Library Associate - Montana Staffing : Job Details

The Lewis & Clark Library's Helena Location seeks a part-time Library Associate focused on Collections & Technical Services. The Library is a hub of cultural, recreational and educational activity. The first free public Library in Montana Territory, Lewis & Clark Library has strong roots and wide-spreading branches, including Augusta, East Helena, Lincoln, and a Bookmobile, plus a book bike. The Library's culture is innovative, smart, and slightly obsessive about the role high-quality Library service plays in our community and the world. The part-time Library Associate for Collections & Technical Services position performs a variety of technical, paraprofessional and customer service-related duties primarily in support of the Collections & Technical Services Department. Some frontline patron-facing work will be required. Library Associate duties for this role include but are not limited to:

• Process and maintain the newspaper and serials collections, entering information in the Library's database when publications are received and setting up new publications when necessary. Sort and route incoming mail and packages, including mail for the interlibrary loan department as needed.
• Process purchased items to be added to the collection; check materials received against packing slips, invoices, and the Library's database; ensure materials received are undamaged; return damaged or defective items to appropriate vendors as necessary.
• Serve as backup support for interlibrary loan materials.
• Withdraw discarded materials from the collection.
• Assist patrons in-person and via the telephone; check out and renew materials, explain and enforce policies and procedures, provide information about library services and operations, answer patron questions, problem solve issues.
• Perform tasks related to day-to-day operations of the library: open and close library building, monitor patron use of equipment, materials, and facility, respond to safety and security issues, perform light cleaning as needed.
• Assist with preparing, promoting and presenting library programs for all ages.

The position requires effective communication skills and interpersonal skills. The successful candidate must also have strong abilities to plan, organize and prioritize responsibilities and work independently as well as with others.

Education & Experience The education and experience considered necessary to perform these duties and responsibilities is typically acquired by:

• Education: Equivalent to graduation from high school; some college/university preferred.
• Experience: One year of experience in library work, general clerical work, or in a closely related field. Or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Starting at $22.23 per hour, with step increases to follow.

LCL offers a competitive benefits package that is prorated for part-time staff, and includes medical, dental and vision coverage to employees and qualified dependents as well as a State sponsored retirement plan, access to supplemental insurance and a 457b plan. In addition, LCL provides vacation, sick leave and paid holidays.

30 hours per week

Most shifts will begin at 8am as this role includes receiving Library mail.

Please submit your application packet via or cms[at]mt.net. A complete application packet will include the following items:

• Resume and cover letter. Please describe any experience working with library collections and/or serving the public, as well as why the Lewis & Clark Library would be a good fit for you.
• Lewis and Clark Library Application (available on our website -- www.lclibrary.org/jobs)
• Three professional references.

Applications must be received by July 6th, 2025 at 11:59pm, to be considered. Interviews will be held July 14th and 15th, 2025. For questions or assistance, email cms[at]mt.net.