Library Assistant I- Customer Service Specialist

Flagler County is dedicated to enriching the lives of those we serve and strives to deliver a vibrant and prosperous community with a focus on providing exceptional quality of life.  As we work together to put the needs of our community first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans – to take care of you and your family now, and in the future.  And with continuing education and advancement opportunities, you can build a long, successful career with us.  You’ll thrive in an environment where we build a culture of innovation by encouraging collaboration and empowering staff to facilitate positive outcomes. We understand the importance of work/life balance, having flexible work schedules and the ability to be able to afford health insurance.  That’s why our benefits are known to be some of the best around!  We offer a robust benefit package that includes retirement in the Florida Retirement System, 14 paid holidays ( pro-rated based on average hours worked), generous personal leave, longevity pay, and wellness programs to support a happier, healthier you. At Flagler County we aspire to be the catalyst that makes us an employer of choice.

Position Summary
Entry-level general library work requiring the application of library principles and practices in a specialized area of the library system.

Essential Functions

• Use of an Integrated Library Computer System to provide needed assistance to customers. 
• Provides superior customer service, on the phone and via email of a full-service library 
• Deals with customer complaints, particularly those who disrupt normal use or operation of the library. Refers to supervisor as necessary. 
• May perform other procedures related to lending/borrowing of library materials; checking in materials, processing holds, processing overdue and other notices, emptying materials return bins, maintaining inventories, processing damaged items upon return, etc. 
• May assist in implementation of classes, workshops, and events within a specialized area of the library. 
• May assist in preparation of exhibits/displays of library materials to promote specific subjects and events. 
• May prepare materials such as posters, calendars, and fliers to promote library classes, events, resources, and materials. 
• Responds to public inquiries, including reference questions, in a courteous manner; provides information within scope of knowledge and refer to employee of higher classification as appropriate. 
• May provide individual instruction in the use of all library services. 
• Performs basic clerical tasks in the maintenance of files, records, and statistics. 
• Shelves library materials and maintain order and appearance of materials on the shelves to include repairing, shifting, straightening. 
• Make suggestions for purchase of materials. 
• Implements all library policies and procedures. 
• Assists with closing procedures as assigned. 
• Assists customers in use of other library related equipment including copier, printer, and computers. 
• Minor troubleshooting of all computer and library related equipment as needed. 
• May perform portions of the work of higher or lower classified positions, as required. 
• Performs related work as assigned. 
• During emergencies, all employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to perform alternate duties.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree preferred in related field. 
• At least two years of customer service experience. 
• Depending on program unit of the library, knowledge of literature for children and young adults may be required. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Public library principles, organization, objectives, trends, materials, services, and practices. 
• Knowledge of computerized bibliographic databases and searching techniques, online public access catalogs, and integrated library systems.
• Knowledge of current practices of a specialized area of library services to include Youth Services, Customer Service and Research/IT. 
• Skilled at accurately and efficiently sorting and shelving materials in alphanumeric order.

• Develop and apply library procedures and policies and other professional knowledge to the practical problems of the job. 
• Must be able to efficiently utilize and troubleshoot office equipment, such as computers, typewriters, cash register, microfiche reader, fax copier, telephone and word processing software. 
• Ability to communicate effectively by phone, in person or via email. 
• Must possess ability to function independently, have flexibility and the ability to effectively work with patrons, co-workers, and others. 
• Ability to use library automation and online databases. 
• Ability to work effectively with the public and staff in a variety of circumstances including stressful situations.

• Physical requirements include sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, lifting, and moving books/carts and files of approximately 40 lbs. 
• The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. 
• Vision abilities require extended periods of time viewing a computer video monitor. 
• Requires good hand dexterity for operating a keyboard. 
• Ability to hear, comprehend and respond to library patrons, co-workers, and supervisors both orally and in writing.