Youth Collection Library Assistant
Urbandale, IA - USA
Job Summary
- Summary Description
Employment Type:Permanent Part-Time 32 hours per week
Pay Rate:$22.57 per hour
Department: Technical ServicesSchedule:MondayThursday 8:00 a.m.4:30 p.m. with occasional evening and weekend availability required to support programming and special events
Position Summary
The Urbandale Public Library is seeking a detail-oriented customer-focused individual to join its Technical Services Department as a Youth Collection Library Assistant. This position combines behind-the-scenes collection management with direct public service helping ensure childrens and teen materials are accessible well-maintained and responsive to the needs and interests of the community.Under the general direction of the Library Manager the Library Assistant performs a variety of technical and public service duties including acquiring processing organizing and maintaining library materials; tracking purchases and collection expenditures; maintaining accurate inventory and item records; and assisting patrons at the public service desk. The position also supports childrens programming and special events.
The ideal candidate is organized adaptable comfortable using technology and committed to providing welcoming and responsive service to individuals of all ages abilities and backgrounds.
About the Urbandale Public Library
The Urbandale Public Library has been part of the City of Urbandale since 1961. Located on the City of Urbandale campus adjacent to Walker Johnston Park since 2000 the Librarys 56000-square-foot facility offers an extensive collection of print and digital resources along with computers photocopiers meeting rooms and study spaces for individuals families community groups and small businesses.The Library provides programs and services that inform educate and entertain people of all ages and 2025 the Library welcomed approximately 208000 visitors and hosted nearly 700 programs for children teens and adults attracting more than 20000 attendees.
As a member of the Library team you will help connect people with information resources and experiences that enrich their lives and strengthen the community.
About the Technical Services Department
The Technical Services Department manages the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the Librarys collections organized accessible and ready for use. Its responsibilities include acquiring cataloging processing and maintaining library materials.The Youth Collection Library Assistant plays an important role in these efforts by helping develop and maintain the childrens and teen collections while also supporting public service operations and youth programming.
Benefits
This position is eligible for time off accrual and employee benefits.
For details please review the following resources:
- City of Urbandale Employee Handbook.
- 2026 Non-Union Benefits Guide
- Routine Job Duties/Responsibilities
Technical Services and Collection Support
- Coordinates with library vendors and tracks library orders purchases and expenditures.
- Prioritizes inventories and processes new materials including books audiovisual materials STEAM kits and other special items.
- Assists the department manager and specialist with collection management activities including updating item records and maintaining accurate inventory.
- Supports collection maintenance by repairing materials tracking statistics generating reports and performing related tasks.
- Sorts and manages donated materials and prepares items for library book sales.
- Monitors and maintains inventory of department supplies and materials as needed.
- Attends staff meetings training sessions and professional development activities.
Youth Collection Responsibilities
- Assists with selecting materials for the childrens and teen collections and tracks monthly spending to support collection development within established budgets.
- Evaluates maintains and develops childrens and teen collections to reflect the changing needs and interests of the community.
- Provides customer service at the childrens public services desk assisting patrons with questions library resources and services.
- Collaborates with childrens programming staff to support programs special events and other activities for young patrons.
General Public Service Responsibilities
- Checks out and receives library materials and collects applicable fines and fees.
- Provides proactive responsive and welcoming customer service to patrons of all ages abilities and backgrounds.
- Assists patrons with questions about library materials resources and services.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Click HERE to access the full job description.- Typical Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- At least one (1) year of customer service or administrative experience; library experience preferred.
- Handles confidential information with discretion and sensitivity.
- Demonstrates initiative organization and the ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently.
- Communicates effectively both orally and in writing and demonstrates strong interpersonal and listening skills.
- Exercises tact diplomacy and professionalism when interacting with the public coworkers and other stakeholders.
- Demonstrates proficiency in using computers and the ability to troubleshoot common technical issues.
- Works effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Maintains focus and productivity in a varied work environment.
- Exercises sound judgment and makes appropriate decisions within established policies and procedures.
- Demonstrates attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records and inventory.
- Demonstrates reliability and the ability to perform essential job duties at the designated work location and during scheduled work hours.
Employment is contingent upon successfully completing post-offer/pre-employment reference checks drug screening and a background check.- Supplemental Information
Candidates will receive application status updates and other notifications via email from (NEOGOV). Applicants should provide an active email address they check regularly and consider enabling text message notifications.
Your responses to the supplemental questions should be complete yet concise. All five (5) supplemental questions will be scored as part of the selection process. Top-scoring qualified candidates will be invited to participate in phone interviews.
Applications that are incomplete will not be considered after the November:59 PM deadline.
Tentative Timeline:
- Application Deadline: November 1 2026 at 11:59 PM (CST)
- Phone Interviews: Week of November 9 2026
- Oral Board Interviews: Week of November 16 2026
- Anticipated Start Date: December 7 2026
The City of Urbandale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If reasonable accommodation is needed please contact the Human Resources Department at or prior to the application deadline.
Required Experience:
Junior IC