Library Assistant

The Verona Public Library seeks a dynamic, enthusiastic, and detail-oriented person who possesses a strong dedication to customer service.  Work includes helping library patrons at our busy main desk, checking library items in and out, registering people for library cards, answering phones, and booking study and meeting rooms.   

This is a part-time position averaging 15 hours/week.  The starting wage is $20.23/hour. Depending on previous work history, the candidate may qualify for benefits. The schedule for this position includes Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons and evenings plus approximately one weekend (Saturdays and Sundays) a month.

Under immediate supervision of the Head of Circulation Services and general supervision of library management personnel, performs customer service and a wide variety of paraprofessional tasks related to library circulation. 

Duties/Examples of Work

1. Provides enthusiastic service to the public as the first and last points of contact.  
2. Checks materials in and out, creates patron accounts, collects fees, and makes meeting/study room reservations.
3. Checks in deliveries of interlibrary loan materials, shelves holds, runs the holds action list and the expired holds list, pulls expired holds from the holds shelf, and processes periodicals.
4. Empties book drop and takes returned items to the proper place for check in.
5. Places materials on hold for patrons through the library catalog and assists patrons with outerlibrary loan requests.
6. Assists patrons with basic reference and reader’s advisory service.
7. Directs patrons to proper staff for more detailed reference and reader’s advisory service.
8. Assists patrons with computers and other library equipment.
9. Uses library policies and procedures to resolve patron issues and complaints. 
10. Assists with collection maintenance, such as weeding and shelf-reading collections.
11. Assists with inventory of library materials.
12. Assists with library programs, organizes special displays and distributes publicity.
13. Processes, repairs, or reconditions library materials.
14. Performs light housekeeping.
15. Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities

1. Ability to maintain and foster cooperative and courteous working relationship with the public, peers and supervisors.
2. Ability to effectively respond to questions from patrons and staff.
3. Ability to maintain confidentiality of library patron information. 
4. Ability to follow detailed instructions.
5. Ability to maintain a regular work schedule.
6. Ability to use computers and library-related software and databases effectively.
7. Ability to understand library policies and procedures and apply them to library operations.
8. Ability to understand library principles, technology, goals, and philosophy of services.
9. Ability to work independently and collaboratively, organize and prioritize work, respond to varied/changing work demands as required.
10. Ability to identify areas for improved service and recommend changes.
11. Ability to provide inclusive and equitable services to diverse populations.
12. Ability to direct the work of Library Pages as needed.
13. Working knowledge of English grammar and spelling.
14. Applicants with Spanish language or ASL proficiency are encouraged to apply.

Physical Demands 

1. Bending, twisting, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and crouching.
2. Keyboarding, writing, sorting, and shelving 
3. Processing, picking up and shelving books.
4. Lifting and carrying weighing 50 pounds or less.
5. Pushing and pulling objects weighing 300-400 pounds on wheels.
6. Reaching down to the ground and up to 80 inches in height with the aid of a footstool.  
7. Near vision needed to read faded type font size 12 or smaller on item labels, frequent reading on computer monitors.
8. Far vision needed to observe patrons in need of assistance from a distance of 20 feet or further.

Mental Demands 

1. Ability to remain calm under pressure. 
2. Ability to apply technical knowledge.
3. Ability to comprehend and follow verbal and written instructions from supervisors.  
4. Ability to identify problems and opportunities and suggest improvements. 
5. Ability to follow regulations, procedures, and instructions.
6. Ability to effectively communicate ideas and information both in written and verbal form.
7. Ability to do basic cash handling transactions. 
8. Ability to set priorities.

Environmental/Working Conditions

The environment is a busy public library whose patrons represent a socially, culturally, and economically diverse community. Work takes place in a normal office setting with moderate noise levels. Position may require daytime, evening, weekend hours, and occasional travel to meetings outside the library.

Equipment Used

Computers, library automation system, RFID software, barcode label maker, Microsoft Office software, databases, audiovisual equipment, book truck, cash box, copy machine, fax machine, scanner, and telephone.

Education and Experience

1. At least two years of study at an accredited college, university or technical school.
2. Customer service experience is required
3. Public library experience is preferred.