Senior Library Clerk

Join the City of Allen-a vibrant community of over 100,000 residents where strong economic growth, excellent schools, and an exceptional quality of life make it a great place to live, work, and play.

Our mission is simple: "To achieve excellence in managing community development and city services, continually enhancing the quality of life and public confidence."

At the City of Allen, our employees bring the PRIDE values to life:

• People First - Prioritizing others
• Respect - Treating everyone with courtesy and dignity
• Integrity - Serving with honesty and trust
• Deliver - Following through and exceeding expectations
• Excel - Driving innovation and continuous improvement

• Provides advanced customer service support by responding to patron inquiries in person, over the phone, and through library service points, including assistance with self-check stations, account questions, and general library information.
• Explains, clarifies, and processes fees related to lost or damaged library cards, overdue materials, damaged items, or kits with missing components, and accurately collects, records, and applies payments and issues receipts.
• Processes returned library materials by collecting items from book drops, inspecting for damage and completeness, removing due date materials, sorting items for shelving or repair, and identifying materials requiring further review.
• Categorizes and organizes damaged or incomplete returned items, determining appropriate routing for librarian review, potential repair, or removal from circulation, and documenting findings as required.
• Checks out and renews library materials using the integrated library system, including applying security measures, updating patron records, and ensuring accuracy of account information.
• Issues new and replacement library cards by verifying patron information, entering data into the system, communicating library policies, and answering patron questions regarding account use and privileges.
• Shelves, organizes, and maintains library materials by transporting items to correct locations, ensuring proper alphabetical and numerical order, and straightening and maintaining collection areas.
• Opens and closes library facilities by logging systems on and off, securing doors, reconciling cash drawers, preparing reports, and completing opening/closing checklists and procedures.
• Contributes to the training and onboarding of newly hired Library Clerks by demonstrating procedures, providing guidance on routine tasks, answering operational questions, and modeling professional, courteous, and knowledgeable customer service.
• Supports library programs by assisting with preparation of materials, organizing supplies, setting up displays, and providing assistance with program-related tasks and volunteer coordination as assigned.
• Processes new library materials by labeling, covering, barcoding, stamping, verifying shipments against invoices and packing slips, and preparing items for circulation.

Education and Experience

Work requires broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field. Education and experience that provide the necessary knowledge and skills may also be considered, but a typical way to qualify is by obtaining:

Conditions of Employment

• Reliable transportation to and from work
• Clear criminal background check and pre-employment drug screen

• This is a part-time non-exempt position with TMRS.
• Schedule may be modified if department needs arise
• May be required to work overtime needed

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This position is classified as sedentary and requires the physical ability to perform the essential functions of the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform these functions. Typical physical demands include:

• Works in a public library setting with frequent interaction with patrons, staff, and volunteers in a customer service environment.
• Regularly uses computers, library software systems, phones, and standard office equipment for extended periods.
• Frequently stands, walks, bends, reaches, and stoops while performing daily duties.
• Lifts, carries, pushes, and pulls library materials, boxes, and book carts, typically weighing up to 25-30 pounds.
• Shelves and retrieves materials at various heights, including low shelves and overhead locations.
• Performs repetitive hand, wrist, and finger movements related to processing, labeling, sorting, and handling materials.
• Works in a well-lit, climate-controlled indoor environment with moderate background noise.
• Maintains focus and professionalism while managing multiple tasks, interruptions, and patron requests throughout the workday.
• May be required to adjust work schedule to assist with opening/closing duties, programs, or special library events as needed.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of library circulation procedures, materials processing, and basic collection maintenance practices.
• Ability to accurately process returned, damaged, and incomplete library materials and determine appropriate disposition (repair, circulation, or librarian review).
• Skilled in operating integrated library systems (ILS) for check-in, check-out, patron account management, and fee processing.
• Knowledge of library policies and procedures, including fees, fines, card issuance, and patron account regulations.
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to assist patrons in person, by phone, and at self-service stations in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to clearly explain fees, policies, and account information to patrons in a helpful and consistent manner.
• Ability to collect, process, and accurately record payments for fines, fees, and other charges.
• Skill in organizing, shelving, and maintaining library materials in correct order and location.
• Ability to train and support new employees by demonstrating procedures and providing guidance on daily operations.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in handling materials, records, and financial transactions.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and respond effectively to frequent interruptions.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, for interacting with staff, patrons, and volunteers.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced public service environment.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City of Allen and employee and may be revised by the employer as needed.

The City of Allen is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, or military status in employment or in the provision of services.

The City of Allen participates in the federal e-Verify program to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.