"Library Assistant V"

Position Summary

Columbia University Libraries is now accepting applications for a motivated and dynamic Library Assistant V for the C.V. Starr East Asian Library’s Access Services department. The C.V. Starr East Asian Library is one of the major collections for the study of East Asia in the United States, with materials in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Tibetan, Mongol, Manchu, and western languages, including books (both print and electronic), periodicals, newspapers, audio-visual material, databases, and more.

Reporting to the Supervisor, the Library Assistant V will process ReCAP materials and Western language journals.

Responsibilities

• Manage incoming requests and returned materials, as well as prepare and assist for regularly ReCAP pick-ups.
• Perform binding and display maintenance tasks for Western language materials.
• Answer directional, informational and front line reference questions from patrons and refer patrons to supervisory or professional staff according to guidelines.
• Monitor and respond to email.
• Process reserves and items from offsite facility and incoming deliveries.
• Assist patrons with library technology (Public Workstations, Printer, and Scanner).
• Process interlibrary loans, which may involve searching, retrieving, citation verification, and/or scanning; shelving and stack maintenance.
• Monitor the entrance and assist patrons who have problems with library security equipment. Assist patrons with disabilities.
• Assign, revise and supervise student assistants in related tasks; collecting statistics as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma and/or its equivalent required.
• Computer literacy required.
• Ability to lift heavy boxes and push heavy book trucks up to 40 lbs.
• Excellent communication and public service skills required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to respond to customer service inquiries via email, telephone, and in person.
• Excellent attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• College degree preferred.
• Prior library experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of one East Asian language preferred.

Details

• Posted: 14-Feb-26
• Location: New York, New York
• Type: Full-time
• Categories: Staff/Administrative
• Job Type: Support Staff - Union
• Bargaining Unit: 1199 Clerical
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM
• Salary Range: $25.60 - $25.60 per hour entry rate ($26.13 - $26.13 per hour minimum rate)

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.