Library Associate, Youth Services - O'Neill Branch
City of Cambridge
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Cambridge, MA
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Associate
Posted April 17, 2026
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Responsibilities
Commitments
Responsibilities
- ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Under minimal supervision, provide outstanding customer service to diverse patrons of all ages and perform circulation, programming, readers’ advisory, administrative and other duties in all areas of library.
- Deliver exceptional and engaging service to the public.
- Assigned focus on service to youth, caregivers and families.
- Perform circulation and patron account management duties.
- Assist patrons in locating books and information, reference, and reader's advisory
- Assist patrons in using a wide range of technologies (e.g., computers, laptops, e-readers, tablets, scanners, Wi-Fi hotspots, emerging STEAM technologies), including basic troubleshooting and maintenance.
- Maintain orderliness and neatness in the library.
- Process deliveries; merchandize and shelve materials.
- Monitor public areas of library.
- Communicate and apply library policies and procedures; address and resolve patron issues.
- In partnership with professional staff, plan, assist with or conduct programs and events to meet community needs and interests, including setting up and operating audiovisual and STEAM equipment.
- Use developmental principles to best serve youth, caregivers and families.
- Promote library services and participate in outreach activities, especially to schools and other places serving youth.
- Perform administrative and organizational tasks such as compiling statistics, generating reports and ordering supplies.
- Participate in trainings and workgroups for planning and implementing projects, programs and initiatives.
- May participate in some selection of library materials, coordinate daily tasks of unit, supervise library pages, mentor and train other staff, and contribute to Library’s social media.
- Other duties as required for the good of the Library.
Commitments
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 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.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work in assigned area, including office areas, training rooms and library locations, as needed.
Normal office exposure to noise, stress and interruptions.
SCHEDULE: The work week is 37.5 hours, assigned in the best interests of the Library.
The schedule requires a five-day work week and includes evenings and weekend hours and participation in a system-wide Saturday rotation.
Monday 9:30 - 6pm
Tuesday 9:30 - 6pm
Wednesday 11:30 - 8pm
Thursday 9:30 -6pm (or off for Saturday)
Friday 9:30 - 6pm
Every third Saturday 11:30-5pm (Saturday Rotation #2) REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Please upload the below documents to complete your application:
Resume
Cover Letter
Not Met Priorities
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Requirements
- Knowledge and understanding of the Library’s mission, 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, 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.
- Ability to operate library computers, equipment, software and systems.
- Knowledge of urban public library concepts and techniques, literature and media, digital resources, and current technology.
- Knowledge of developmental principles, materials and current issues related to serving youth; ability to apply developmental principles to programs and services; ability to establish positive relationships with youth.
- PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 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.
Preferred Skills
- Experience serving youth and working in public libraries or other community settings is highly desirable.
- Fluency in a language in addition to English is desirable.
Education
- (Required) – Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university is required.
- (Required) – In exceptional instances, specialized education, training and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the required elements.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Under minimal supervision, provide outstanding customer service to diverse patrons of all ages and perform circulation, programming, readers’ advisory, administrative and other duties in all areas of library. Additionally, assigned focus on service to youth, caregivers and families.
Deliver exceptional and engaging service to the public.
Assigned focus on service to youth, caregivers and families.
Perform circulation and patron account management duties.
Assist patrons in locating books and information, reference, and reader's advisory
Assist patrons in using a wide range of technologies (e.g., computers, laptops, e-readers, tablets, scanners, Wi-Fi hotspots, emerging STEAM technologies), including basic troubleshooting and maintenance.
Maintain orderliness and neatness in the library. Process deliveries; merchandize and shelve materials.
Monitor public areas of library.
Communicate and apply library policies and procedures; address and resolve patron issues.
In partnership with professional staff, plan, assist with or conduct programs and events to meet community needs and interests, including setting up and operating audiovisual and STEAM equipment. Use developmental principles to best serve youth, caregivers and families.
