Job Description

Nature of Work

Grand Rapids Public Library's Collection Services Department handles a broad range of tasks related to collection development, materials acquisition, cataloging, and processing with the overall goal of making library resources accessible to the public.


The primary responsibility for this position is acquisitions assistance including processing patron requests, supply ordering, mail sorting/delivery and other data entry work. This person also fills orders for collection supplies requested by departments and branches and acts as a liaison between the library and outside vendors.


This position is regularly scheduled for the Main Librarywith the following schedule:

• Monday through Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Examples of Work:

• Provides professional, friendly service to library patrons and coworkers in person, over the phone, and in writing in a manner that meets GRPL expectations around customer service;
• Manages data entry operations; works cooperatively and closely with other department staff to ensure that all library materials are cataloged and processed accurately and efficiently; assists librarians with projects such as weeding, collection promotion, and assessment.
• Provides quality assurance and verifies accuracy for routine work of data entry and processing functions in the department. Performs troubleshooting on departmental processes.
• Performs a wide range of clerical work that might include data entry as well as more complex clerical procedures including report generation; learns and adapts to different electronic devices and software; often acts independently and uses discretion around routine difficulties.
• Performs other work as required as may fit within the nature of the role.

Minimum Training and Experience

• Graduation from high school and 2 years of experience in general clerical or office work, public libraries, customer service; or any equivalent combination of training and experience as determined by the GRPL management.
• Experience with library cataloging and collections, adult and youth literature, and social media platforms is preferred.
• Fluency in English and Spanish is preferred.

Other Necessary Qualifications

• Ability to
  • Maintain and model exceptional customer service standards.
  • Communicate effectively verbally and in writing with a diverse staff and public.
  • Establish and maintain positive working relationships with the public and coworkers across the system.
  • Make decisions in accordance with rules, regulations, and departmental practices and expectations.
  • Develop knowledge of library collections as it relates to departmental processes.
  • Operate a variety of office equipment, including electronic devices and associated software including databases and spreadsheets.
  • Access, input, and retrieve information from a computer.
  • Learn, effectively use, and adapt to ongoing changes in technology including library-specific software, office software, open-source software, and cloud-based software.
  • Maintain and organize clerical records of some complexity and to prepare reports from such records.
  • Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Analyze and resolve problems; work and report with speed and accuracy; ability to prioritize effectively, meet deadlines, and work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Adapt to evolving needs of the department and organization; commitment to lifelong learning and willingness to seek additional training as needed.

Other Information

Please note the following:

• A cover letter is required
  • Applicants should attach a cover letter in PDF format that describes their interest in the position, their interest in working at GRPL, and how these interests connect with personal or professional goals.
• All communication regarding this position will be done via email. Please ensure that your email address is up-to-date on your account profile.
• To be eligible for this position, you must apply through the City of Grand Rapids Job Opportunities page here.

Please visit the library's jobs page for a list of other open positions at Grand Rapids Public Library.


All inquiries related to this posting should be directed to:

Grand Rapids Public Library

111 Library St NE

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

616-988-5400 | jobs@grpl.org

GRPL proudly promotes diversity and inclusion in employment, and strives to maintain a workplace culture where respect and positive recognition of differences are cultivated.


Grand Rapids Public Library provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination of any type without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, height, weight, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. GRPL will make reasonable accommodations for employees and job applicants with disabilities.


This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, transfer, training, promotion, discipline, termination, leaves of absence, compensation, and benefits, as well as work-related events and activities.

GRPL | Full-time Employee Benefit Summary

• Comprehensive health care package inclduing medical, dental, and vision
• Paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • Floating holidays
  • Vacation
  • Sick leave
  • Personal time
  • Bereavement leave
  • Parental leave
  • Jury duty leave
• Retirement
  • 401a Retirement Plan
  • Health Care Savings Plan with defined contributions
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development and membership reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Plan

Job Tags

Holiday work, Full time, Monday to Friday,

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