Circulation Specialist

Alsip-Merrionette Park Public Library District; Huntley (IL); On-site; USD 16,531 - 22,041; Part time

Job summary

Huntley Area Public Library District is seeking a part-time Circulation Specialist to assist patrons in the Circulation Department. This role includes checking materials in/out, shelving, and handling holds and delivery items.

The position requires 20–25 hours per week, with some evenings and weekends, and involves light maintenance and potential training of volunteers. Background checks and equal opportunity employment are noted.

Qualifications

• Ability to interpret library policies in a diplomatic and sensitive manner.
• Ability to safeguard patron privacy including handling patron financial and account matters with discretion and confidentiality.
• Ability to remain calm in difficult situations.
• Ability to work and communicate orally and in writing, in an effective manner, with the public and staff.
• Ability to type, to read written materials, to maintain files, to operate computers and other library machines and equipment.
• Attention to detail and accuracy while performing repetitive tasks.

Responsibilities

• Provides courteous and friendly service to library patrons at the Checkout Desk.
• Interprets policies to the public and refers unresolved issues to Circulation Supervisor.
• Issues new library cards and renews library cards including updating accounts.
• Orients new patrons to the library.
• Answers telephone, routes calls, and responds to patron chat and emails.
• Collects money and operates the cash register.
• Performs check-out and check-in functions including inspecting materials for damage and missing parts and handling repairs.

Job description

The Circulation Specialist provides customer service to patrons in the Circulation Department, checks library materials in and out, shelves library materials, and performs a variety of tasks related to patron use of the library.

Essential Job Functions

• Consistently provides courteous and friendly service to library patrons at the Checkout Desk.
• Interprets policies to the public and refers unresolved issues to Circulation Supervisor.
• Issues new library cards and renews library cards including updating accounts.
• Orients new patrons to the library.
• Answers telephone, routes calls, and responds to patron chat and emails.
• Collects money and operates the cash register.
• Performs check‑out and check‑in functions including inspecting library materials for damage and missing parts and cleaning, repair, and replacement needs.
• Processes patron holds including pulling Pick List items from the shelves and working with incoming and outgoing delivery bin items.
• Performs searches and shelf checks for missing, claimed returns, and other items.
• Places calls to patrons regarding missing or problem items.
• Sorts, shelves, straightens, shifts, and shelf reads books and other library material.
• Regularly empties book drops.
• Maintains orderliness of library and library materials.
• May repair and process library materials such as buffing AV materials or charging circulating equipment.
• May process interlibrary loans.
• May perform light maintenance such as basic servicing of restroom facilities.
• Occasionally supervises or trains volunteers and other staff.
• Assists with opening and closing procedures.
• Attends staff meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to interpret library policies in a diplomatic and sensitive manner.
• Ability to safeguard patron privacy including handling patron financial and account matters with discretion and confidentiality.
• Ability to remain calm in difficult situations.
• Ability to work and communicate orally and in writing, in an effective manner, with the public and staff. Capacity to communicate effectively on the telephone.
• Ability to type, to read written materials, to maintain files, to operate computers and other library machines and equipment.
• Attention to detail and accuracy while performing repetitive tasks.
• Ability to retrieve and return books and other library materials to shelves or other designated places, including the ability to accurately file library materials numerically and alphabetically.
• In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represent the physical and environmental demands of this position: this position requires approximately equal amounts of time spent standing, walking, and sitting. Lifting, pushing/pulling, and carrying of objects weighing up to 25 to 40 pounds is sometimes required. Climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, twisting, and bending are sometimes required. Repetitive movements of the hands and arms are required. Audio, visual, and verbal functions are essential to performing this position.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• One-year public contact experience required.
• Previous library experience a plus.
• Must be able to pass alphabetical and numerical sequencing tests in accordance with the Dewey Decimal System.
• Must be able to work some evenings and weekends.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume with relevant references to [e-mail] . The library will conduct a background check for the successful candidate. The Huntley Area Public Library District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Huntley Area Public Library
11000 Ruth Road
Huntley, IL 60142

Location

Huntley Area Public Library District, McHenry County

Hours

Schedule: (averaging 20 to 25 hours per week)

• Days and weekends with one evening during the week
• Occasional fill-in opportunities