Library Associate Lead

Position Overview

Under the general supervision of the Southern Boone County Public Library Branch Manager, this position serves as the lead employee at the Southern Boone County Public Library. The position provides leadership and support to other staff by working in conjunction with the Branch managers to supervise the workflow and respond to requests for policy interpretation. The position routinely works with the public to provide access to information, library resources, services and optimal customer service to the public. They will be responsible for the facility, programs and operations in consultation with the Manager.

Position Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm.

The following Core Competencies are essential and apply to all DBRL employees:

• Customer Service - customer service is of primary importance in the library. Interactions with others require trust, respect and focus on the needs of the individual. Quality customer service is delivered to co-workers, as well as virtual users and users within the building.
• Communication - clear and effective communication is the basis for success in relations with co-workers, managers, users and all stakeholders. Communication competency is integral to customer service.
• Learning and Personal Growth - embracing lifelong learning and continual improvement will demonstrate commitment to the job and enrich one’s life and professional path.
• Ethics and Values - the library plays a crucial role in society and the community. All employees practice the ethics and values carefully formulated by the library to fulfill its commitment to the community.

The following competencies apply to this position based on designated responsibilities:

• Accountability - Successful leadership is measured by taking ownership for work, including following up on commitments and possessing a strong ability to stay focused on individual, department and library results.
• Organizational Leadership - leaders help everyone understand the vision of the library and the connection to community needs. Leadership empowers staff and encourages collaboration and learning.
• Personnel Management - Staff are the most important resource for achieving the library’s mission and goals. From hiring to training and providing feedback, support for learning and innovation needs to be clearly communicated.
• Circulation Services - understands, explains and adheres to circulation and resource-sharing policies and procedures, including privacy and copyright issues, providing fair and equal access to the library’s collection.

Essential Duties:

• Assist the Branch Manager with lead functions, including hiring, orientation and training. Works in consultation with the department manager to create the schedule.
• Build effective working relationships with the public and other library staff and work as a team to provide a continuum of library services to the public.
• Circulation responsibilities: check in and out library materials. Notify or mail materials as appropriate; enter library card information into computer - update patron files as needed; shelve library materials.
• Reference responsibilities: interview patrons to determine what is needed and locate appropriate materials; provide reference and information service using print materials, databases, or other reputable sources.
• Assist patrons in the location and use of library materials, computers, equipment and services.
• Assist with money handling, including using a register, and keeping spreadsheets for Daily Deposits and petty cash.
• Serve as a member of the department supervisory team to plan, formulate and administer defined patron services. Participate in the analysis and planning process for the department, including recommendations for budgeting and staffing levels. Serve as a leader to other staff by demonstrating skills to deliver effective customer service. Identify and make recommendations regarding needs of the staff and public relative to department procedures, equipment usage and shelving.
• Programming responsibilities: assist in coordinating and planning programs; may present programs.
• Prepare department reports and forms as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position works in conjunction with the Branch manager to assist in supervising several associates.

Duties and responsibilities, as required by business necessity may be added, deleted or

changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either

verbally or in writing. Scheduling and shift assignments and work location may be

changed at any time, as required by business necessity.

Physical, Environmental, and Special Working Conditions:

• Position requires standing for extended periods of time, pushing bookcarts, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, and working on a computer.
• Moderately quiet work environment. Work might be required on evenings and weekends.
• All library employees may be called upon to assist other departments in a declared emergency situation.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

Benefits: We offer an excellent benefits package including: paid time off, personal days, holiday pay, health, dental, life and vision insurance available, 401(k) and LAGERS retirement plan, and employee assistance program. 

Minimum Job Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent, and two years related job experience.

Preferred Job Requirements:

Previous library experience preferred. 48 hours minimum college credit, and one-year customer service experience preferred. Experience can be substituted for college credit. Supervisory experience preferred.