Library Aide

Fairfax County; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Fairfax County Public Library seeks motivated staff to provide circulation assistance to library customers and support daily operations at multiple branches in Fairfax County.

Responsibilities include shelving, assisting with library cards, guiding users to services, and processing returns, with opportunities to assist outreach and programs.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED and good teamwork, with background checks and flexibility for day/evening shifts.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of library policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to sort alphabetically and numerically.
• Knowledge of word processing and computer applications.
• Ability to operate the Library's automated circulation system.
• Ability to learn and independently use office equipment, including software suites and specialized databases.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with others.
• Ability to exercise tact, good judgment, and initiative.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written communications.
• Ability to promote library services.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in English with customers and staff.
• Ability to adapt to workplace change.

Responsibilities

• Sorts, shelves and shifts materials.
• Alphabetizes books on carts.
• Checks shelves to ensure books are in proper order.
• Responds to the needs of library customers at the circulation desk.
• Charges and discharges library materials; processes delivery and book drop returns.
• Issues library cards and maintains customer accounts.
• Informs customers of library services, policies, procedures, and resources.
• Resolves customer issues within established guidelines.
• Assists customers in the use of technology, e.g. copiers, printers, electronic materials.
• Refers customers to the information desk as appropriate.
• Retrieves and processes daily circulation reports.
• Assists with maintenance of the library collection.
• Assists with library support duties.
• May recommend reading materials to customers.
• May assist with outreach and other library programs.

Skills

English grammar

Library policies

Alphabetical sorting

Arithmetic basics

Customer service

Teamwork

Written and oral communication

Adaptability

Technology assistance

Relationship building

Operational knowledge of circulation

Education

High school graduation or GED

Tools

Automated library systems/software

Job description

Provides circulation assistance to library customers. Performs essential public service support tasks. Performs other duties as may be assigned to further the goals and objectives of Fairfax County Public Library.

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

Note: This job announcement will be used to fill multiple current vacancies and may be used to fill future vacancies. Current vacancies are located at the following branches:

• Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Rd, Burke, VA, 22015-4274
• Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, VA, 20190-3306

Salary:

The selected applicant's starting hourly rate will be in the minimum to midpoint range ($21.1780- $29.1198) of the advertised compensation range. Compensation rules apply per county personnel regulations for current Fairfax County Government and Fairfax County Public Schools employees.

Schedule:

Scheduling flexibility is imperative. Standard hours may include day and/or evening hours to include weekdays and weekends as assigned. 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". (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 description.)

• Sorts, Shelves and shifts materials;
• Alphabetizes books on carts;
• Checks shelves to ensure books are in proper order;
• Responds to the needs of library customers at the circulation desk;
• Charges and discharges library materials; processes delivery and book drop returns;
• Issues library cards and maintains customer accounts;
• Informs customers of library services, policies, procedures, and resources;
• Resolves customer issues within established guidelines;
• Assists customers in the use of technology, e. g. copiers, printers, electronic materials;
• Refers customers to the information desk as appropriate;
• Retrieves and processes daily circulation reports;
• Assists with maintenance of the library collection.
• Assists with library support duties;
• May recommend reading materials to customers;
• May assist with outreach and other library programs.

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

• Knowledge of library policies and procedures;
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation;
• Ability to sort alphabetically and numerically;
• Knowledge of word processing and computer applications;
• Ability to operate the Library's automated circulation system;
• Ability to learn and independently use office equipment, including software suites and specialized databases;
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic;
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with others;
• Ability to exercise tact, good judgment, and initiative;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written communications;
• Ability to promote library services;
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in English with customers and staff;
• Ability to adapt to workplace change.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

High school graduation or possession of a GED diploma issued by a state department of education; plus, one of the following: Three months of full-time experience or the equivalent amount of part-time experience (i.e., one year as a 10-hour Page) working or volunteering in a library; or six months of full-time experience or the equivalent amount of part-time experience providing customer service.

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:

• Six months of experience working with and assisting the public in a library setting.
• Experience working with automated library systems/software.
• Experience explaining library policies and procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to lift up to 15 lbs. Ability to input, access, and retrieve information from a computer. Ability to perform repetitive hand, arm, wrist and shoulder movements. Ability to stand for 2 hours at a time. Ability to shelve materials at all height levels. Ability to stoop, bend, reach, squat, and kneel. Ability to travel to various locations throughout Fairfax County to provide coverage, attend meetings and trainings. 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. 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.