Desk Assistant, Children’s Services, Weymouth Public Library, (Weymouth, MA)

Posted September 1, 2023

The Weymouth Public Libraries seeks a motivated, enthusiastic team player with superior customer service skills who is extremely comfortable and skilled at dealing with children and emerging technologies. Works in a department that meets the informational, educational, and recreational needs of children ages twelve and under and their caregivers. Performs responsible and varied clerical library services in the circulation of materials; performs clerical-administrative work; assists patrons in using library services, computers and technology, and facilities.

Schedule:

When open on Saturdays: Monday through Thursday: 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; every other Friday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; and every other Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. with the previous Friday off

When closed on Saturdays: Monday through Thursday: 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; Friday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Supervision:Receives oral or written instructions from the Head of Children’s Services or Assistant Head of Children’s Services, plans work according to established procedures, prioritizes tasks within work assignment.

Job Environment: Work is performed under typical office and library conditions; work environment is a busy and vibrant children’s room. Operates computer and other standard office equipment. Works within an integrated library system (ILS) used by the 28 libraries of the Old Colony Library Network. Makes occasional contact with other town departments, vendors, library patrons, and other library organizations; contacts are by phone, in person, and in writing, and require excellent customer service skills.

Essential Functions:

The essential functions or duties listed below 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.

Acts as a first point of contact for all patrons; assists patrons with general questions about library and in the use of materials, greets visitors of library; answers telephones and directs calls; helps patrons locate books and materials.
Charges, discharges and inspects library books, materials and equipment; sorts and shelves all library materials. Collects fees from patrons when necessary.
Periodically weeds collection, removing outdated or damaged materials or equipment.
Ensures and maintains the general order and tidiness of the library including, but not limited to, book shelves and play materials.
On a daily basis, fulfills patron hold requests.
Assists persons in registering for library cards including processing such applications; enters and retrieves member and circulation information via the ILS. Provides orientation to new patrons related to services provided by libraries.
Assists with volunteers by training and scheduling volunteers within the department.
May be asked to prepare promotional materials or help create displays to promote use of library collection, programs and services.
May be asked to update social media outlets.
May be asked to assist in the preparation for and presentation of children’s programs.
May be asked to participate in professional development opportunities.

Qualifications:

Education: A high school diploma or GED required with a four-year degree preferred.

Experience: Previous work experience with children or within a library or early education setting is preferred.

Knowledge: Knowledge of library clerical procedures and practices and general principles of library technical system. Knowledge of classic and current children’s literature.

Ability and Skill: Ability to interpret instructions both in written and oral form; ability to problem solve; typing, filing, data entry and general mathematical skills. Strong comfort level with technology, software, and communication via email. Ability to work with a diverse population by providing superior customer service. Ability to create a welcoming environment for all.

Physical Requirements: Light physical effort required in carrying and shelving books, and in performing other typical library functions. Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and climbing. Ability to operate a keyboard at an efficient speed. Frequently required to sit and talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move materials weighing up to 20 pounds.

Starting Salary:$20.79/hour

How to apply:

Applications will be accepted through Thursday, September 14, 2023. Applicants interested in a position can send their resume and Town of Weymouth employment application either by fax to 781-682-3561, by email to [email protected], or by mail or in person to Human Resources, 182 Green Street, N. Weymouth, MA 02191. The job posting, a full job description, and the Town of Weymouth employment application can be found at https://www.weymouth.ma.us/human-resources/pages/working-for-the-town-of-weymouth-employment-opportunities. Questions can be directed to Human Resources at 781-340-5010.

All candidates that are offered a position with the Town must successfully complete a background investigation, which may include a pre-employment physical, pre-placement drug test and a CORI/SORI search.