Library Assistant - Child and Family Services

JOB SUMMARY

This is a professional public service position in the Marion Public Library. The employee prepares and conducts children’s and family programs. The position requires some knowledge of professional practice and independent judgment in its application, as well as the application of prescribed procedures and methods. This position also assists patrons in the makerspace, assists patrons with online library catalog, databases, digital resources and equipment.  They also assist patrons with researching or locating routine to difficult reference information. Scheduled hours may vary weekly and will include evenings and weekends.  The employee provides services to the library’s diverse patron population, and works under the direct supervision of the Programming Manager.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/WORK PERFORMED

Children’s Services

·        Prepare and conduct children’s and family programming.  Developing and implementing a variety of innovative, regularly scheduled, special event programming that speaks to and captures the interest of young people.  To include: age appropriate storytimes, public school vacation programs, summer programs and special evening programs and more.

·        Managing all aspects of programming, including appropriation of resources, coordinating with library leadership, and promotion/publicity.

·        Provide reference assistance, reading guidance, readers’/viewers’/listeners’ advisory services to individual children and their caregivers

·        Provide general library service at public service desks and the Children’s Services service desk

·        Conducts visits to schools and agencies, presenting appealing programs that inform children, teachers, and caregivers of the resources and programs offered by MPL. 

·        Collaborate on division strategy, goals and assessment.

Other Responsibilities

·        Assist with planning and implementation of adult programming and outreach

·        Assist patrons of all ages in the use of all library services

·        Provide general circulation services

·        Library opening and closing duties

·        Off-desk task back-up, including but not limited to assisting patrons with the use of the online catalog and web-based sources, pulling holds, etc.

·        Attend and participates in library staff meetings and training sessions

·        Attends workshops and continuing education programs

·        Represent library at outreach and community events

·        Computer usage support

·        General makerspace support

·        Some knowledge of gaming: board, video and online

·        Performs other duties as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

·       Knowledge of children’s services and collections

·       Knowledge of children’s literature and youth culture

·       Ability to tell stories and work with children of all ages

·       Familiarity with the Internet and information technology, including Children’s digital resources

·       Basic computer and software use skills (e.g. Microsoft Office)

·       Ability to perform mathematics necessary for quantitative analysis of services

·       Ability to work with minimum supervision

·       Ability to represent the library to the public, including large groups

·       Excellent communication skills both written and verbal with all ages, including children, tween, teens and adults

·       Ability to manage priorities with frequent interruptions

·       Ability to be creative in designing programs that reach diverse community interests

·       Meet or exceed Iowa State Library certification requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & PHYSICAL ABILITIES

·       Ability to sit, bend, stoop, reach, stand, push, pull as required

·       Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds, and visual cues or signals.

·       Physical agility, strength and dexterity necessary for handling library materials up to 35 pounds.

·       Dexterity to use basic technology equipment, including a keyboard, mouse, and touchpad

·       Executive functioning skills appropriate for a busy, fast-paced environment

·       The employee is expected to possess the cognitive ability essential for rational decision-making regarding operational needs and the problems of the position, as well as the psychological and emotional stability and capability of functioning and making decisions under high-stress situations.

·       The employee is expected to be able to hear, speak, read, write and understand English.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university is required
• MLIS degree or its equivalent from an American Library Association accredited program is required or enrollment toward MLIS degree or its equivalent from an American Library Association accredited program.
• Experience in public library children’s services is preferred.
• Experience with early literacy preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

        Works in an office environment

        Hours may flex upon demand of workload

REQUIRED BACKGROUND CHECKS

      Sex Offender Registry

      Drug Screening

       Pre-Employment Physical