PLAINSBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Public Services Library Associate
Public Services • Part-Time Opportunity
Appointment: Part-Time, Non-Exempt Schedule: ~11.5 hrs/week
Reports To: Adult Services Department Head Location: Plainsboro, NJ Rate: $23.00/hour
About Plainsboro Public Library. Plainsboro Public Library (PPL) is a vibrant, community-centered library serving one of New Jersey’s most diverse and multilingual communities. Guided by our Strategic Plan 2026–2028 — shaped by input from more than 1,200 residents under the banner “You Spoke. We Listened.” — we are committed to transforming our spaces, advancing literacy in all its forms, building lasting community partnerships, and ensuring our long-term sustainability. Every member of our team plays a role in delivering on that promise.
The Plainsboro Public Library seeks an energetic, service-minded Public Services Library Associate to serve patrons of all ages at both the Information and Youth Services desks. Reporting to the Adult Services Department Head, this part-time role is one of the friendly, welcoming faces of the library — assisting patrons in finding materials and using library resources, conducting ready-reference and preliminary reference interviews, navigating library software and databases, providing Notary Public services to residents, and supporting collection maintenance. This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate who enjoys helping people, takes pride in connecting our diverse, multilingual community with resources, and thrives in a busy public service environment.
Key Responsibilities
Public Service & Community Engagement
• Welcome patrons of all ages warmly and equitably, ensuring every visitor feels respected and valued.
• Assist patrons in selecting reading materials appropriate to their needs and help them locate library materials.
• Support patrons in using library resources, public computers, and library equipment.
• Register patrons for library programs and events; promote upcoming offerings.
• Provide Notary Public services to residents.
• Receive and respond to patron compliments, suggestions, and concerns; refer matters to the Adult Services Department Head as appropriate.
Information & Reference Support
• Conduct ready-reference and preliminary reference interviews; refer in-depth research questions to appropriate staff.
• Provide coverage at both the Information and Youth Services desks, assisting patrons of all ages.
• Submit interlibrary loan requests through the JerseyCat system.
• Answer and route telephone calls professionally.
Collection & Operational Support
• Shelve materials, perform shelf-reading, and search for items from system-generated lists.
• Participate in collection refresh activities to keep department collections current, relevant, and reflective of our community.
• Create displays and develop reading lists and brochures that engage readers and highlight diverse voices.
• Oversee and direct the work of library pages and volunteers as assigned.
• Follow proper procedures for evacuation of patrons and staff during emergencies and drills.
Professional Growth
• Attend conferences, meetings, workshops, and in-house trainings to keep technological skills current and maintain professional best practices.
• Read professional literature related to library work and emerging trends.
• Participate in ongoing and annual performance evaluations with the Adult Services Department Head.
• Perform related tasks as required.
Qualifications
Education: A bachelor’s degree (non-MLIS) from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Some experience in library work or work dealing with the public — whether in a library, school, retail, hospitality, tutoring, or comparable service setting.
Skills & Abilities: General knowledge of library clerical procedures and practices; library software, databases, digital resources, apps, and common computer software such as MS Office; and popular youth and adult literature and resources. Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service to patrons of all ages across our diverse, multilingual community; maintain accurate records and statistics and complete reports; exercise initiative, independent judgment, and discretion; establish and maintain effective working relationships with patrons and colleagues; and communicate ideas clearly and respectfully, both orally and in writing.
Preferred: A New Jersey Notary Public commission, or willingness to obtain one; prior experience at a public service desk; proficiency in a language other than English reflective of our community (e.g., Mandarin, Hindi, Gujarati, Telugu, Spanish); familiarity with library software, databases, or emerging technologies.
An ideal opportunity for: Current MLIS students exploring a career in public librarianship. This role offers hands-on experience at a busy, community-focused public library and direct mentorship from our Adult Services and Youth Services teams.
Schedule
Wednesdays 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm and Sundays 9:30 am – 5:00 pm (approximately 11.5 hours per week). Flexibility covering additional shifts when needed is preferred.
Compensation
$23.00 per hour; approximately 11.5 hours per week (part-time).
Physical Demands & Work Environment
Light to medium work, with frequent lifting of library materials up to 20 pounds and occasional exertion up to 50 pounds. Regularly requires standing, walking, bending, reaching, and pushing loaded book carts, along with sustained use of a computer at a public service desk. Work is performed indoors in a busy public facility with regular, direct contact with the public.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé to jobs@plainsborolibrary.org. Include “Part-Time Public Services Library Associate” in the email subject line. Please, no phone calls. Only candidates selected for interviews will be notified. Employment offers are conditional upon a successful background and reference check and include a six-month probationary period.
Residency Requirement: Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70), also known as the “New Jersey First Act,” all persons newly hired on or after September 1, 2011 shall have one year from the date of employment to establish, and then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey.
The Plainsboro Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.