Part-Time Library Services Assistant – Adult Dept, Simsbury Public Library, Simsbury, CT
Posted September 12, 2023
Description
Under the direct supervision of the Head of Borrowing & Technical Services and the general supervision of the Library Director, the Adult Library Services Assistant is responsible for performing a wide variety of circulation duties and providing patron services related to the access and use of library materials and equipment. The Adult Library Services Assistant also assists with promoting library materials and planning and implementing outreach initiatives and programing for teens and adults. Adult Library Services Assistants must be knowledgeable about the Library’s resources, services, spaces, policies and practices. Commitment to excellent customer service is imperative.
This position is scheduled for (9) nine to (16) sixteen hours per week including weekdays, evenings and weekends (both Saturday & Sunday).
Position Description and Job Functions
- Performs basic and advanced circulation functions, including checking materials in and out; renewing materials; placing and managing holds; creating, updating and renewing patron accounts; and accepting and processing requests for purchase and interlibrary loan.
- Ensures the orderly flow of materials from the Circulation Desk to the shelves, including shelving material.
- Sorts, packs and processes interlibrary deliveries.
- Ensures the accuracy of library patron accounts and assures the confidentiality of library use and accounts.
- Provides general and directional assistance to all users, in person, by phone and by email. Collaborates with all departments and gives referrals to other departments as needed in order to provide the best possible service to the community.
- Educates and assists users in the use of the Library and its resources, including use of the self-checkout and automatic book return machines, the catalog, electronic resources, equipment and patron services.
- Resolves user inquiries and concerns regarding material availability and library patron accounts, including lost or overdue items, fines and fees or registrations. Refers complex issues to the Head of Borrowing & Technical Services.
- Assists users in locating appropriate material and engages in recommending items.
- Monitors and performs basic troubleshooting of self-checkout and automatic book return machines, such as replacing receipt paper.
- Inspects returning material and equipment for loss or damage and processes damaged or lost materials and fees accordingly.
- Recommends selection of materials based on professional standards, patron requests, and acknowledged review sources.
- Assists with the development and maintenance of promotional and instructional materials, including library signage and displays, to encourage the use of the Library.
- Respects the facility and work environment by keeping work area neat, handling cleanups and reporting maintenance issues promptly and appropriately.
- Keeps informed of current consortium policies, procedures and practices and interprets them to the public in a pleasant and effective manner.
- Keeps informed of current Library policies, procedures and practices and interprets them to the public in a pleasant and effective manner.
- Identifies, collects, interprets and presents statistics as needed.
- Distributes mail as needed.
- Coordinates with Pages and volunteers, as necessary and as directed by the Head of Borrowing & Technical Services.
- Processes and manages interlibrary loan requests, as directed by the Head of Borrowing & Technical Services.
- Processes and maintains periodical collection, as directed by the Head of Borrowing & Technical Services.
- Performs opening and closing procedures in the Borrowing Department.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Additional Duties
- Notifies patrons of waiting material in the absence of volunteers to do so.
- Performs shelf-reading, weeding and collection maintenance as time allows.
- Assists with the design and implementation of programs and activities, including Library tours, both in the Library and in the community, for teens and adults as time allows.
- Attends professional meetings, workshops and continuing education opportunities to perform job competencies.
- Assists in other departments as needed.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Positive and enthusiastic approach to customer service, in person and on the phone.
- Ability to relate well and effectively communicate with patrons of varied backgrounds, ages and abilities, in person, by phone and by email.
- Demonstrated attention to detail.
- Demonstrated technology literacy and competency.
- Demonstrates solid decision making, organizational and problem solving skills.
- Ability to perform basic mathematical computations and make change.
- Ability to alphabetize correctly and to understand numerical arrangements utilizing the Dewey Decimal System.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to work and interact effectively with staff, administrators and volunteers, as well as work as part of a cohesive team.
- Ability to interpret and follow a variety of instructions in oral and written format.
- Ability to maintain a calm atmosphere, assure safety and respond to emergencies.
- Exhibits flexibility and the willingness to work in a dynamic, busy and changing environment.
Conditions and Qualifications
Required Physical and Mental Effort and Environmental Conditions:
- Ability to lift books and other materials, weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds, from shelves ranging from 6” to 8’ from the floor and return them to their proper place(s).
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time; move throughout the Library; bend, reach and crouch to shelve and retrieve materials; push and pull carts loaded with materials.
- Ability to use a PC terminal, laptop or tablet for extended periods of time.
- Ability to read fine print materials.
- Ability to work in office and public settings subject to continuous interruptions and background noises.
- Ability to be flexible and adapt in a fast paced, complex and changing environment.
- Ability to move throughout the Library and other Town sites.
- Ability to represent the Library in the community and at public gatherings and speak to public groups.
- To maintain a calm atmosphere, assure safety and respond to emergencies.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends.
Required Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma/GED required; college degree preferred. Proficiency with current technology and applications. The ability to establish a positive rapport with the public and strong customer service skills are essential. Public library experience is desirable.
License or Certificate:
Motor Vehicle Operator’s License
NOTE: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
EEOC Statement:
It is the policy of the Town of Simsbury to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Town of Simsbury will provide reasonable accommodations, that do not present an undue hardship, for qualified individuals with disabilities.