Transylvania County Library seeks a part-time Library Assistant to provide public services in the library's Circulation and Youth Services departments. This position offers welcoming customer service so that patrons of all ages feel comfortable visiting the library and using its services. Examples of work performed in the Circulation Department include checking in and out library materials, helping patrons find materials, issuing library cards, and resolving account issues. Youth Services Department work includes activities such as assisting children, teens and caregivers in selecting resources, promoting an interest in reading, and assisting with program preparation. This part-time position is scheduled as needed, often on a substitute basis, and will typically average 10-14 hours a week, including some evenings and Saturdays. JOB SUMMARYLibrary Assistants assist in the day-to-day running of the library by performing a variety of routine library operations, including customer, technical, and/or clerical services. Examples of work include providing circulation services, processing library materials, assisting with presentation of programs, and helping patrons with: information and reference needs, reader’s advisory, computers and technology.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS- Assists library patrons in person, by phone, and by email on topics including:
- use of the library, including its programs and services
- research activities using print and electronic resources
- use of computers and other common technologies, including but not limited to : mobile devices, the Internet, word processors, email, etc.
- use of the library catalog and locating library materials
- Offers circulation services including checking in and out materials, issuing library cards, readying materials for transit to other libraries, assessing fines/fees, and resolving problems related to library records
- Participates in the upkeep of the library including shelving of materials, shelf reading and maintaining general cleanliness
- Promotes programs and services to library patrons and the general public
- May assist with overseeing and directing the work of volunteers
- May assist in the planning and implementation of child, teen or adult programs
- May perform technical processing tasks, including assisting with the acquisition, receipt, mending and processing of library materials for public use
- Abides by, enforces and participates in the implementation and ongoing oversight of safety standards and regulations
- Performs related tasks as required
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of:
- effective customer-service techniques in a wide variety of situations with a diverse customer population
- basic services, programs and materials available throughout a public library system
- office procedures and records maintenance
- standard library reference tools including the online catalog, internet and databases
Skill in:
- interpersonal relationships
- research techniques and cognitive reasoning
- written and oral communication
- the use of common computer technologies, including email, the Internet, word processors, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, current operating systems and mobile applications
- basic math including counting money and making change
Ability to:
- work both independently and collaboratively
- perform routine reference and reader’s advisory work
- perform library tasks effectively and according to established procedures, with attention to detail
- establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, colleagues, and library patrons
- Ability to communicate effectively and courteously both orally and in writing, and to listen and respond appropriately to needs and concerns.
- work a varied schedule which includes evenings and weekends
PHYSICAL DEMANDSThis work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and reaching with hands and arms, frequently requires standing, walking and sitting and occasionally requires climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, pushing or pulling, lifting and repetitive motions; work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception and peripheral vision; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, using measuring devices, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities.
WORK ENVIRONMENTWork has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description. Education and Experience:High school diploma or GED and one to three years of experience working in a customer service position with considerable public contact preferred; library or bookstore experience is also preferred. Any equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Required Licenses or Certifications:None specified.
Additional Requirements: None specified