Help Wanted : Reference Assistant

Position: Reference Assistant
Reports to: Reference Librarian
Hourly Rate of Pay: $16.15

Position Summary
Responsible for working the Reference Desk, answering patron questions, assisting with technology, educating and training the public on library resources, and providing excellent customer service.

Duties

1. Run the Reference Desk on assigned shifts.
2. 2. Assist Library patrons with a range of information needs, including use of our online catalog, use of our public computers, reading suggestions, use of the various online resources available on our web site, and VHS tape conversions to digital format.
3. Assist patrons with telephone requests for information.
4. 4. Assist the Reference Librarian with document digitization and other special projects.
5. 5. Schedule U.S. Passport application appointments by phone, with eventual training and certification to process passport applications.
6. Other duties as assigned, such as shelving and weeding the library’s collection.

Qualifications

1. Previous library or customer service experience.
2. High school diploma.
3. Excellent computer skills, including knowledge of MS Office, Adobe, Google Docs and web browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Edge).
4. Commitment to high level of customer service. Must be willing to work cooperatively with and around people of all ages.
5. Good judgement with analytical and problem-solving skills.
6. Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment.
7. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
8. Eligible to be certified as a passport acceptance agent.
9. Effective oral and written communication skills.
10. 10. Be willing to acquire knowledge of new technology available in the library and have the ability to translate that knowledge to patrons and fellow staff members.
11. A valid driver’s license and background check are required.

Essential Physical Abilities and Attendance

1. Regularly required to stand for up to 4 hours at a time, lift materials or push carts up to 30 lbs. and reach high or low to access or return materials to designated places.
2. Ability to work assigned shifts, which will include weekday evenings and weekends. Provide adequate notice to the Department Head when time off is needed.

Anticipated Schedule

12 to 16 hours per week that would include a weekday morning (8:30 to 12:30); a weekday evening (4:30 to 9:00, with a 30-minute break); alternating Saturday (either 8:30 to 12:30 or 12:30 to 4:30) and Sunday (1:30 to 5:00, paid at time and a half). Additional shifts may also be made available.

To Apply: Please submit an application along with a resume and cover letter to jegel@wgpl.org or drop application materials off at the circulation desk at the Library at 301 E. Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves, MO 63119.

Applications accepted until January 20, 2026 with interviews expected to begin the following week.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Webster Groves Public Library is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer and will continue to recruit, hire, promote, train, and develop into all job levels without regard to race, color, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), religion, national origin, genetic information or disability. In recognition of the essential rights of all employees and applicants as individuals, it is the policy of the Webster Groves Public Library to recruit, hire, train, develop, and promote in all job classifications without discrimination to achieve equality in employment practices. The Library does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability. It is also the policy of the Library to act affirmatively in those areas where societal discrimination has denied equality of opportunity, particularly where under-representation exists. Special emphasis will be placed upon recruiting qualified minorities, women, veterans, and disabled individuals.