Promote library services and participate in outreach activities, especially to schools and other places serving youth.
Perform administrative and organizational tasks such as compiling statistics, generating reports and ordering supplies.
Participate in trainings and workgroups for planning and implementing projects, programs and initiatives.
May participate in some selection of library materials, coordinate daily tasks of unit, supervise library pages, mentor and train other staff, and contribute to Library’s social media.
Other duties as required for the good of the Library. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university is required. In exceptional instances, specialized education, training and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the required elements. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge and understanding of the Library’s mission, 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, 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.
Ability to operate library computers, equipment, software and systems.
Knowledge of urban public library concepts and techniques, literature and media, digital resources, and current technology.
Knowledge of developmental principles, materials and current issues related to serving youth; ability to apply developmental principles to programs and services; ability to establish positive relationships with youth. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience serving youth and working in public libraries or other community settings is highly desirable.
Fluency in a language in addition to English is desirable. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work in assigned area, including office areas, training rooms and library locations, as needed. Normal office exposure to noise, stress and interruptions. SCHEDULE: The work week is 37.5 hours, assigned in the best interests of the Library. The schedule requires a five-day work week and includes evenings and weekend hours and participation in a system-wide Saturday rotation.
Monday 9:30 - 6pm
Tuesday 9:30 - 6pm
Wednesday 11:30 - 8pm
Thursday 9:30 -6pm (or off for Saturday)
Friday 9:30 - 6pm
Every third Saturday 11:30-5pm (Saturday Rotation #2) REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Please upload the below documents to complete your application:
Resume
Cover Letter
Deliver exceptional and engaging service to the public.
Assigned focus on service to youth, caregivers and families.
Perform circulation and patron account management duties.
Assist patrons in locating books and information, reference, and reader's advisory
Assist patrons in using a wide range of technologies (e.g., computers, laptops, e-readers, tablets, scanners, Wi-Fi hotspots, emerging STEAM technologies), including basic troubleshooting and maintenance.
Maintain orderliness and neatness in the library. Process deliveries; merchandize and shelve materials.
Monitor public areas of library.
Communicate and apply library policies and procedures; address and resolve patron issues.
In partnership with professional staff, plan, assist with or conduct programs and events to meet community needs and interests, including setting up and operating audiovisual and STEAM equipment. Use developmental principles to best serve youth, caregivers and families.
Promote library services and participate in outreach activities, especially to schools and other places serving youth.
Perform administrative and organizational tasks such as compiling statistics, generating reports and ordering supplies.
Participate in trainings and workgroups for planning and implementing projects, programs and initiatives.
May participate in some selection of library materials, coordinate daily tasks of unit, supervise library pages, mentor and train other staff, and contribute to Library’s social media.
Other duties as required for the good of the Library. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university is required. In exceptional instances, specialized education, training and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the required elements. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge and understanding of the Library’s mission, 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, 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.
Ability to operate library computers, equipment, software and systems.
Knowledge of urban public library concepts and techniques, literature and media, digital resources, and current technology.
Knowledge of developmental principles, materials and current issues related to serving youth; ability to apply developmental principles to programs and services; ability to establish positive relationships with youth. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience serving youth and working in public libraries or other community settings is highly desirable.
Fluency in a language in addition to English is desirable. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work in assigned area, including office areas, training rooms and library locations, as needed. Normal office exposure to noise, stress and interruptions. SCHEDULE: The work week is 37.5 hours, assigned in the best interests of the Library. The schedule requires a five-day work week and includes evenings and weekend hours and participation in a system-wide Saturday rotation.
Monday 9:30 - 6pm
Tuesday 9:30 - 6pm
Wednesday 11:30 - 8pm
Thursday 9:30 -6pm (or off for Saturday)
Friday 9:30 - 6pm
Every third Saturday 11:30-5pm (Saturday Rotation #2) REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Please upload the below documents to complete your application:
Resume
Cover Letter