Substitute at Stark Library in Canton, OH

Posted 9/29/2026

Love Libraries? Love your Community? Join Us as a Substitute Library Clerk!

Join Stark Library as a Substitute Library Clerk! This flexible, variable-hour role supports all 10 Library locations on an as-needed basis. Candidates must be able to work a combination of daytime and evening hours and Saturdays and must be able to work at all 10 Library locations. Availablity on days surrounding holidays is also required.

Substitute Clerks assist patrons with circulation, technology help, printing, and Library services while providing excellent customer service. Ideal candidates are dependable, adaptable, comfortable with basic technology, and ready to step in when needed. This is a great opportunity for supplemental income while making a difference in your community!

Job Summary

The Substitute position provides direct public service and is responsible for performing clerical work related to customer assistance and services, circulation, and the collections as well as providing support to other Library staff as needed.

Essential Functions

Customer Assistance

• Is typically the initial point of contact for most patrons/customers and spends majority of time providing customer assistance “on the floor”
• Promotes library services and offerings to patrons
• Introduces patrons to all library service and collection platforms, and can demonstrate their basic functionality
• Performs basic searches in Library catalogs through both public and integrated library system (ILS) interfaces
• Assists patrons with basic informational questions using common internet search techniques or prepared reference resources
• Is aware of and can direct patrons to print and online reference tools, including Reader’s Advisory resources
• Assists patrons in accessing and using document machines, library computers and library-supported software, and troubleshoots common technical problems

Circulation

• Performs all direct patron and material circulation functions
• May assist with record maintenance tasks

Group Services: Internal and External

• Assists other staff with internal group program set up
• May assist other staff with preparing materials for programs

General

• May assist in shelving as needed
• Pulls materials from a list to assist with collection management or circulation tasks
• Performs other duties as required

Other Functions

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent is required
• Years of relevant experience: 0 to 2 years is preferred
• Experience with the principles and practices of customer service is preferred
• Experience with library circulation systems and procedures is preferred
• Experience in public libraries or public-sector organizations is preferred

Core Competencies

• Collaborates
• Communicates Effectively
• Customer Focus
• Interpersonal Skills
• Situational Adaptability

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Ability to accept Substitute assignments on a reliable basis
• Basic familiarity with library services and operations
• Ability to perform basic circulation and service functions using the library circulation system, service platforms, and following current procedures
• Ability to master basic functionality of collection platforms
• Demonstrates basic to intermediate level literacy with respect to standard computer and office software
• Ability to sort and file alphabetically and numerically
• Ability to make simple arithmetic calculations with speed and accuracy
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions in the English language.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• This job primarily operates in a professional office environment with exposure to central climate control, overhead lighting, and low-to-moderate noise levels
• Lift light objects (less than 20 pounds) and carry them short distances (20 feet or less)
• Remain in a standing position for extended periods of time while performing a variety of tasks
• Perform repetitive hand, arm, and body movements, including lifting books on a continuous basis for up to an eight-hour shift
• Push a fully loaded book cart in and around the library, including long distances (greater than 20 feet)
• Reach overhead, bend and kneel to shelve books weighing up to three pounds
• Working hours are scheduled as needed when locations are open to the public and may be planned in advance or “late notice” assignments to cover unexpected staffing gaps. May include evenings and weekends.
• Work may be scheduled at any of the Stark Library locations.

The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by an individual working in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.