Job Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Penn State University’s Public Service points within Pattee Libraries and Paterno Libraries are hiring for Summer 2026, Fall 2026 and Spring 2027. Individuals may work across several public service desks and units throughout the library. As the first point of contact for many of our patrons, the ideal candidate is courteous and outgoing with a strong work ethic, an ability to work as a team member and independently and provide exceptional customer service. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and active listening skills are required. The primary goal of this position is to provide service for students, faculty, staff, and residents of Pennsylvania. We strive to meet our patrons where they are at, assisting them in their research needs. We are looking for staff who are willing to learn and seek opportunities to grow and build their library knowledge. Prior customer service or retail experience is preferred, not required.

Required Materials:  

• A resume and cover letter must be attached to your application to be considered for this position.  
• Please include your hours of availability for Summer 2026 and Fall 2026.  Availability must be provided with exact days of the week and times. You must include either Saturday or Sunday availability.

Responsibilities include  

Customer Service   

• Provide front-line customer service
• Make referrals to the Search Bar, Librarians, and full-time staff as appropriate    
• Answer directional, informational, and basic reference questions in person or on the telephone   
• Provide group study room information and reservation assistance   
• Collaborate with other departments to provide additional services   
• Circulate library materials and technology
• Provide assistance to patrons on library policies and procedures

Operational   

• Open/Close the library   
• Assist in data collection of unit statistics   
• Maintain care of physical collections via withdrawals, cleaning, and shifting
• Promote and engage with Common Services Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility initiatives and learning      
• Respond to gate and panel alarms according to procedures   
• Call appropriate outside agency and alert other staff in the event of an incident / injury   
• Contact the appropriate supervisor to resolve problems with patron behavior   

Skills/experience/knowledge   

Required  

• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills   
• Ability to follow directions and keep a schedule   
• Commitment to diversity   
• Ability to work as part of a team and individually

Preferred  

• Familiarity with information technology 
• Prior library, customer, retail or hospitality experience

Hours:   

• Hours vary based on semester and department needs. Must be willing to work a minimum of ten hours a week and either Saturdays or Sundays.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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