GENERAL PURPOSE  

Performs a variety of routine work in the public library youth services environment and provides services to library patrons and staff.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the close supervision of the Youth Services Librarian.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Customer Service & Circulation

• Provides friendly, high‑quality customer service at the Youth Services Circulation Desk.
• Checks library materials in and out; resolves account issues and corrects errors.
• Processes cash payments for fines and fees accurately.
• Assists patrons with placing holds and offers recommendations for books and other materials.
• Answers telephone calls and provides information, assistance, or referrals as appropriate.

Collection Maintenance

• Shelves returned materials daily and maintains order in the Youth Services collection.
• Performs scheduled shelf‑reading to ensure accuracy and organization, as assigned by the Youth Services Librarian or supervisory staff.
• Conducts routine maintenance on books and materials, including mending, labeling, and preparing new items for circulation.

Youth Services Support

• Provides reader’s advisory services to children, teens, and their parents or guardians.
• Works directly with teens in the Library’s Teen Room and enforces behavior policies consistently and professionally.
• Assists with children’s programs, events, and special projects as assigned.

Facilities & Environment

• Helps maintain a clean and welcoming library environment by vacuuming, dusting, straightening furniture and materials, and emptying waste containers and book drops.
• Sets up tables, chairs, and other equipment for classes and programs.

Technology & Electronic Resources

• Maintains working knowledge of all Lake Wales Public Library electronic resources.
• Demonstrates digital resources and provides basic instruction to customers on their use.

Policy Enforcement

• Enforces all library policies established by the Lake Wales Library Board and the City of Lake Wales, including patron behavior guidelines.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES:

• Assists other staff members as needed.
• Completes a minimum of 10 CEUs annually in library services, customer service, or related fields.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience

• (A) High school diploma or GED, plus two years of post‑secondary education or training in library science, liberal arts, education, or a related field; or
• (B) Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge:
  • Principles and practices of modern library systems and services.
  • Library circulation procedures and classification systems, including alphabetical and decimal organization.
  • Basic computer skills in a Windows environment and the ability to navigate the Internet for reference assistance.
• Skills:
  • Operation of standard office and library equipment, including photocopiers, scanners, and fax machines.
• Abilities:
  • Maintain accurate filing and shelving systems.
  • Communicate effectively in person and by phone.
  • Establish and maintain positive working relationships with patrons, coworkers, supervisors, and the general public—especially children and teens.
  • Handle cash transactions accurately, make correct change, and secure payments.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Valid Florida driver's license.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Library computer system; calculator; copy, scanner and fax machine; phone; scanner

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

 The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

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

The noise level in the work environment is normal voice or louder.