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

Kent District Library; East Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Kent District Library in Michigan seeks a Circulation Assistant to support patron services, check in/out materials, issue and renew library cards, and process patron records across locations.

You will maintain collections, sort and shelve items, handle book drops, and ensure accurate data entry for late, lost, damaged, and returned items while following circulation policies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in a library or retail setting preferred.
• Basic clerical, computer, and telephone skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and travel between locations.

Responsibilities

• Check in/out library materials and issue cards; process patron records.
• Maintain collection; shelve, sort, and inspect materials; handle book drops.
• Apply circulation policies and data entry for late/damaged/claims.
• Process inter-library loans; generate holds reports and route items.
• Provide reference and information services using ILS and databases.
• Assist patrons with eReaders and digital collections.
• Provide directions and escalate advanced requests to librarians.
• Handle cash receipts and forward to Finance.
• Operate library equipment and support clerical tasks.
• Train and guide less experienced staff; potential team lead.

Skills

Clerical skills

Customer service

Basic IT/computer skills

Communication skills

Bilingual preferred

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Library ILS system

Cash register

Job 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.

• 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, online 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.
• The schedule associated with this role is: 11:45-8:15pm, Tuesday: 8:30-5:00pm (9-12:30pm when working weekend), Friday: 8:30-5:00pm or 9:45-6:15m (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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

Kent District Library is committed to the use of evidence-based selection hiring practices to ensure the recruitment of highly qualified candidates. As part of this commitment, we utilize pre-employment assessments that are scientifically validated and job-related. These assessments are designed to objectively evaluate candidates' skills, abilities, and potential for success in specific roles.

Legal Compliance:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.

By adhering to these principles, our organization strives to create a fair, equitable, and legally defensible hiring process that attracts and retains top talent.

Pre-Employment Assessment Notice

To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, pre‑employment assessments are proctored and must be completed independently. Applicants may not use phones, other electronic devices, reference materials, or receive assistance from another person at any time during the assessment.

Assessments may require access to your camera, microphone, and screen for monitoring purposes, as outlined in the attached proctoring information.

If you are unable to secure a quiet, private location or meet the proctoring requirements, please contact the Kent District Library Human Resources Department at [e-mail] before starting your assessment to discuss possible accommodations.

Failure to follow these requirements will void your application.