status of requests; coordinating library book group communication, supporting new members, and occasionally facilitating book discussions.
Manages all interlibrary loan functions for the library including filling patron requests via the N.H.A.I.S. Interlibrary Loan system, our University and College partners, and other online resources, in which requests are received by phone, in person, and by email.
Communicating effectively with patrons, members of the community, and library coworkers about the status of these requests.
Providing research assistance to find alternative sources when an interlibrary loan cannot be procured.
Coordinating outgoing Homebound Book delivery service, when requested.
Managing, tracking, and communicating with patrons regarding overdue library materials.
Communicating with the Library Director to recommend collection development in areas not currently meeting patron needs.
Assisting patrons in locating library materials in the building and in the library’s online catalog.
Assisting patrons in the use of library computers, photocopier/printer, and with downloadable books.
Providing information and interpretation concerning library services, policies, and procedures, by phone, in person, and by email.
Processing new and gifted library materials and completing basic book repairs when needed, with a goal towards developing proficiency in copy cataloging and various tech services workflows.
Providing reference service, answering phone calls, and helping patrons locate library materials; explains routine library policies.
Registering new library users for services, and assisting patrons in accessing library materials.
Participating in promoting all library events and services by actively engaging with patrons and referring them to our printed and online resources.
Accessing professional resources in order to provide quality reader’s advisory services and grow professionally as a member of the NH library community.
SUPERVISION
Works under the general supervision of the Library Director as an integral member of a small library team.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (training, skills, education, experience)
Required Education & Experience
Duties require great customer service skills, in addition to knowledge of working with the public and clerical experience equivalent to completion of high school diploma with additional courses in library science and six months to one year of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, Ability, and Skill
excellent customer service attitude
detail-oriented
ability to multitask and problem solve
good written and verbal communication skills
must be proficient in the use of a computer, previous experience with G-suite and integrated library systems preferred
ability to use statewide online ILL platform to search for, reserve, and renew materials, and adapt to changes in workflow
general knowledge of books, culture, current events, and children’s literature
BENEFITS
Earned Time off and Holiday pay
Hiring Wage Range:
$18.00-$19.00 per hour
How to submit an application/resume:
To apply, send a resume and cover letter to Library Director Anne Meyers at director@philbrickjameslibrary.org
Closing date for submissions:
9/30/2026
Special Working Conditions
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are performed mostly indoors in an office environment. Duties require extended periods of standing, walking, sitting, and talking or hearing. Duties require occasional periods of climbing or balancing, pulling/pushing items, lifting/carrying items, keyboarding, reaching with hands and arms, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Weights up to 50 pounds are encountered. Vision requirements include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Reading materials and verbal instructions require complex interpretation. Hazards are considered minor and controllable, but may include exposure to human error and unhappy patrons and/or members of the general public. The noise level is usually moderate. Must be able to transport oneself to work-related meetings, workshops, conferences, etc.
This job description is not, nor is it intended to be, a complete statement of all duties, functions and responsibilities which comprise this position.
updated September 16th, 2026