Library Assistant

County of Chester; Chester Springs (PA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

County of Chester's Henrietta Hankin Branch Library is seeking a Part Time Library Assistant to handle Circulation duties and ensure quality customer service. The role supports reference and youth services staff and adheres to library policies.

Responsibilities include patron assistance, data entry, checkout/returns, fines handling, holds processing, and opening/closing tasks. Strong communication, organization, and PC skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Requires strong customer service skills and ability to handle stressful situations.
• Proficient with PC, internet, email, and Microsoft Office.
• Experience in customer service or retail is preferred.
• Familiarity with library systems and online resources is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Issue library cards and enter patron data into the library system.
• Check materials in/out, handle fines and payments, operate card machine and cash register.
• Inspect returned materials for damage and sort by classification; assist with holds and shelves checks.
• Answer patron questions and refer to Reference or Youth Services desks as needed.
• Assist with opening/closing and training new hires at the Circulation Desk.

Skills

Customer service

Verbal communications

PC proficiency

Microsoft Office

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Some college preferred

Tools

Integrated library system

Credit card machine

Cash register

Job description

The Henrietta Hankin Branch Library is seeking a Part Time Library Assistant who will be responsible for performing Circulation procedures to ensure quality customer service and a smooth, accurate flow of library materials to and from customers. This position requires the ability to follow Library and County policies and to maintain the high standard customer service established by the Library.

Responsibilities: Provide front line customer service assistance, handling general account issues, complaints, grievances, delinquent accounts and accounts in collection, and assist reference and youth services librarians with programming. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements: Excellent organizational and verbal communications skills, flexibility, genuine enjoyment of the public, commitment to public service, and the ability to handle stressful situations. The ability to master basic and specialized online circulation functions, and demonstrate current PC proficiency including internet, email, and Microsoft Office skills. Previous customer service or retail experience is preferred.

Physical abilities: Handle, lift, or move library materials weighing up to 25 lbs.; stand at a computer terminal for up to 4 hours; wheel book trucks weighing up to 125 lbs.; and stand, sit, walk, stoop or reach within a confined area.

This position requires the following criminal background and child abuse clearances: Report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP); Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services (Child Abuse); and Fingerprint based federal criminal history submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent (FBI).

• Issue library cards.
• Enter and update patron data into the integrated library system.
• Check circulating materials out and in, including books, audiovisual items, interlibrary loans, hot spots, and museum passes.
• Receive fees and overdue fine payments and handle general account issues.
• Operate a credit card machine and a cash register.
• Inspect returned materials for damage.
• Sort returned materials according to classification code and need for repair.
• Clear hold shelves.
• Empty indoor and outdoor book drops when Pages are not available.
• Periodically place holds for patrons and help locate materials.
• Perform shelf checks for missing books.
• Answerpatron inquiries when possible,and refer persons requiring additional assistance to the Reference or Youth Services desk.
• Answer phones.
• Check-in and process mail.
• Serve as a trainer for new hires and mentor at the Circulation Desk.
• Assist with Library opening and/or closing when needed.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• Basic office skills (typing, filing, answering phones, etc.).
• PC proficiency including use of the internet, email, and Microsoft Office suite
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Accurate and detail oriented.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team to complete objectives.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Considerable organizational skills.
• Strong time management skills.
• Some experience working in a library with computerized systems.
• Some experience working with online library resources.
• Ability to handle and resolve recurring problems.
• Ability to remain focused on daily operations.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• PA criminal background check.
• PA child abuse clearance.
• FBI fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Prior customer service work experience.
• Previous experience working in a library with computerized systems.
• Some college preferred.
• Knowledge of library operations and Chester County policies and procedures.

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:

• Basic Office Suite Skills, (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Explorer).
• Basic Outlook Skills (email and calendar)

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit; walk; stand; bend at the waist while working; kneel, stoop, crouch or squat; talk or hear;handle and lift up to 25 pounds; push a cart of books that weighs up to 75 pounds; and sit at a computer terminal for up to 4 hours at a time.Occasionally, the employee will need to work with arms above shoulders or reach above shoulder height.

The specific vision requirements for this position are as follows:

• Close vision.
• Color vision.
• Ability to read, alphabetize and place items in numeric order.

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet to moderately noisy.

Other:

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends on rotation, as necessary.
• Library is open seven days a week (total of 65 hours).