Library Assistant

Supports the mission of the library by providing access to resources, services, and information, and by assisting with library materials and technology. The position supports professional library staff and is performed primarily at the service desk under the general direction of the Assistant Director.

This is a part-time position scheduled for up to 24 hours per week. The schedule is generally consistent and may resemble the following:
 
Tuesday: 9:30-1:30

Wednesday: 8:30-5:30

Thursday: 1:30-5:30

Friday: 8:00-5:00

Saturday: 8:00-5:00 (One out of every four Saturdays. This person does not work on Friday when they work Saturday)

While the schedule is generally regular, hours may shift occasionally to support:
 
 • Evening programs
 • Weekend outreach events
 • Community activities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

• Provides excellent customer service while applying library policies and procedures and monitoring the use of materials and equipment. 
• Performs circulation desk duties, including checking materials in and out, registering and renewing users, placing holds and interlibrary loan requests, processing fee payments, and assisting patrons in locating materials.
• Answers complex circulation, reference, and readers’ advisory questions; refers questions to librarians as appropriate.
• Assists users with technology devices and applications, including computers, tablets, smartphones, copier/printer, scanner, hotspots, microfilm reader, Microsoft Word, internet browsers, and other technology commonly used in the library; performs basic troubleshooting.
• Guides users in accessing and troubleshooting the library’s digital resources.
• Enters, reviews, and maintains detailed data accurately.
• Assists professional staff with collection maintenance activities.
• Independently completes special projects as assigned by professional staff. 
• Assists with preparing and delivering outreach services, including staffing library tables or activities at occasional evening and weekend events.
• Assists in maintaining a neat, clean, and orderly library environment.
• Position requires working some regularly scheduled evenings and Saturdays.

• Ability to provide excellent customer service and create welcoming, positive user experiences. 
• Ability to communicate with tact, courtesy, and professionalism when interacting with the public.
• Proficiency in using current technology and applications commonly used in a library or office setting.
• Ability to understand and troubleshoot digital library resources and databases.
• Ability to perform complex data entry and filing duties with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to clearly explain processes and procedures.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and operate a cash register.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Demonstrates flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to learn.

• Bachelor’s degree is required.  
• Must possess a valid driver's license.  
• Computer literacy required, including experience with standard office applications such as Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, and internet browsers.
• Familiarity with libraries and library classification systems, including Dewey Decimal or Library of Congress, required.

This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel and frequently standing, walking, sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling, lifting and repetitive motions; work requires close vision, ability to adjust focus, color perception and peripheral vision; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a quiet location.