Library Assistant - Edgar

Job Posting End Date: 03-09-2026 Worker Sub-Type: Regular Scheduled Weekly Hours: 20 WHO WE ARE: The Marathon County Public Library consists of nine locations throughout Marathon County, Wisconsin, including our Wausau Headquarters, plus branches in Athens, Edgar, Hatley, Marathon City, Mosinee, Rothschild, Spencer, and Stratford. POSITION SUMMARY: This is a 20 hour per week position at the Edgar Branch of the Marathon County Public Library. Serving as a point of contact at the branch library, this position is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service to patrons and library staff. The Library Assistant supports the smooth operation of library services at the branch, including the regular provision of circulation and reference assistance. The Library Assistant also proactively identifies and applies creative solutions that enhance patron experience and streamline workflows. Working under the direction of the Branch Coordinator, who reports to the Library Services Manager, this role contributes to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the branch library and its services within the community. Hours can include days, evenings, and Saturdays. Additional hours to attend meetings, workshops or to fill in for other staff may be required. QUALIFICATIONS: Associate's degree preferred, with two years of experience in a public library or related customer service environment. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered. EXAMPLES OF WORKED PERFORMED: The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Greet and assist patrons, with a welcoming and helpful demeanor. Provide basic reference assistance to patrons. Assist patrons with all aspects of material circulation, include identifying, locating, and processing check-ins, check-outs, and holds. Issue and manage library card registrations. Offer guidance and support to patrons in the use of library resources, including books, online catalogs, databases, personal electronic devices, and library computers/software. Interpret, explain, and enforce library policies and procedures to public as appropriate. Address patron inquiries, providing directional, informational, and technical assistance. Process fines, fees, and balance daily cash accounts. Answer and direct telephone calls, taking and relaying messages. Retrieve requested materials from shelves based on generated reports. Accurately sort and shelve library materials according to established classification systems. Perform regular shelf reading to ensure materials are in proper order, scanning, straightening, and verifying correct placement. Monitor severe weather radio and follow established procedures for weather-related emergencies. Engage in ongoing professional development through workshops, meetings, and relevant literature. Recommend improvements to processes and procedures to enhance library efficiency. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with library staff and patrons. Maintain regular and predictable attendance, with flexibility to work additional hours as needed. Assist patrons with the use of personal electronic devices. May plan and present library programs for various age groups Receive, unpack, and process incoming library materials for check-in. May prepare new materials for circulation, including applying barcodes, labels, protective jackets, stamps, and tape. May perform basic repairs on damaged books and audio-visual materials to extend their lifespan. Produce and manage documentation required for daily operations, which includes faxing, photocopying, printing, and typing. Perform general clerical duties as assigned. Perform other duties as required. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Ability to become proficient in utilizing library software, electronic resources, and standard office technology, including email and productivity software. Ability to accurately interpret, explain, and apply library policies, procedures, and standards to various situations, providing clear guidance to patrons and colleagues. Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with patrons, staff, volunteers, and community members. Ability to follow established procedures in an orderly and logical manner and adhere to prescribed routines. Ability to apply numerical reasoning to perform basic arithmetic calculations, calculate percentages and decimals, and interpret numerical information. Ability to process, calculate, and sum numerical data, and apply the results to practical library-related tasks, such as financial transactions. Capacity to manage and prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously and handle a high volume of work effectively. Ability to contribute helpful energy and creative ideas to address challenges and improve services. Ability to demonstrate passion for working with the public and commitment to providing exceptional customer service with empathy, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude. Ability to be open and considerate in interactions with all individuals. Ability to be receptive to learning from all individuals and experiences. Ability to accept responsibility for behavior, quality of work, efficiency, and results. Ability to support library leadership. Ability to perform physical tasks requiring kneeling, crouching, bending, reaching, standing, and walking for extended periods. Capability to perform repetitive motions, including but not limited to, shelving, material processing, and keyboard use. Ability to use aids to climb and reach materials on high and low shelves. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Ability to push and maneuver book carts weighing up to 75 pounds. Ability to coordinate eye-hand-foot movements for tasks requiring moderate skill, such as typing and material handling. Ability to recognize and differentiate colors, shapes, and sounds relevant to library materials and equipment. Ability to recognize and identify individual characteristics of colors, shapes and sounds associated with job-related objects, materials, and tasks. COMPENSATION: Starting Salary: $17.53 per hour This part-time position is not eligible for benefits. APPLICATION DEADLINE: 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2026 Special Accommodations: Marathon County will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Employee Resources Department office or phone (715) 261-1451 to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline. Notice to Applicants: Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant’s application, records, recommendations, and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the County not provide access to this information. If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Employee Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law Marathon County was officially established in 1850 and is the largest of Wisconsin’s 72 counties today. Centrally located, Marathon County is easy to find, but with 1,584 square miles of natural beauty set in the Wisconsin River Valley, it is hard to leave. Marathon County has a population of 137,958 including the Wausau metropolitan area of 70,000. Marathon County offers a combination of big city amenities with the look and feel of the great north-woods, surrounded by hills, lakes, and rivers; complete with small town hospitality. Our community takes pride in its natural beauty, abundant recreation opportunities, quality education, healthcare, diversity, industry, and overall quality of life. Whether you enjoy fishing, boating, biking, swimming, hiking, cross country or downhill skiing, snowmobiling, ATVing, camping, or anything in between, Marathon County is the place to be! In fact, Wausau and Central Wisconsin was voted as The BEST Place in Wisconsin for Outdoor Activities by the readers of Wisconsin Trails magazine. In addition to four seasons of recreation, Marathon County also has a thriving arts community, events and festivals, an active nightlife scene, diverse dining options, and a convenient regional airport. Marathon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status Please contact us at 715-261-1456 OR 715-261-1451.