Information Services Assistant (Library Information Assistant)

Fairfax County Government; Burke (VA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 52,000; Part time

Job summary

Fairfax County Public Library seeks a customer-focused Library Assistant to provide information services to patrons of all ages, including reference, programming and outreach, and inter-library loan. You will help customers select materials, deliver reading guidance, and assist with collection management under the supervision of a professional librarian.

The role requires strong communication, knowledge of library reference sources, and comfort with MS Office and computer technologies.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university plus two years of experience in a library, bookstore, educational or research setting.
• Criminal background check and child protective services check required.
• Preferred: strong customer service skills; 2+ years in public library; 2+ years in collection maintenance; 2+ years at a public service desk; 2+ years internet search & troubleshooting; MS Office proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Answers informational and reference questions from customers using print and electronic resources.
• Instructs customers in the use of print and online materials and technology.
• Advises and assists customers in selecting books, periodicals, media, and other materials.
• Plans and provides programs and outreach to customers of all ages.
• Maintains collection by weeding, marketing, and merchandising library materials.
• Troubleshoots library computers and reports unresolved problems through proper channels.
• Performs copy cataloging of library materials.
• Identifies materials to be added to the library collection.
• Remains current in resources, services and technologies in the information field.
• May supervise volunteers.

Skills

Library science principles

Library reference sources

Customer service

Relationships

Tact and judgment

Word processing & computer apps

Communication (oral & written)

Policies knowledge

Promoting library services

Community outreach

Adapt to change

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Job Announcement

Provides information services to customers of all ages, including reference, programming and outreach, and inter-library loan. Recommends reading materials to customers with an emphasis on services to adults. Assists in collection management. Communicates and interprets library policies and procedures to the public. Performs other duties as may be assigned to further the goals and objectives of Fairfax County Public Library. This position works under the general supervision of a professional librarian.

Fairfax County Public Library supports the goals of One Fairfax, fostering equity and opportunity in the delivery of programs and services.

Hourly Rate: The selected applicant's starting hourly rate will be in the minimum to midpoint range of $27.9055 - $38.3701 and will not exceed the mid-point of the advertised compensation range. Compensation rules apply per Fairfax County personnel regulations for current Fairfax County Government and Fairfax County Public Schools employees.

Schedule: This is a part-time and/or part-time job-shared position working 20 hours per week. Scheduling flexibility is imperative. Standard hours may include day and/or evening hours to include weekdays and weekends. The schedule may vary depending on the needs of the library.

To learn more about a career with Fairfax County Public Library, watch our video Library Staff Share Why They Love Working at the Library

Illustrative Duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)

• Answers informational and reference questions from customers using print and electronic resources
• Assists and instructs customers in the use of print and online materials and technology
• Advises and assists customers in the selection of books, periodicals, media, and other materials
• Plans and provides programs and outreach to customers of all ages
• Maintains collection by weeding, marketing, and merchandising library materials
• Troubleshoots library computers and reports unresolved problems through proper channels
• Performs copy cataloging of library materials
• Identifies materials to be considered for addition to the library collection
• Remains current in resources, services and technologies in the information field
• May supervise volunteers

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Working knowledge of the principles, standards, and practices of library science
• Knowledge of library reference sources and methods
• Ability to provide information service to customers of all ages
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with others
• Ability to exercise tact, good judgment, and initiative
• Knowledge of word processing and computer applications
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to answer reference questions and provide reading guidance
• Knowledge of the Library's operating procedures
• Ability to understand and interpret policies
• Ability to promote interest in library services
• Ability to plan and provide community-oriented library programs and outreach
• Ability to adapt to workplace change

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university plus two years of experience working in a library, bookstore, educational or research setting.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and child protective services check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong customer services skills.
• At least two years of experience working in a public library.
• At least two years of demonstrated experience and proficiency with collection maintenance and working with a book collection.
• At least two years of experience working at a public service desk and providing front-line customer service in a library setting, --i.e., assisting customers with informational, instructional and/or readers' advisory services.
• At least two years of experience utilizing proficient internet search skills and assisting others with troubleshooting basic computer technology and equipment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to input, access, and retrieve information from a computer. Ability to lift up to 15 lbs. Ability to perform repetitive hand, arm, wrist and shoulder movements. Ability to shelve materials at all height levels. Ability to stand for 2 hours at a time. Ability to stoop, bend, reach, squat, and kneel. Ability to travel to various locations throughout Fairfax County to provide coverage, attend meetings and trainings. Physical requirements are applicable to all duties. Ability to push and pull 4-wheeled book bins filled at 90% capacity, requiring 20 lbs. of initial (starting) force, and a sustained force of 10 lbs. after initial acceleration. Ability to push and pull 4-wheeled book carts filled at 70% capacity, requiring 14 lbs. of initial (starting) force, and a sustained force of 7 lbs. after initial acceleration. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:

Panel interview and may include exercise.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. [e-mail] EEO/AA/TTY.