Associate Library Specialist

City of Omaha; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 19,570 - 27,873; Part time

Job summary

The City of Omaha is seeking a part-time Library Paraprofessional to provide customer service and assist in library duties. This entry-level position requires a high school diploma and customer service experience.

Responsibilities include managing patron accounts, assisting with library resources, and maintaining a welcoming environment. Strong communication skills and a willingness to learn are essential.

The position requires registration for Nebraska Public Librarian Certification and might involve evening and weekend shifts.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Graduate Equivalent Degree (GED) required.
• One year of customer service experience preferred.
• Fluency in other languages is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide customer service in the library.
• Create and manage patron accounts.
• Assist patrons with library tools and resources.
• Handle payments and process materials.
• Maintain a welcoming library environment.

Skills

Knowledge of computers and technology

Customer service skills

Ability to communicate verbally and in writing

Ability to maintain patron confidentiality

Ability to use library tools and equipment

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Work Type

Part-time

Nature of Work

This is an entry-level paraprofessional library work performing library duties and providing customer service. The employee in this position works as part of a team with guidance from a supervisor.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or Graduate Equivalent Degree (GED)
• One (1) year of customer service experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of, and ability to operate, computers and other technology using standard or customized computer or systems software applications appropriate to the assigned tasks.
• Ability to learn standard library principles, procedures, services, and materials.
• Ability to learn library reference and resource tools.
• Ability to learn and adapt to advances in computer and electronics device technology and software.
• Ability to view printed text on book bindings to retrieve library materials.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy when interacting with difficult patrons.
• Ability to maintain patron confidentiality.
• Ability to use and explain the functions of library tools and facilities.
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the general public.
• Ability to understand oral or written instructions.
• Ability to adhere to safety policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Ability to stand, walk, and bend from 76 to 100% of the time; reach, stoop, squat, crouch, and push from 51 to 75% of the time; and to climb, balance, kneel, crawl, pull, and sit up to 50% of the time.
• Ability to use up to fifty (50) pounds of force up to 33% of the time, up to twenty (20) pounds from 34 to 66% of the time, and up to ten (10) pounds of force from 67 to 100% of the time to move objects.

Essential Functions

• Supports the overall mission of the Library by providing customer service in a manner that creates a positive experience both internally and externally.
• Creates new patron accounts and assists patrons with account questions and issues.
• Takes and processes payments, and may prepare monies for deposit.
• Checks materials in and out, manages holds, retrieves and loads items into the Automated Storage Retrieval System, and prepares and processes materials transiting to and from other library locations.
• Collects and checks in book drops, sorts materials for shelving, and shelves library materials.
• Searches for claim returned items, patron requests, trace/transit lists, request pull lists, and items identified for weeding.
• Assists with collection maintenance, which includes shifting materials, shelf reading, and cataloging periodicals.
• Answers patrons' reference questions in person, over the telephone, and online by searching online catalogs, subscription databases, internet resources, and print materials.
• Assists library patrons in the use of the library's online and printed resources, library services, and library technology equipment.
• Performs front-line computer troubleshooting, such as helping customers with printer jams, printer selection, software functions, and free e‑mail services, and reports problems to technology services if needed.
• Helps maintain a welcoming environment by cleaning, picking up trash, removing snow, and spreading grit/salt when necessary.
• Assists with setup and cleanup for programs and events.
• Advises readers by recommending authors, titles, and topics of interest.
• Under supervision, creates and maintains materials displays and assists in the coordination of displays to ensure community appeal.
• Helps with material issues by mending and repairing items, cleaning disks/cases, and recovering items.
• Labels, covers, and stamps new materials.
• Packages, meters, and sends items by postal mail and/or UPS.
• Keeps informed of developing library practices and issues.
• Maintains regular job attendance in accordance with a schedule established for the position by the supervisor.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation dictates within the scope of this classification.

Special Qualifications

• Must register for Nebraska Public Librarian Certification through the Nebraska Library Commission within 30 days of the hiring date. Must complete necessary continuing education requirements to keep certification current while employed by the Omaha Public Library.
• Must be able to transport oneself or coordinate transportation to worksites throughout the City during the course of the workday.
• Must be able to work flexible schedules that include evenings and weekends.
• Fluency in other languages preferred.

Pay Range

$17.22 Hourly

Benefits

Not applicable to part-time/seasonal employment

Who Can Apply

Any person who meets the qualifications and other requirements described in this posting.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Omaha is an Equal Opportunity Employer.