Customer Service Representative

Job Title

Library Assistant

Job Description

General Purpose: Under manager's supervision, performs routine library customer service functions and tasks within the Detroit Public Library (DPL) including greeting customers, assisting with routine circulation activities, entering and retrieving data from automated systems, and assisting library users.

Examples of Duties

Primary duties and responsibilities:

• Sorting and shelving books.
• Receives and processes new materials such as books, DVDs, video games, audiobooks, magazines, and newspapers; repairs DVD cases; maintains damaged or missing library materials; conducts interlibrary loan searches and retrieves all loan request forms from Library departments; makes minor repairs to worn and damaged books; discards library materials and assists with preparations for book sales.
• Operates office equipment including copiers, laminating machines, printers, and faxes; laminates forms and books; may assist in scheduling computer classes; and provides general information, department locations and current library events information.
• Provides support to the assigned Library supervisor on matters as directed.

Depending on area of assignment:

• Greets customers, answers and routes phone calls to appropriate locations.
• Assists in processing and cataloging books, magazines, newspapers, audio and video materials; and maintains computer usage tallies in the DPL computer system.
• May process, sort, and deliver incoming and outgoing mail and cleans and sanitizes computers.
• Assists with special programs; contact references and schedules to customers wanting to attend the program; compiles program packets.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Minimum age requirement of 14 years old.
• Minimum of six months of clerical experience that involves customer service.
• Preferably using automated computer tracking and software systems.

Required Knowledge and Skill:

• Interacting with a diverse background.
• Ability to learn library rules, policies, and procedures.
• Clerical office skills and keeping accurate records.
• Making basic mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Time management skills.
• Ability to learn the Dewey Decimal System.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with Library staff and the general public.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a standard library environment.
• Subject to sitting, standing, walking, stair climbing, bending, reaching, and lifting of objects up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to push/pull library carts and lift/carry library materials.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including Saturdays and Sundays.

Employment Benefits

The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:

• Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.
• Sick Leave
• Vacation
• Holidays
• Funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave
• City Employees Retirement System - As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:
• Completion of thirty (30) years of service; - At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or - At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.
• In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply).
• An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service.
• Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.
• Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.

Have a successful career with the City of Detroit. Always remember that you are a part of a team with a common Vision of delivering excellent service to the citizens of the City of Detroit.

Employer: City of Detroit

Location: Michigan, MI

Salary: $13.73 Hourly

Job Type: Certified-Regular Civil Service

Job Number: 10

Department: Detroit Public Library

Opening Date: 04/15/2026

Bargaining Unit: 1130-AFSCME NonSupervisory Local 62 Building and S

Address: Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 2 Woodward Ave ste 316 Detroit, Michigan, 48226