The Gaston County Public Library operates ten facilities including the Main Library in Gastonia and branches: Belmont, Builders & Creators @ Bessemer City, Cherryville, Dallas, Ferguson Branch (Erwin Center), Mt. Holly, Stanley, TECH@Lowell and Union Road.
The Gaston County Public Library delivers services via three program areas:
Administrative & Technical Services- Acquires, catalogs, processes, and distributes library materials for/to all Gaston County library service outlets. Staff provides technical support for the library’s automation system and advisory and resource assistance to public service staff. Administration manages the Library budget, personnel, and day-to-day library business operations, determines system wide library service direction, and establishes service policies and procedures.
Main Library Services- Provides direct assistance to the public in-house, by telephone, FAX, e-mail, and the Library’s website via two service points: Adult Services (Circulation and Reference) and Children's Services. Responsibilities include registering borrowers, processing loans and returns, answering reference and information requests, planning and conducting library activity programs, and assisting in-house users with library materials and equipment.
Branch Library Services- Facilitate the delivery of library materials and services to citizens throughout the County. Staff provide direct assistance to library users: registering borrowers, processing loans and returns, answering reference and information requests, planning and conducting library activity programs, and assisting in-house users with library materials and equipment.
The duties listed below are not all of the duties that may be assigned but are those that are considered as essential for an employee to perform.- Provides excellent customer service to create an environment that leads to positive user experiences and is welcoming and inclusive to all.
- Provides patron assistance in all aspects of library use, including readers’ advisory, material checkout, library card registration, and information assistance.
- Handles monies as needed for fees and other services.
- Assists patrons in bridging the digital divide by providing help with job searching, Internet searching, online database use, and accessing the Library’s electronic collection.
- Provides technical assistance and instructs patrons in the use of Makerspace tools, technology, and software.
- Plans and implements in-house and outreach library programs and activities for all age groups, often with a specific focus on STEAM activities.
- Makes recommendations for the purchase of library materials; weeds the collection as needed.
- Promotes branch and system services in-house and in the community via exhibits & displays.
- Serves on Library and/or County teams/committees as elected or appointed.
- Assists other locations as needed.
- Assumes responsibility for the branch facility and services in the supervisor’s absence.
- Requires a high school diploma or a GED equivalency AND at least two years of experience in a service-related environment, preferably in a library setting.
- Candidates must be technologically proficient and experienced in using Makerspace technology, Microsoft Office applications, social media, and database resources.
Must be able to work a flexible and varying work schedule from
8:00 AM-6:00 PM Monday-Friday, and between 10:00 AM-2:00 PM on alternate Saturdays. Must be physically able to bend, stoop, push, and pull loaded carts weighing 25-50 lbs. Must be able to lift and maneuver crates/boxes/materials weighing 25-50 lbs. Must be able to sit and stand for long periods.Must be able to operate office and computer equipment.
The applicant selected must undergo and pass a drug screening test prior to employment.