WORKWEEK:
 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (scheduled up to 16 hours/week). Required to work evenings and weekends as needed.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
March 23, 2026
BENEFIT SUMMARY:
This summary outlines the general benefits available to library employees, designed to support their health, financial security, and work-life balance. Benefits available to Part-Time Employees: Sick Leave - Employees earn 1 hours of paid sick leave for every thirty (30) hours worked for a maximum of forty (40) hours of paid sick leave in a benefit year. Vacation Leave - Employees earn one (1) hour paid vacation for every twenty (20) hours worked, with no cap in earning. Additional Part-Time benefits include participation in state pension plan. A more detailed summary can be found on our Employment Opportunities page located at
www.jclibrary.org
JCFPL is the largest municipal library in the State of New Jersey, with twelve locations and growing, and a collection comprising over 2.5 million print and digital items. Our staff of nearly 170 dedicated individuals serves the residents, students, and workers of Jersey City: the largest city in Hudson County, N.J., and the second-largest city in New Jersey.
The staff of JCFPL reflects the cultural and linguistic diversity of Jersey City, which is consistently ranked as the most diverse community in the United States. Collectively, our staff speaks over 16 languages, including English, Spanish, Arabic, Hindi, Tagalog, Gujarati, Marathi, Igbo, Portuguese, and others.
JCFPL is committed to building on our strong foundation and expanding our ability to meet the needs of Jersey City’s growing and increasingly diverse community.
ABOUT THIS POSITION
:Â Â The Part-Time Library Assistant provides essential support in the daily operations of the Jersey City Free Public Library. This position assists with customer service, shelving materials, organizing collections, and helping patrons locate resources. The Part-Time Library Assistant contributes to creating a welcoming and efficient library environment while supporting programs, events, and other library services as needed.
JOB DUTIES:
Charges and discharges library material to users; answers patron inquiries pertaining to physical location of library material, library hours, digital resources, etc.; refers complex questions to supervisors; checks availability of materials; reserves library materials; locates required publications primarily based on call number
Performs filing or shelving tasks involving the use of the Dewey Decimal Classification System and alphabetical filing systems beyond the initial letter of a word; performs searches for publications in immediate vicinity of its proper location; checks shelves to ensure materials are filed properly
May repair library material using mending tape, paste, and brush; prepares books for circulation, which may include placing covers on material, pasting book pockets and/or data slips, spraying lacquer to protect spine, etc.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units
Operates standard library machines, such as copiers and microfilm readers
Under supervision, assists in archival processing and metadata management
Informs individuals of library services
Answers telephones
Perform other duties as assigned
CORE COMPETENCIES:
Communication/Collaboration
Communicates effectively using a variety of methods
Effectively communicates relevant and timely information to appropriate stakeholders
Develops and maintains effective relationships with others to achieve common goals
Works effectively on teams with strong team-building skills and attitudes
Ability to compare written and printed material for accuracy
Ability to read with comprehension
Ability to follow oral and written orders, directions, or plans
Knowledge of general vocabulary, spelling and of standard English grammar
Knowledge of filing systems
Communicates effectively with a variety of audiences and individuals from diverse backgrounds
Selects and applies the most appropriate and effective communication means to meet situational needs
Customer Service
Contributes to and models customer service standards that enhance the user experience
Models standards and practices for the delivery of quality internal and external customer service
Applies customer service skills to enhance the level of user satisfaction
Applies effective techniques to address difficult situations with users and staff
Understands and acts in accordance with the basic values and ethics of library service
Professional Development
Manages the development of one’s own learning and ongoing improvement of skills and knowledge
Uses creative and innovative approaches
Establishes strategies and long-range initiatives to create a learning environment within the division and the library
Plans for and supports staff career development opportunities
Contributes to the development and implementation of a culture that embraces ongoing learning
Community Engagement
Demonstrates the impact and value of the library to the community through ongoing evaluation and assessment of library services
Maintains positive public relations through communication and promotion of the library’s values, services, accomplishments and needs to all stakeholders
Builds relationships and support for the library with community organizations
Contributes to creating a welcoming and user-friendly physical environment that encourages all community members to use library services
Technology
Performs basic functions of email, calendar applications, and task management
Understands and uses basic computer hardware, peripherals, software, and operating system functions
Demonstrates information literacy and understands common security protocols related to Internet use
Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (especially Word and Excel)
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:
Ability to demonstrate a practical knowledge of library functions, services, terminology, techniques, procedures, and standard tools such as ILS (Integrated Library Systems), shelving arrangements, Dewey Decimal Classification System, and successful completion of relevant training within the organization
ADDITIONAL RELEVANT SKILLS:
Must be available to work evenings and weekends
Knowledge of Jersey City’s population, geography, and/or local government
NOTES:
For all employees, regardless of full-time or part-time status, JCFPL is considered the primary employer. Work hours are assigned according to the Library’s operational needs. Work hours are not scheduled to accommodate employees’ other employment, academic, or other outside obligations, except in circumstances agreed upon in writing by the employee and the employee’s supervisor.