Lead Library Assistant
Department: Student Affairs
Location: Columbia, MO
Type: Part-time, Staff
Pay: $18.50 per hour
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available for this position
Job Summary:
The Lead Library Assistant provides leadership for library operations during evening and weekend hours, ensuring high-quality customer service
and effective access to library and Learning Commons resources. This position supervises student workers, models and mentors excellent customer service practices, and supports student success through reference and circulation services.
The Lead Library Assistant is responsible for overseeing nightly operations, including closing procedures, enforcing library policies, and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment. This role also contributes to ongoing library initiatives and project work in collaboration with full-time staff.
Essential Functions:
- Perform job duties in accordance with Columbia College’s vision, mission and values, and contributes to the development of the Student Experience Division.
- Provide and model exceptional customer service, mentoring student employees in best practices for user engagement and support.
- Role model, train, and provide ongoing guidance to student assistants, including coaching on customer service, problem-solving, and professional behavior.
- Oversee evening library operations, ensuring smooth circulation, reference support, and adherence to library policies.
- Provide general reference and circulation assistance, helping students effectively access library resources, technologies, and services.
- Support Learning Commons services, assisting students with research, basic technology use, and navigating academic support resources.
- Serve as the primary staff contact during assigned shifts, exercising sound judgment in decision-making and issue resolution.
- Ensure proper closing procedures, including securing the facility and confirming completion of all operational tasks.
- Assist with library projects and initiatives as assigned by full-time staff, including data tracking, outreach support, or service improvements.
- Foster a respectful, professional, and student-centered environment in all interactions.
- Attend work reliably and on time during scheduled hours; work additional hours as needed.
- Practice superior customer service.
- Fulfill additional responsibilities as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibility: Yes: Student Assistants
Position reports to: Director of Library Services and Educational Resources
Required Core Competencies and Professional Experience:
- Ability to fluently read, write, and understand the English language.
- Proficiency with the following, but not limited to: active listening; speaking; writing; critical thinking; judgment and decision making; monitoring; reading comprehension; time management; coordination; and management of personnel resources.
- Proficiency for using a variety of computer and technology-related software and equipment, including Microsoft Office products and database systems.
- Proficiency in using web-based technologies, including database systems.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment, with or without direct supervision.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, customer service, and organizational skills.
- Bachelor’s Degree in any field of study or a combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree.
Preferred Core Competencies and Professional Experience:
- Coursework towards an ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library Science.
Required Level of Education: High School Diploma
Level of Education Preferred: Bachelor's Degree
Other Requirements: Ability to satisfy, within the parameters set by the College and consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, a criminal background check as a condition of employment.
Special Requirements (if any): Ability to work both mornings and evenings as needed when classes are in session (7:30am – 8pm).
Physical Requirements: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals seeking accommodation should contact the Human Resources Department without delay. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time, talk, and hear. The employee is required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crawl. Employee must be able to type on a computer keyboard and use a computer monitor on a regular basis.
Work Conditions: The work environment conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is rarely exposed to outside weather conditions; however, possible exposure to hazards and physical risks to personal safety may occur while operating certain equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually mild.
This job description is not meant to be all-inclusive of every duty and responsibility required by the employee in the position.
The offer of employment and assignment to duties is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check. The information may include, but is not limited to, academic, residential, achievement, performance, attendance, disciplinary, employment history, credit history, driving history, and criminal history of public record.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Columbia College is an equal opportunity employer.
Columbia College is committed to creating an inclusive employee experience for all regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age or disability. The college maintains a safe place for open discourse and overall, fosters a sense of community that welcomes everyone.
In compliance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), the Department of Campus Safety for Columbia College has provided the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report and crime statistics for the main campus and venues nationwide.
Columbia College is required to distribute this information to all current and prospective employees and students. Please follow the link below for the full report or contact Human Resources at 573-875-7495 for a printed copy.
https://www.ccis.edu/campus-safety/crime-reporting/reports-stats
