Library Assistant, Melrose Public Library, Melrose, MA

Posted June 5, 2020

Description:

The Melrose Public Library is a fast paced, service driven environment with an emphasis on welcoming, friendly service to the public. We enjoy a full service and very active children’s department, including a wide variety of programming for multiple age groups. Children’s Room staff are enthusiastic about direct planning of and participation in programming! Successful candidacy at our library requires the ability to maintain a positive, professional attitude and an unflappable demeanor with a healthy dose of humor!

Under the supervision of the applicable Department Heads, Library Assistant employees act as the library’s representative to the public, performing a variety of paraprofessional duties to ensure the efficient workflow of basic library services, with an emphasis on friendly customer service. Our library culture supports a collaborative, team-focused environment. Work is performed in accordance with established policies and accepted library practices and procedures.

General Duties (illustrative and not all inclusive):

Provides welcoming customer service with tact, courtesy, sensitivity and discretion in all dealings with internal and external customers. Take telephone calls, answering questions when appropriate, referring others to proper authority.
Accurately performs all aspects of library circulation work, including patron registration, material check-in and check-out, receiving fines, and placing holds. Contacts patrons for reserve books and ILL material as assigned. Maintain ongoing knowledge of current circulation procedures.
Informs Supervisor of incidents/ issues in a timely manner, assisting in resolution when appropriate. Promptly and professionally refers library patrons requiring supervisory action.
Responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of patron records, in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Trustees of Melrose Public Library, and NOBLE policy.
Provides Readers Advisory services to assist patrons in finding appropriate material.
Participates in programming as directed, including brainstorming, planning and execution, under the supervision of the applicable Department Head.
Assists in implementing various informative and decorative displays for the department.
Performs clerical work for department as assigned, such as making photocopies of in-house forms, accurate processing of overdue notices, fact checking of registration forms, and making event flyers.
Position requires some flexibility and ability to shift schedule or work extra hours from time to time. Schedule includes some time covering the main circulation desk. Schedule requires evening and weekend hours.
Supports the mission of the public library in all activities.
The essential functions or duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree required.
Demonstrated experience in providing welcoming, excellent customer service to co-workers and patrons with tact, courtesy, sensitivity and discretion in a busy, sometimes hectic environment.
Must enjoy working with the public, including people of all ages and backgrounds. Genuine enthusiasm for working with children is essential.
Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, following established policies and procedures.
Ability to accept feedback and instruction from supervisor in a productive manner.
Excellent oral communication skills.
Enthusiasm about learning new skills.
Comfortable using and explaining modern technology.
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality with patron information is essential.
Experience with automated library systems a plus.
Ability to provide reliable attendance at work to ensure the smooth operation of a busy public desk.

Physical Demands:

The Library Assistant’s work is performed under typical public library conditions. Noise levels can be loud. Library materials may be musty. The employee is required to sit, stand, walk, reach, hear, feel and talk; to lift objects up to 30 pounds; stand for prolonged times and operate computers and similar electronic equipment; have close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Other Information:

This position is full-time, 36 hrs./week, and minimum hourly wage is $20.90 per hour.

How to Apply:

The original application can be found here. Please submit a letter of interest and a resume by 6/16/2020 to Linda Gardener, Library Director via [email protected].