Library Assistant Part-Time- Harnett County Library- Main Branch

POSITION SUMMARY:

An employee in this position performs Library circulation tasks and provides information services to the public through modern library techniques and technology for the Harnett County Public Library System.  Work involves: demonstrating excellent customer service skills while assisting patrons with technology, working at the circulation desk; searching for information, programming, and performing other Library service needs.  Employee may work up to 29 hours per week and requires schedule flexibility as shifts include mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends at the Harnett County Main Library as well occasionally at other library branch locations in Harnett County.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

• Responds to routine inquiries and refers patrons in need of professional assistance to appropriate sources within the library or to various online reference materials.
• Performs circulation duties including: registering new patrons, checking items in and out, collecting overdue fines and fees, performing basic financial transactions and cash handling, reserving library materials for patrons, searching the online catalog, updating and managing patron accounts, and troubleshooting minor problems with patron accounts.
• Sorts books, publications, and other items according to established procedures and returns them to their proper shelf locations or other designated areas.
• Efficiently locates library materials for patrons including books, periodicals, DVDS, and audiobooks.
• Instructs patrons on how to access and utilize a variety of online and digital materials. Shares knowledge of the library’s e-book collection and points of access for online reading. 
• Inspects returned books for circulating condition; identifies and notes various repair needs.
• Assists patrons with various office equipment including fax, copier, and computer.
• Selects substitute titles when requested materials are unavailable, following criteria such as genre, age level, educational depth, and related subject interests.
• Retrieves items to and from library stacks by hand or by use of pushcarts. 
• Generates a holds list report and locates specified items from a variety of locations within the library for fulfilling reservation holds and special requests.
• Performs minor cleaning and disinfecting of high-traffic surfaces within the library; other procedures related to safety and security such as end-of-the-day walk-throughs, checking lights and doors, and ensuring the general cleanliness and positive appearance of the library. 
• Assists in the preparation of creative book displays. Assists other library staff with various projects and programs (e.g., adult outreach, children’s department, local history, etc.). 
• Assists patrons with the use of self-checkout terminals, coin machines, and self-service holds. 
• Performs regular shelf reading assignments, identifies missing or lost items, discovers and communicates any questions about cataloging (e.g., call numbers and classifications).
• Balances cash drawer at beginning and end of each day and prepares daily deposit. 
• Performs routine opening and closing duties.
• Works together as a team that maintains a service focus, that prioritizes the patron experience, that creatively and efficiently connects readers to their books, that understands the community and its needs, that embraces the values of both learning and entertainment, that sees opportunity in the ever-changing dynamics of a modern public library, and that fosters an appreciation for the unique skills and talents that each staff member brings to the library.     
• Assists co-workers with various duties as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: 

• High school diploma;
• No experience required but some work or volunteer experience in a library or a customer service setting preferred;
• Or equivalent education and/or experience; and
• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license

• Knowledge of general computer technology, trends and applications.
• Knowledge of the methods and practices of public library operations, including circulation, reference services, children’s and adult services, and programming.
• Skill in providing quality customer service to patrons.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret and apply regulations, procedures and related information.
• Ability to plan and implement creative programming for children and teens.
• Ability to operate and maintain a variety of office equipment as necessary in the performance of daily activities.
• Ability to use independent judgment in performing routine and non-routine tasks.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
• Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to perform light work frequently exerting up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects; and occasionally requiring to exert up to 50 pounds of force to move objects.  This work also involves the physical abilities of crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, discriminating among sounds, kneeling, lifting, having manual dexterity, using mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, speaking, standing, stooping, expressing ideas by the spoken word, and walking.  An incumbent must also possess the visual acuity to analyze data, work with color or depth perception, determine accuracy, and works with computer.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The employee works in a library environment.   Job duties require working an assigned schedule which could be a combination of mornings, afternoons, and evening work as well as weekends in addition to working at various locations such as the main branch in Lillington and other branch libraries.