Public Services Library Assistant

General Description

The Library Assistant provides essential customer service and operational support that advances the Library’s mission and enhances the patron experience. This position serves as a primary point of contact for patrons, providing assistance, information, and support across various library services, programs, and daily operations. The Library Assistant promotes a welcoming and accessible environment while contributing to the effective delivery of library resources and services.

Department

Library

Classification

Part-time

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Pay Grade

1

Benefits Eligibility

None

Reports To

Public Services Supervisor

Supervises

None

Standard Schedule

20 hours per week
Monday: 8am - 4:30pm;
Wednesday: 4pm - 8pm;
Thursday: 8am - 4:30pm

Job Functions

• Provides consistent, professional, and welcoming customer service to library patrons at service desks, including assisting with reference questions, readers’ advisory, program information, database instruction, and general library and community resources.
• Performs circulation and patron account services, including registering new cardholders, updating accounts, processing holds, checking materials in and out, and collecting applicable fines and fees.
• Serves as a primary point of contact for patrons, providing assistance, information, and support across various library services, programs, and daily operations.
• Supports daily library operations, including opening and closing procedures, room reservations, maintaining organized and accessible collections, shelving materials, and ensuring a safe, clean, and welcoming environment.
• Affords support for library programs, outreach activities, promotional materials, displays, and other assigned projects as needed.
• Participates in library committees and other initiatives that support library services and operations.
• Completes special projects and other job duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications And Competencies

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent
• Experience: A minimum of one (1) years of experience in public library services, customer service, or closely related field
• Other: Access to personal or public transportation for job-related duties

Knowledge

• Working knowledge of public library operations and circulation processes
• Working knowledge of computers, office software, printers, and copiers

Skills

• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle to high volume of work, set priorities effectively, and adapt to shifting demands
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, complemented by strong customer service and interpersonal skills
• Collaboration skills to effectively work with others, fostering teamwork, clear communication, and creative problem solving
• Entry level of proficiency in technology, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and other relevant software applications

Abilities

• Ability to perform work duties under general supervision and operate within policy guidelines using independent judgment in achieving assigned objectives
• Ability to perform basic mathematics (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
• Ability to demonstrate integrity, honesty, initiative, and respect while maintaining strict confidentiality in all aspects of work
• Ability to comply with all safety policies, practices, and procedures, and report all unsafe activities or conditions to a supervisor
• Ability to exhibit exceptional professionalism, tact, and decorum in all areas of work duties
• Ability to be reliable, timely, and proactive in the completion of duties, meeting deadlines, and responding to inquiries

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Environment: Work is performed primarily in an office environment with occasional travel to meetings, work sites, or other locations
• Physical Demands: Work requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, reach, bend, stoop, and lift objects up to [XX] pounds. Work requires extended periods of standing or walking. Work will involve operating standard office equipment (computer, telephone, copier, etc.). Vision and hearing are required to perform essential functions and communicate effectively
• Stressors: Work will involve contact with the public, requiring effective communication and professional conduct. Work may involve exposure to stressful situations, deadlines, or conflict resolution