Assistant Branch Librarian (ABL) - 24 hrs./wk.

Kent District Library; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Medical

Dental

Student Loan Paydown Plan

Employee Assistance Center

433(b) Deferred Compensation?

401(a) Match Plan

Job summary

Kent District Library in Grand Rapids, MI seeks a part-time Circulation Clerk to support patron service across locations. You will handle checkouts, memberships, fines, and basic reference assistance, while maintaining accurate records in the library system.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, basic clerical skills, and the ability to travel between KDL locations. Prior library or retail experience is preferred, and bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous library or retail experience preferred.
• Basic clerical and computer skills.
• Knowledge of popular culture and library materials.
• Basic math for routine calculations.
• Understanding of library policies and procedures.
• Ability to work with supervision and follow procedures.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Ability to lead or guide less experienced staff.
• Physical ability to lift up to 40 pounds and travel between locations.

Responsibilities

• Check in/out library materials and process memberships.
• Collect money for fines and damaged items; issue cards.
• Maintain shelves, perform shelf-reading, and handle mail and deliveries.
• Enter late/damaged item data and patron notes in the library system.
• Provide reference and information services to patrons.
• Assist patrons with searching and using digital resources.
• Demonstrate eReader devices and digital collections access.
• Operates cash register and POS; balance daily takings.
• Assist with routine equipment use and maintenance.
• Travel between KDL locations as needed.

Skills

Basic clerical skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

Customer service experience

Team leadership ability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Library system (ILS)

Cash register / POS

Job description

Description

Under the general direction of branch management, performs a variety of services in support of patron service. Specific duties will vary in variety and volume depending on location.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves the public by checking in and out library materials, collecting money for lost and damaged materials, issues new/replacement library cards, registers new patrons and processes name and address changes.
• Responsible for collection maintenance duties: sorts and shelves library materials; empties book-drop(s); shelf-reading; shifts materials; cleans, dusts, and inspects library materials for damage; discards and repairs library materials.
• Ensures circulation policies and procedures are followed for the proper handling of customer and material records for an accurate library database. This includes data entry of late, lost, damaged, and claims returned items, and patron information including necessary notes.
• Sorts, packs, unpacks, and inspects library materials received from or being delivered to other libraries.
• Runs reports and lists for item hold information and inter-library loan requests. Provides lists to others for purposes of retrieving items requested, and routes items appropriately. Contacts patrons or other libraries as necessary.
• Provides reference and information services to library patrons. Duties include, but are not limited to: receiving and answering of questions regarding collections, library services and policies; interpreting patron needs.
• Assists patrons in their search for library materials; provides materials advisory and reference interview services as needed by utilizing ILS, print sources, KDL electronic databases and online tools with proficiency.
• Effectively facilitates access to KDL's digital collection by providing demonstrations of and assistance with multiple format eReader devises and applications.
• Delivers directional information to the public. Refers advance reference requests to Branch Librarians.
• Provides information to customers regarding the Library's circulation policies, procedures and refers issues.
• Counts, balances, and records monies received through the point of sale. Forwards reconciled funds and paperwork to the Finance Department.
• Provides assistance to patrons and staff in the use of library equipment and machines (e.g., copier, printer, on-line catalog, word processing, etc.); performs routine maintenance and corrects minor malfunctions of library equipment, such as refilling paper and toner and assisting with paper jams.
• Performs other clerical tasks upon request, including materials order entry, supply ordering, word processing, filing, checking in new periodicals, etc.
• Sorts and distributes U.S. and inter-office mail.
• Provides training and guidance to less experienced staff and may serve as a team leader on group assignments.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous work experience in a library or retail setting preferred.
• Basic clerical skills including computer and telephone skills.
• Knowledge of popular culture and various genres of material in the library collection.
• Basic mathematical skills necessary for routine calculations.
• Working knowledge and understanding of KDL policies and procedures.
• Ability to work with general supervision and adhere to established policies and procedures.
• Interpersonal and communication skills for interaction with staff and customers in a highly effective and courteous manner. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Skills necessary to effectively provide leadership and guidance to less experienced circulation staff.
• Visual acuity necessary to retrieve library materials from shelves or storage areas.
• Physical ability to push/pull fully loaded book carts, retrieve or place materials above shoulder or below knee level, and lift/carry materials and delivery bags weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Hearing ability to answer telephone and customer inquiries.
• Manual dexterity, visual acuity and sufficient keyboarding/PC skills to effectively access information on the computer.
• Ability to operate a variety of equipment including computer, cash register, fax and copy machine.
• Ability to travel between work locations and related places of business as needed.
• Generally will work within a normal office environment, with minimal discomfort due to extreme temperatures, dust, and noise.
• Requires occasional travel between KDL locations, and may include out of county travel for meetings and conferences.
• The schedule associated with this role is: Tuesday: 8:30-5:00 (9:00-12:30 when working weekend), Thursday: 11:45-8:15, Friday: 8:30-5:00 or 9:45-6:15 (Off when working weekend). Every fourth weekend: Saturday: 8:45-5:15pm, Sunday: 12:45-5:15pm.
• Frequent sitting/standing in one position for extended periods of time.

Additional Information

• KDL provides library services to our local communities seven days per week.
• While this position is currently assigned to the above location, KDL reserves the right to require employees to be available for assignments at any KDL location.

Kent District Library has received the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor given for making significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. Kent District Library was one of five public library award recipients, representing institutions that provide dynamic programming and services that exceed expected levels of service to bring about change that touches the lives of individuals and helps communities thrive.

Behind the Scenes @ KDL

Statement on the Use of Pre-Employment Assessments in Evidence-Based Selection Hiring

Legal Compliance

• Non-Discrimination: All pre-employment assessments used by our organization comply with federal anti-discrimination laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). We ensure that these assessments do not disproportionately exclude individuals based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability, or age.
• Job-Relatedness: Our assessments are developed and validated to measure skills and traits that are directly related to the job requirements. This alignment with job duties is in accordance with the Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures (UGESP), which provide interpretive guidelines to ensure equitable and non-discriminatory hiring practices.
• Objectivity and Fairness: By using professionally developed and validated assessments, we enhance the objectivity and fairness of our hiring process. This reduces the likelihood of unconscious bias and increases the accuracy of hiring decisions.

Evidence-Based Approach

• Data-Driven Decisions: Our selection process relies on measurable data, such as performance metrics and structured interview results, rather than intuition. This approach ensures that hiring decisions are based on objective, verifiable evidence.
• Continuous Improvement: We regularly review and update our assessment tools to ensure they remain valid and reliable. This ongoing evaluation helps us maintain high standards in our hiring practices and adapt to evolving job requirements.

Kent District Library

Part-time Employee Benefit Summary

• Paid Time Off
• PTO and Floating Holidays
• Retirement Plan
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan & 401(a) Match Plan
• Medical
• Family access to complimentary generic prescription drug program at no cost to employee
• Family access to supplemental Accident & Critical Illness Plans
• at no cost to employee
• Dental
• Dental plan covering preventive services available for purchase
• Student Loan Paydown Plan
• Up to $3600 available to help pay down your student loans
• Employee Assistance Center
• 24/7 assistance available to provide confidential mental health assistance
• to employee at no cost