Library Assistant I

Boise Public Library is where everyone in Boise goes to grow. Our mission is to provide access and opportunity for everyone by connecting people to ideas, information, and community.

As a Library Assistant I, you will support the public by providing reader’s advisory, circulation, reference, and technology assistance, all while delivering excellent customer service. This position involves frequent interaction with patrons and requires patience, tact, and professionalism. You may work at multiple locations and will operate under direct supervision.

• Assists library users with circulation, reference, reader's advisory and other library services. Maintains accurate user account information and resolves customer concerns tactfully, using discretion and initiative to meet user needs. Maintains a basic knowledge of library resources and practices.
•  Assists the public with library computer use and related technology. Assists with user inquiries and explains policies and procedures. Handles basic issues and problems and refers more complex issues to higher-level staff. 
• Performs routine or repetitive tasks with specific instructions and set procedures, such as performing proper library opening and closing procedures and checking in returned materials using library computer systems. Maintains library collections by accurately sorting and shelving materials. (30%)
• Creates displays to promote programs, library services and materials. 
• Assists with offsite events for users of all ages, as needed. 
• Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• High school diploma or equivalent and some customer service experience, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Knowledge of: customer service techniques; and basic computer skills.
• Ability to: learn and use library systems; work independently and use initiative while performing duties within established guidelines and procedures; multitask and perform a broad range of administrative tasks; exercise tact, patience, diplomacy, cultural sensitivity and courtesy when dealing with users; troubleshoot and problem-solve; communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance; and perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor, and/or manager with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Experience in a library setting or working with diverse populations.

• City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation

The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Efforts

• While performing the duties of this job the employee is always lifting/carrying up to 35 pounds and rarely lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds. Also, the employee is always pushing/pulling up to 20 pounds, frequently pushing/pulling up to 75 pounds and occasionally pushing/pulling up to 100 pounds. The noise level is frequently moderate and occasionally loud. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear, smell and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, climb and balance. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.

• The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter. Work includes protected exposure to bodily fluids.
• This position works: some weekends and evenings and schedules vary.