Scope of Work

This role provides customer service support for library operations across both Adult (Access Services) and Youth Services departments. The Library Assistant ensures a positive experience for patrons of all ages by assisting with circulation, reference, and programming support.

Essential Job Functions

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function to satisfaction.

• Provides assistance to and advises patrons, including children, young adults, adults, and senior citizens in the effective use of library collection, facilities, and services.
• Staffs the main and/or children’s circulation desks; checks materials in/out using the Sierra ILS, registers new patrons, and resolves account issues.
• Assists with set up, take down, and crowd control for adult, teen, and youth programs, including story times, creative arts, and special events as needed.
• Performs shelving, shelf-reading, and identifies materials needing repair or mending.
• Provides basic reference and reader’s advisory services to adults, teens, and children.
• Participates in general upkeep and space management of the adult, children, and teen areas.
• Instructs patrons on the use of library technology, including the self-checkout terminal and public computers.
• Processes holds and assists with incoming/outgoing ILL shipments as needed.
• Performs other similar or related duties, as required or as situation dictates.

Requirements of Work

The following requirements may be substituted by any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job.

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Two years of customer service or office experience, or one year of library experience preferred.

Knowledge Ability and Skill

In addition to the requirements of work, the individual should also have the following knowledge, ability, and skill.

Knowledge of:

• Library arrangement, services and policies.
• Basic public desk and telephone etiquette.
• Library terminology.
• Basic office practices and procedures.
• Standard office procedures, practices, forms, and equipment.

Ability to:

• Deliver high-quality, empathetic service to a diverse community.
• Multitask and maintain focus in a busy public environment.
• Thrive in a team-centered environment and contribute to a positive work culture.
• Communicate effectively with all members of the public (including children and young adults) in a courteous and tactful manner.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with coworkers and supervisors.
• Follow library policies and procedures, especially related to issuing library cards, checking out items, collecting payments for lost/damaged materials, and processing new materials.
• Respond to concerns and complaints from patrons, balancing excellent customer service with enforcing library policies and regulations.
• Count change and handle money.

Skill in:

• Customer service and public relations.
• Working with library patrons, especially children.
• Flexibility in order to adapt to constantly changing technology, situations, and demands.
• Computer applications utilizing integrated library systems, especially Innovative/Sierra.
• Oral and written communication.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Moderate physical effort required in performing functions under typical library conditions.
• May be required to lift and shelve books. Intermittent walking, reaching, crouching, climbing, and similar activities related to library service.
• May be required to stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to use a computer tablet and keyboard.
• Must be able to push and pull book carts weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Operates automated library equipment and other standard office equipment.
• May be required to stand on a stepstool when shelving books.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Pay Equity/Equal Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act Employer