Library Branch Assistant

Handley Regional Library seeks a customer-service oriented individual with strong communications skills to assist the public at busy public service desk. Nights and weekends required. 

Hours per week: 20

Rate of Pay: $13.50/hr

Reports to: Branch Manager

Fair Labor Standards Act: Non-exempt

Benefits: Includes vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Branch Manager, performs responsible clerical and technical work to provide circulation and information services for library patrons. Examines operations on a daily basis to ensure that all resources are managed as effectively as possible.

MAJOR DUTIES

1. Provides circulation services to patrons in a branch library. These services include opening and closing, checking library materials in and out, shelving, registering and updating patron records, reserving materials for patrons and notifying patrons when materials become available, answering phone calls and assisting callers, helping patrons with copying machine. Helps volunteers learn the basics of library operations and assists them however necessary.
2. Under the general supervision of the Branch Manager assists patrons who are, searching for information. This may include helping with the use of the online catalog or other computer resources, directing patrons to specific books, and calling the Information and Reference Department at the main library for assistance with questions.
3. Assists with children's programming, helping with preparation for and presentation of programs, and constructing appropriate displays.
4. Assumes responsibility for the library when branch manager is not present. Telephones the manager or the main library for assistance when problems outside of their scope arise.
5. Performs other related duties as required.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

Works under the general supervision of the Branch Manager. Work is reviewed on-the-job, through regular conferences and yearly performance evaluations.

GUIDELINES

Policies and procedures of the Handley Library and the Five- Year Plan of the Handley Library. Branch Library manual of procedures. Circulation Section manual of procedures.

COMPLEXITY

Work is routine to complex in nature and requires attention to detail, accuracy, and the

use of judgment in satisfying the needs of patrons in a timely manner.

SCOPE AND EFFECT

Courtesy, accuracy, and efficiency are necessary to assure that library patrons receive a high level of service.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

The position requires on-going interaction with library patrons in person and on the telephone. Contacts are also with co-workers and volunteers.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The position requires standing and sitting at public service desks for the majority of the work day, working with the public and reading computer screens. The position requires a significant amount of bending, reaching, and moving quickly to retrieve patron records or library materials shelved from four to ten or more feet from the circulation desk. Shelf-reading and shelving library materials requires standing on step stools or bending to reach low shelves and moving carts filled with books up and down ramps. Must be able to empty exterior book drops, lift 25-pound boxes of books and be able to move equipment and furniture as necessary.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in public library setting during regular business hours, including evenings and weekends.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

General knowledge of library principles, methods, materials and practices; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with co-workers and library patrons; knowledge of popular and current reading interests; good organizational and clerical skills; ability to operate library computer system; knowledge of basic mathematics; ability to work independently;

ability to be flexible and remain calm in meeting demands of patrons at public service desks; good communication skills with both children and adults, including sometimes irate or upset patrons; and ability to work quickly, accurately, and efficiently.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Bachelor’s degree and previous library experience or equivalent education and experience.