Circulation Desk Assistant (Part-time)

Mount-Prospect-Public-Library; Mount Prospect (IL); On-site; USD 22,041 - 27,552; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Pet insurance

IMRF participation

457 retirement plan

Job summary

Mount Prospect Public Library is hiring a part-time Desk Assistant to join the Circulation team. The role blends public service with clerical duties at the checkout desk, including handling materials and assisting patrons.

Schedule: 25.5 hours per week, Mon-Tue 2pm–9pm, Fri 11am–7pm, and alternating weekends. Wage: $16.96 per hour plus benefits like paid time off and insurance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in a public setting is desirable.
• Excellent customer service and attention to detail expected.

Responsibilities

• Staff the public desk and assist library patrons with inquiries.
• Handle materials: check in, sort, and shelve as needed.
• Support other circulation tasks and participate in special projects.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Customer focus

Decision making

Flexibility

Teamwork

Problem solving

Policies, processes & procedures

Diversity & inclusion

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Do you enjoy a job that has a mix of public interaction and task-oriented work? We are hiring a part-time Desk Assistant with excellent customer service skills and a keen eye for detail to join our Circulation team. In this role, you will assist library users at our checkout desk and handle various workroom activities, such as checking in, sorting, and shelving material – ensuring material is moved smoothly throughout the library and readily available for our patrons to enjoy.SCHEDULE: 25.5 hours per week on average -Monday & Tuesday 2pm to 9pmFriday 11am to 7pmEvery other weekend, Saturday 9am to 5pm & Sunday 11am to 5pmSALARY: $16.96 per hourBENEFITSPaid time off (vacation, sick, holiday, and birthday)Dental, life, and pet insuranceIllinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) participation457 retirement savings planPURPOSEUnder the direct supervision of the designated supervisor (Circulation Department Head, Circulation Assistant Department Head, or Circulation Supervisor), the Circulation Desk Assistant is responsible for staffing the public desk, performing tasks related to the handling of library materials and other various clerical duties. This position is expected to handle all aspects of patron services related to the department within a team atmosphere.SUMMARY OF DUTIES:This position comprises of the following essential duties:Materials Handling (approx. 50%)Public Service (approx. 35%)Other non-essential job duties may include special projects and other departmental tasks.JOB RESPONSIBILITIESMaterials HandlingChecks in, sorts, arranges, print and non-print materials to make ready for reshelving, including loading and arranging cartsInspects and cleans materialsShelves books and other materials in appropriate placesMaintains shelves by straightening, shifting and organizing materials as assignedReads shelves to ensure correct order of materialsRetrieves materials used by patrons in the Library and keeps a tally of total materials picked up, sorted, & re-shelvedChecks in in-house materials in ILS as assignedPrepares reports and compiles statistics as assignedContacts patrons regarding lost, damaged, and overdue materials as neededRuns reports and participates in specialized tasks as assignedPublic ServiceApplies MPPL-values-based customer serviceAssists patrons at the public desk, on the telephone, and via e-mail with account inquiries.Monitors the behavior and conduct of Library patrons to ensure an atmosphere conducive to the use of the department and library resources for all patronsAssists patrons at public service desk with all circulation functionsAnswers patron questions on circulation related problemsRegisters patrons for new library cards; updates library card records as neededAdds reciprocal patron library cards to the databaseCollects money for fees and issues refunds as requiredSpecial ProjectsAssists with training staff when assignedParticipates in special projects when assignedOtherAttends appropriate meetings, workshops, and seminarsServes on committees as assignedOther duties as assignedEDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCEHigh school diploma (or equivalent work experience) required. Experience working in a public setting is desirable.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & WORK CONDITIONSKnowledge & AbilityKnowledge of library policies and proceduresKnowledge in the use of the Integrated Library SystemAbility to access, input and retrieve data from the computerAbility to alphabetize correctly and to understand numerical arrangement utilizing the decimal pointAbility to operate a two-way radio and telephoneAbility to read library material spines and labelsAbility to handle cash transactions and/or operate a cash registerBehavioral SkillsAttention to Detail. Able to follow detailed procedures and ensure accuracy in documentation and data; concentrate on routine work details and organize and maintain a system of records.Communication. Able to clearly present information through the spoken or written word; read and interpret complex information; talk with customers or clients; listen well.Customer Focus. Able to demonstrate a high level of service delivery; do what is necessary to ensure internal and external customer satisfaction; deal with service failures and prioritize customer needs.Decision Making & Problem Solving. Able to take action in solving problems while exhibiting judgment and a realistic understanding of issues; able to use reason, even when dealing with emotional topics; review facts and weigh options.Flexibility. Able to remain open-minded and change opinions on the basis of new information; perform a wide variety of tasks and change focus quickly as demands change; manage transitions effectively from task to task; adapt to varying customer needs.Policies, Process, & Procedures. Able to act in accordance with established guidelines; follow standard procedures in crisis situations; communicate and enforce organizational policies and procedures; recognize and constructively conform to unwritten rules or practices.Supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Able to adapt behavior to others' styles; interact effectively with people who have different values, cultures, or backgrounds; optimize the benefits of having a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce.Teamwork. Able to share due credit with coworkers; display enthusiasm and promote a friendly group working environment; work closely with other departments as necessary; support group decisions and solicit opinions from coworkers; display team spirit.Tolerance of Ambiguity. Able to withhold actions or speech in the absence of information; deal with unresolved situations, frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.Working ConditionsWork is performed in a typical library environmentWork is performed while:carrying library materials weighing up to 20 lbs.,moving heavy book carts loaded with materials and/or whilestanding for varied lengths of time (from 2 - 6 hours)