Library Assistant

Pay

Salary: $19.30 – $23.32 per hour (GS.6). This is a Non‑Exempt position.

Schedule

Work Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. (EST). Hours may vary due to work assignments or projects.

Work Location

Chattanooga Public Library Branches, Chattanooga, TN.

Classification Summary

Incumbents in this classification are responsible for representing the Chattanooga Public Library by applying specialized knowledge to provide excellent internal or external customer service in assisting patrons or executing library operations. Work requires limited supervision. The Library Services Specialist is a stand‑alone position (Series Level).

Essential Functions

• Delivers consistently excellent customer service while supporting the Library mission to be the community's catalyst for lifelong learning through inspiring communication, integrity, and passion.
• Displays professional acumen by being knowledgeable about Library industry practices, services; and patron‑facing consumer and prosumer hardware, software, and other technology.
• Internalizes the mission by taking the initiative to self‑educate in professional development and skills.
• Advances the mission using common sense and critical thinking to achieve goals while amplifying team coherence.
• Proposes improvements to Chattanooga Public Library operations and services.
• May serve as designated shift leader on duty to coach and motivate other Library staff while upholding a culture which builds exceptional internal and external customer experiences.
• Cross‑trains in all Library Departments.
• Enforces policies and procedures while balancing patron needs with administrative requirements.
• Proposes, develops, promotes, implements, administers and evaluates specialty programs and services; relates materials and displays to promote the library and associated programs.
• May process forms for passport application processes, following established guidelines and regulations set forth by the U.S. government; may operate as Notary Public.
• Operates any necessary devices and machines in the course of Library operations including postage processing and food‑service equipment.
• Participates in operation‑wide inventory management.
• Assists patrons by providing solutions to informational requests and evaluating resources to match information needs with reference and/or advisory materials.
• Performs circulation desk activities including checkout and renewal of material, issuing library cards and collecting money for fines.
• Processes inter‑library loans for patrons with applicable state or national libraries; manages and maintains related databases.
• Trains patrons in the use of electronic reference sources, providing guidance and instruction for both general and specific requests; enables patrons to operate equipment, troubleshoots problems, and instructs on software and hardware.
• Evaluates the informational utility of various online sources for referral to library patrons, including researching relevant professional literature.
• Plans, prepares, and maintains displays/exhibits to promote the circulation of materials, books and/or other related items.
• Sorts and shelves library material; reads shelves; weeds and discards library material; empties book drop and processes returned material.
• Recommends material to be purchased and ensures completeness and accuracy of the bibliographic record.
• Monitors and maintains databases in assigned areas of responsibility.
• Prepares and compiles a variety of statistics related to library operations in the assigned area of responsibility; understands performance metrics and works to improve them.
• Participates in meetings, committees and other related groups to receive and convey information.
• Travels to various locations to present programs and services; listens to feedback and takes constructive action.
• Gives basic direction and feedback to other Library employees; prioritizes patrons and tasks with attention to detail.
• Communicates effectively at all levels and considers the impact of actions on individuals, teams and the organization.
• Actively participates in the Library Safety Program.
• Promotes, collaborates with and directs patrons to other public and community