The Claremont Colleges

Library User Services Associate

Claremont Part time

ABOUT THE POSITION:

User Services Associate works closely with other members of the User Services unit on core functions, which include providing outstanding user-centered customer service (in person and virtually), circulation duties, and contributing to the course readings program. While much of this work is done collaboratively, each User Services Associate will manage one or more of the core functions of the unit. This position plays an important role in staffing the library’s service points. As the only staff member in the building during some shifts, this position requires sound judgment in responding to user needs, addressing security and building issues, and in providing oversight and guidance to User Services student assistants.

  • Priority Deadline: The deadline for first consideration is January 16, 2026.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following are the fundamental duties and responsibilities of this position which the incumbent must be able to perform to fulfill the purpose and requirements of this position.

User Services

  • Participate in the core functions of User Services, which include circulation, course readings (reserves), billing, lost/missing cycle, tech lending, and more. Adapt quickly to new and changing circumstances.
  • Provide excellent customer service with a user-centered focus at the Library’s service points both in person and virtually. This may include night and weekend hours and opening/closing the building, depending on the shift.
  • Maintain knowledge of library services and policies, and communicate them effectively to library users and other library staff. Share and provide feedback to improve our services, policies, and workflows.
  • Provide basic reference support, helping users to find and use the Library’s resources.
  • Learn the technology used by the Library, including library systems and apps., as well as printers, scanners, projectors, and tech lending equipment, and assist users with troubleshooting.

Stacks and Special Projects

  • Contribute to regular stacks maintenance workflows and special projects. This includes processing returns, sorting, reshelving, shelf-reading, shifting, and inventory.
  • Provide training and guidance to User Services student assistants and communicate any issues to the User Services Student Supervisor in a timely manner.
  • Serve on Library, TCCS, and TCC committees and interest groups, as assigned.
  • Complete other tasks as assigned within User Services and in support of the Library’s strategic initiatives.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Unless otherwise stated, the following qualifications are required to perform the essential functions of this position, or the individual must demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed (with or without reasonable accommodation) using other qualifications not listed below.

Education/Training:

  • One (1) year of higher education coursework or equivalent combination of education.

Experience:

  • One (1) year of customer service experience.

Competencies:

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
  • Ability to build collaborative, effective working relationships.
  • Demonstrated experience in Microsoft Office/Google Drive (preferably including Excel), library catalogs, and other relevant software and technologies.
  • Ability to learn new services, policies, workflows, and technologies quickly, and transfer that knowledge to others. Flexibility in adapting to change and applying new information quickly.
  • Outstanding organizational skills.
  • Sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work independently to set and meet priorities.
  • Detail oriented and demonstrated capacity for carrying out tasks in an accurate manner, and ability to check your own work for accuracy.
  • Strong commitment to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusivity and fostering a welcoming environment for both colleagues and the public.
  • Ability to interact sensitively and diplomatically with individuals from diverse backgrounds in a high traffic, public context.
  • Ability to follow directions from supervisors and provide clear directions to staff and student assistants.
  • Ability to work harmoniously and as a team player, thrive in a team-based environment, and employ skill in fostering teamwork among others.

Work Schedule: The regular hours for this part-time position are 20 hours per week. Regular hours for this position during the academic semester are:  Friday, 2:45-10:15pm; Saturday 5:15-10:15pm, Sunday 4:45pm-1:15am. Regular hours for this position during the Summer and school breaks: Thursday-Friday, 11:45am-6:15pm; Saturday, 9:45am-6:15pm. Some flexibility required to cover service points. The User Services Associate will be required to work one overnight shift of 1am-8am during finals week each semester when the Library is open 24/7. Hours may vary due to the needs of the unit or organization.

Union: This position is represented by The Claremont Colleges Services Library Staff Federation AFT Local 6735. The employee in this position will be bound by the collective bargaining agreement.

COMPENSATION

Pay: The pay rate for this position is competitive and commensurate with the duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required for the position, $22.31- $22.50 per hour.

Benefits: This position is eligible for our employment benefits package including:

  • medical, dental, vision,
  • 10% retirement contributions after one year (no matching required),
  • group life insurance,
  • generous time off,
  • professional development funds,
  • discounts for mobile plans, software, and entertainment,
  • access to fitness facilities,
  • and more!

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements:

Sedentary work that primary involves sitting and standing:

☐  Constantly       ☒  Frequently             ☐  Occasionally          ☐  Never

Active work that primary involves standing and walking:

☐  Constantly       ☒  Frequently             ☐  Occasionally          ☐  Never

Light work that involves moving objects weighing up to 10 pounds:

☐  Constantly       ☒  Frequently             ☐  Occasionally          ☐  Never

Medium work that includes moving objects weighing up to 25 pounds:

☐  Constantly       ☒  Frequently             ☐  Occasionally          ☐  Never

Medium work that includes moving objects weighing up to 40 pounds:

☐  Constantly       ☐  Frequently             ☐  Occasionally          ☒  Never

Heavy work that includes moving objects weighing up to 50 pounds:

☐  Constantly       ☐  Frequently             ☐  Occasionally          ☒  Never

Operate a computer or other work requiring repetitive movement of wrists, hands, & fingers:

☒  Constantly       ☐  Frequently             ☐  Occasionally          ☐  Never

Operate a street legal golf cart, a company automobile, or other heavy machinery:

☐  Constantly       ☐  Frequently             ☐  Occasionally          ☒  Never

Read or write electronic or printed materials:

☐  Constantly       ☒  Frequently             ☐  Occasionally          ☐  Never

Communicate verbally in person, by phone or another device:

☐  Constantly       ☒  Frequently             ☐  Occasionally          ☐  Never

Moving body into different positions to work down low, overhead, or outward:

☐  Constantly       ☐  Frequently             ☐  Occasionally          ☒  Never

Work involving climbing ladders, stairs, scaffolding, or similar:

☐  Constantly       ☐  Frequently             ☒  Occasionally          ☐  Never

Work in various environments including low, high, tight, low-ventilation, or confined spaces:

☐  Constantly       ☐  Frequently             ☐  Occasionally          ☒  Never

Work indoors in climate-controlled spaces:

☒  Constantly       ☐  Frequently             ☐  Occasionally          ☐  Never

Work outdoors in various weather conditions:

☐  Constantly       ☐  Frequently             ☐  Occasionally          ☒  Never

Work in a noisy environment:

☐  Constantly       ☐  Frequently             ☒  Occasionally          ☐  Never

Disclaimer:

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. When duties and responsibilities change and develop, The Claremont Colleges Services will review this job description and make changes of business necessity. TCCS reserves the right to modify job duties or assign additional duties as needed.

ADA/OSHA:

This job description defines the essential job duties of this position. The Claremont Colleges Services expects that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others. It may also include marginal functions, generally defined within Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Equal Opportunity Employer:

TCCS is an equal opportunity employer. TCCS managers make employment decisions on the basis of merit, with the aim of having the best available person in every job. TCCS prohibits discrimination based on all characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law or ordinance or regulation. TCCS also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of these characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of these characteristics. All such discrimination is unlawful.