DESK ASSISTANT – CIRCULATION & CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENTS - CRANFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

LibraryLinkNJ Technology Advisory Group; Mission (KS); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Desk Assistant for its Children's Department. This part-time role involves greeting patrons, assisting with library services, and maintaining the collection. Ideal candidates will have strong customer service and technology skills, with the ability to foster positive interactions in a dynamic library environment. The position offers flexible hours, including afternoons and weekends, and provides a generous paid time off package. Join a supportive team dedicated to enhancing community engagement through library services and make a meaningful impact in the lives of patrons of all ages.

Benefits

Generous Paid Time Off

Qualifications

• 1+ year of experience in a public library environment preferred.
• Ability to interact positively with patrons of all ages.

Responsibilities

• Greet patrons and assist with library services.
• Check materials in and out and answer phone inquiries.
• Organize and shelve library materials.

Skills

Customer Service Skills

Technology Skills

Creativity

Flexibility

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

High School Diploma

Some College

Job description

DESK ASSISTANT – CIRCULATION & CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENTS - CRANFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

JOB POSTING – DESK ASSISTANT – CIRCULATION & CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENTS
The Cranford Public Library is accepting applications for the title of Desk Assistant to work in the Children’s Department, a part-time position. Under general supervision of the Head of Children’s Services, the Desk Assistant provides a variety of library services to patrons of all ages, assists with maintaining and updating the collection, and performs related work as required. The work week is an average of 12 hours, including daytime, evening and weekend hours. We are currently seeking someone able to work afternoons–in particular 1-5 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday–as well as Wednesday evenings and multiple weekends per month (Saturdays 9-5 or Sundays 11:30-4 in a given week). The successful candidate should also have some availability to cover additional shifts due to call-outs or vacation leave.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
These are examples of work required:

1. Greet patrons at the Children’s Desk.
2. Answer the phone and refer calls to the appropriate extension.
3. Check materials in and out.
4. Assist patrons with library app use and material searches.
5. Collect fines and fees.
6. Place requests for materials.
7. Pull daily list of requested materials.
8. Register patrons and assist with online registration.
9. Answer basic questions and refer inquiries to appropriate departments.
10. Check shelves for items.
11. Shelve materials, tidy shelves, and put materials in correct call number and alphabetical order.
12. Rearrange and move collections as requested to make room for new materials.
13. Assist with acquisition and maintenance of the collections.
14. Perform additional related tasks as requested by the supervisor or administrative staff.

REQUIREMENTS
EXPERIENCE
At least one year of experience working in a public library environment, including circulation and customer service responsibilities, preferred.
EDUCATION
A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Some college preferred.
SKILLS
Ability to interact with library patrons of all ages successfully, and to foster positive interactions. Strong customer service and technology skills, creativity, flexibility, and a sense of humor. Familiarity with books and audio-visual materials. Ability to participate in consultative or in-service training programs. Ability to organize library materials in alphabetical order, and by the library’s classification system (Dewey Decimal). Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers, to demonstrate teamwork skills and work both independently and as part of a larger group. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Persons with disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the individual requests a reasonable accommodation, but none can be granted without imposing an undue hardship on the Library, such persons may be deemed not qualified for the position. Must maintain consistent, regular attendance. Employees must comply with the "New Jersey First Act".

TO APPLY
The starting hourly wage is $15.49. This is a part-time position which includes a generous paid time off package. Please send a resume, cover letter, and three references to Lauren Antolino, Principal Librarian, at [e-mail] with “Desk Assistant” in the subject line. This position will remain open until April 24. The Cranford Public Library is an ADA compliant/EOE employer.