Library Assistant (24 Hour)

The Albany Public Library is seeking an energetic and friendly part-time (24 hours per week) Library Assistant to join our staff. Attention to detail is a must, as is a love for customer service and helping patrons. Always wondered what folks do when they’re not at the checkout desks? Here’s your chance to see all the work that goes on behind the scenes, and to be part of the awesome team that makes our library a great place to be and work.

Benefits include:

• Excellent medical, vision, and dental benefit package for the employee and qualified family members at a pro-rated cost to the employee.
• City-paid contribution to a VEBA Trust account for out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.  Currently, the annual contribution is $1,000 for employee-only and $2,000 for employee plus dependent(s).
• Paid time off:
  • Pro-rated vacation leave per month, with progressive increases
  • Pro-rated sick leave per month
  • Paid holidays with additional "floating holiday" pay
• Excellent retirement benefits 
  • City-paid participation in the Oregon Public Employee Retirement System (OPSRP and IAP) 
  • City-paid contribution into pre-tax deferred compensation plan 
• In addition, other benefits such as education reimbursement, employee assistance program, basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and flexible spending accounts for healthcare and childcare expenses.

GENERAL PURPOSE

ESSENTIAL JOB TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assists with all circulation-related functions, including determining eligibility and issuing library cards; modifying patron records; checking materials in and out of the library; handling monetary payments for fines and replacements; resolving issues with patron accounts; explaining library services; participating in opening and closing procedures.
2. Assists a professional librarian in carrying out the programs of a division of the library; and may plan and conduct the program of a division of the library as delegated by a professional librarian.
3. Drafts, edits, designs, and prepares materials to share with the community and make library resources and activities more accessible. May include the following: news releases; newsletters; signs; flyers for the public; grant request/applications; webpage design; and social media posts.
4. Staffs public service desks and provides readers advisory, reference services, and technology and directional help; assists with study room reservations; schedules appointments; and answers questions about library policy, in person and via phone, email, or other mode of communication.
5. Provide instruction on basic computer and internet usage, as well as devices such as smartphones, e-readers, and tablets; describe and/or demonstrate procedures for searching the online catalog and using library databases online. Assist patrons with job searching and resume building.
6. Assist patrons with using public printers, scanner, copier, typewriter, and microfiche.
7. Maintain day-to-day statistics for assigned library department.
8. Maintains basic equipment (copy machine, micro fiche, printers, computers); straightens and shelves materials in assigned library areas.
9. Participates in community outreach, promoting and providing library services outside of library buildings.
10. Plans and sets up library displays, such as themed book displays, or window displays.
11. Provides technical services support by reviewing materials to be classified and determining subject matter; copy cataloging; and physically processing library materials (apply barcodes, stamps, etc.).
12.  Assists in maintaining a tidy and visually appealing environment by straightening furniture, clearing tables, gathering materials, and picking up toys in public spaces.
13. Assists with Interlibrary Loan (ILL), including accepting and processing requests using ILL management system; communicating with other libraries and ILL patrons; and collecting and reporting statistics on ILL usage.
14. Coordinates exam proctoring service; corresponds with students and schools/universities through email and phone calls; ensuring students have library cards; prepares all exam information before proctoring appointments so that other staff members are able proctor exams as well; acts as an exam proctor.
15. Monitors and addresses code of conduct and library policy issues in assigned library area.
16. Represents the City of Albany by responding to the public, citizens, its employees, and others in a prompt, professional, and courteous manner while continuously maintaining a positive customer service demeanor. Regards everyone, internal and external, as a customer and deliver the best service possible in a respectful and patient manner.
17. Works to create a high-performance work culture by demonstrating a positive attitude and modeling the City’s mission, vision, and values. Conducts self with high integrity, proactive in conserving City resources, and seeks and incorporates customer feedback for ongoing performance improvement. Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
18. Serves as a member of various City committees as assigned.
19. Assists other staff in the performance of their duties as assigned and may provide training and orientation to new assigned personnel.
20. Maintains regular job attendance and adherence to working hours.
21. Adheres to appropriate attire, grooming, and hygiene standards established for the position.
22. Operates a motor vehicle safely and legally.
23. Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

Works under the supervision of the Supervising Librarian or at the direction of designated Librarian I or II employees.

1. Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon driver’s license and a driving record that meets the City’s driving standards.
2. The individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of themselves or others.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
In the performance of the job duties, the employee will be working primarily in public spaces or in an office environment under usual office working conditions. Work may also be performed in meeting settings in offices or conference rooms. The noise level in the office area is typical of most office environments, with telephones, personal interruptions, and background noises. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The factors described herein are representative of, but not all-inclusive of, those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Detailed information may be available in a supplemental Job Task Analysis document.

The physical demands of this position typically include: prolonged sitting at a desk, frequent use of a computer keyboard and mouse, frequent standing and walking to retrieve documents or speak with customers or colleagues, lifting and carrying objects like books, files or paperwork, lifting items from floor to overhead, shelving books, pushing book carts, and the ability to reach and manipulate objects at various levels while seated; this role generally requires minimal physical exertion beyond basic office tasks. The work is light work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.  

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT USED
In the performance of job duties, the employee may use the following tools and/or equipment: multi-line phone system; computer and associated software; copy and fax machines; scanner and other related tools and equipment.

Safety Equipment: Develops safe work habits and contributes to the safety of self, co-workers, and the public.

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The City of Albany is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. Women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply for City positions. Please notify the Human Resources Department if you need any reasonable accommodation or assistance with any part of our application and screening process. Hearing impaired individuals needing assistance can call the Oregon Relay Service at 800-735-2900 and provide them this phone number: 541-917-7509. All other applications are only accepted online through our vendor, NEOGOV.