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Careers at the Joplin Public Library

Become a Part of Our Team

We often have part-time or volunteer positions available.

Youth Services Assistant

POSITION AVAILABLE: Youth Services Assistant

SCHEDULE: Part‐time (20 hours per week)

DEADLINE: Applications will be accepted until position is filled, but first consideration given to applications received by July 10, 2026.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

This individual is part of a team that combines professional and clerical duties in providing reference and programming services to the public. This position will have a wide familiarity of all library procedures and policies and must have an ability to interpret these to the public.

Examples of work performed:

●        Develops, plans and conducts programs for all age of youth with support from the Youth Services Librarian

●        Assists patrons in finding information in person, on the telephone, and via email

●        Cleans and maintains order in the Children’s and Teen areas

●        Helps patrons locate materials in the collection

●        Opens and closes the Children’s and Teen areas – some evening and weekend hours are required

●        Conducts readers’ advisory interviews

●        Assists patrons with the computers in the Children’s and Teen areas

●        Creates marketing materials, brochures, and bookmarks

●        Helps manage issues relating to Library policy compassionately and professionally

●        Plans and conducts outreach programs with support from the Youth Services Librarian

●        Instructs patrons in basic library use

●        Checks, shelves and changes status of new children’s and teen books

●        Performs other duties as assigned by the Youth Services Librarian

REQUIREMENTS FOR POSITION:

●        Two years of college or equivalent experience

●        Must be willing to present in-house and outreach library programs

●        Must enjoy working with the public, especially youth and their parents

●        Skills in application and interpretation of library policies and procedures

●        Good communication and public relations skills

●        Must be able to maintain a cheerful demeanor under pressure

●        Demonstrates creativity, enthusiasm, flexibility, and a positive attitude

●        High clerical aptitude

●        Working knowledge of library automation system, basic computer programs and the Internet

●        Comfort with and ability to utilize existing and emerging technology to reach community members outside of the library

●        Wide knowledge of children’s and young adult literature and interest in a variety of subjects

BENEFITS: Includes a monthly accrual of sick and personal leave, a yearly accrual of two weeks vacation and ten paid holidays per year; health, dental, and vision insurance available at COBRA rates.

STARTING PAY: $15.1229 per hour

APPLICATION: Applications available for pick up at the Library or download an application at www.joplinpubliclibrary.org/LibraryApp.pdf.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Christina Matekel-Gibson at (417) 623-7953; or email cmatekel@joplinpubliclibrary.org.

The Joplin Public Library is an equal opportunity employer.

Become a

Volunteer

Volunteers are a valuable resource for public service organizations and we are grateful to our terrific volunteers who help support the Library. Volunteers generally straighten or shelve materials, perform clerical duties, clean toys, dust shelves, assist with program preparation, or work on other specially assigned projects.

If you are interested in volunteering with the Joplin Public Library please fill out our volunteer application by clicking the “Apply to Volunteer” button below. Library staff will review the application and contact you when a position is available.

Apply to Volunteer

The Friends of the Joplin Public Library also use the services of its volunteers/members to run a book sale and staff a Library welcome table.  If you’re interested in helping them, visit FriendsOfTheJPL.org.