Library Assistant - Reference

ENTRY LEVEL SALARY – $28,543 per year. ($13.72 per hour)

Library assistants help patrons find books, films, and other information. They perform research to aid the public, and they develop and promote ways to call attention to the library and its services through programming, displays, and outreach activities. Furthermore, library assistants provide instruction and assistance to patrons regarding the operation of computers and other technologies. They assist the branch librarian with maintenance of library collections, and they also oversee branch library operations in the absence of their supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Successful candidates will be able to serve the public using the knowledge, skills, and abilities that follow:

• Customer Service: Assist patrons, youth and adult, in locating books, films, and information by using reference interviews to ascertain their needs. Reserve items and complete interlibrary loan requests as required. Guide patrons in the use of public access computers.
• Communication: Explain library policies and procedures to the public.
• Reader’s Advisory: Keep informed of current events and newly published books and films to better assist patrons with finding materials they will enjoy.
• Program Development: Create adult programs appropriate to the needs and interests of library patrons. Partner with youth services staff at the branch library to implement family programming.
• Collection Maintenance: Work with adult fiction, adult nonfiction, audiovisual, and periodicals collections.  Make recommendations for collection development to the branch librarian.
• Marketing: Promote library programs and services to the community. Create displays that emphasize the library’s services. Assist with outreach activities, and conduct library tours.
• Recordkeeping: Record daily activity statistics, and prepare daily cash reports. Maintain accurate patron records. Correctly complete administrative forms.
• Collaboration: Assist the circulation desk as needed. Shelve adult materials when shelvers are absent. Work with other branches and departments to serve the public, and complete other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

At least ninety semester hours of undergraduate work at a recognized college or university are required. Must have knowledge of basic reference tools and computer applications. Patience, courtesy, and a helpful attitude are required in this highly visible position. Completion of a bachelor’s degree at a recognized college or university is preferred. Previous library experience is also preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This full-time position requires some evening and weekend work (two nights per week, alternating Fridays and Saturdays, and one Sunday every four weeks).  Candidates must be eager to serve the public courteously and be able to work tactfully and harmoniously with others. Full performance of duties requires physical stamina. Library assistants must walk briskly, stand for considerable periods of time, lift and carry stacks of books weighing up to 20 pounds, and push loaded book trucks for short distances – all of which requires agility in stooping, lifting, and bending. 

The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.

The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case by case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 806-378-4294.