REFERENCE ASSISTANT

About the role

Neill Public Library is searching for an outstanding candidate with a passion for serving the community and enthusiasm for working in a team environment and independently. This is a casual (8-16 hours per week), year-round, part-time position in the Circulation & Reference Department.

Responsibilities

• Staff the service desk, shelve materials, and provide general assistance to the public.
• Perform circulation and reference duties, including:
  • Opening and closing the library.
  • Checking materials in and out using computer systems.
  • Collecting and assisting with fine payments and cash handling.
  • Providing patrons information regarding online resources.
  • Greeting and directing patrons to locations in the library.
  • Answering phone calls and registering new patrons.
  • Aiding patrons in finding materials and information in person, via phone, and via email.
  • Providing general reference assistance for a wide variety of inquiries.
  • Receiving input from patrons and passing information to appropriate library personnel.
  • Attending staff meetings.
• Perform shelving duties, including:
  • Sorting and shelving books and other materials.
  • Cleaning and maintaining circulation and public areas.
  • Maintaining supplies and public information material.
• Assist other library departments as needed, dependent on operational requirements.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED.
• 1 year of previous library or public/customer service experience.
• Ability to serve children and adults equally.
• Knowledge of library and office computer applications, internet, or other online information sources.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently as well as with a team.
• Ability to:
  • Communicate effectively with a diverse population, with an emphasis on English verbal and written skills.
  • Interact with the public in a courteous, diplomatic, pleasant, and tactful manner.
  • Utilize a variety of computer software programs and equipment.
  • Work efficiently and accurately in a high-demand, multi-task situation.
  • Carry out priorities, procedures, and policies as outlined by supervisor.
  • Demonstrate strong attention to detail.
  • Use number, alphabetical, and library classification systems with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Maintain confidentiality of information.
  • Physically perform the essential functions of the job.

Preference will be given to candidates with prior library computer systems experience.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is performed primarily in a library environment while sitting at a desk or computer terminal or while standing for extended periods of time, particularly for shelving.
• Physical exertion may be required to arrange and shelve library materials, lift office supplies, and handle library materials from overhead and from the floor.
• Sufficient vision and other powers of observation are essential to read, sort, and shelve library materials and work with electronic patron records.

This is a non-benefited position.

Schedule

Varied schedule to include evening and weekend shifts (8-16 hours per week).