Library Assistant

County of Chester; Exton (PA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government entity in Exton is seeking a Part-Time Library Assistant for the John W. Jacobs Technology Center. Responsibilities include providing customer service, assisting in technology training, and managing equipment. Ideal candidates should have a high school diploma, excellent communication skills, and enjoy working with the public. Flexibility and a strong problem-solving ability are essential. This position offers the chance to engage with the community and support their learning needs.

Qualifications

• Enjoys working with the public and can work independently.
• Ability to demonstrate current PC proficiency including internet and Microsoft Office skills.
• Must pass background checks including child abuse and FBI clearances.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct customer service at the main desks.
• Assist with public computer workshops and troubleshoot issues.
• Monitor inventory of hardware and maintain equipment.

Skills

Customer service

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Flexibility

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Office Suite Skills

Library’s online catalog

Job description

The Part-Time Library Assistant at the John W. Jacobs Technology Center (JTC) provides direct customer service at the main JTC and the Makerspace desks. Key duties at the JTC main desk include assisting the public and library staff in the use of computers, scanners, and printers. Key duties at the Makerspace desk include offering Makerspace equipment training, assisting customers with their maker projects, conducting Makerspace and/or STEM related workshops, and programs.

Additionally, the person in this position ensures that JTC computers, scanners, printers, and Makerspace equipment are in good working order, sets up the laptops and projector for public/library classes and programs, assists the usage of the projector and laptops, schedules library programs and workshops, proctors online exams, checks STEM Kits in and out of the library and performs other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

This position requires excellent organizational and oral communications skills, flexibility, a genuine enjoyment of working with the public, a commitment to public service, and the ability to handle stressful situations. This position also requires the ability to demonstrate current PC proficiency including internet, email, and Microsoft Office skills. The person in this position must possess a strong computer troubleshooting skill set. High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED), some college required. Previous customer service experience preferred.

Responsibilities:

• Staff the public service desk in the JTC/DMLM.
• Respond to library customers’ problems with computers and computer software including: printing, scanning, saving and sending documents, completing and submitting online forms and applications, and internet search.
• Provide basic instructions to users on equipment operation and general software use.
• Troubleshoot and handle minor repairs of scanners and printers.
• Operate equipment in the DMLM and fulfill library customers’ requests. Equipment includes but is not limited to 3d printer, inkjet printer, virtual/augmented reality equipment, VHS and cassette digitizing equipment, etc.
• Assist in public computer workshops.
• Set up equipment such as laptops and projectors.
• Answer patron inquiries when possible, refer library customers to appropriate personnel for additional assistance when necessary.
• Monitor and maintain printer supplies and maintain inventory of hardware.
• Attend seminars, conferences, workshops, classes or lectures to enhance and maintain knowledge of trends and developments in technology services.
• Perform duties and provide service in compliance with County and Library policies and procedures.
• Maintain John W. Jacobs Technology Center and Digital Media Lab and Makerspace in a neat and orderly fashion.
• Check-in and check-out circulating STEM Kits.
• Participate in community outreach initiatives and fulfill continuing education requirements.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• Basic office skills (typing, filing, answering phones, etc.).
• Enjoys working with the public.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team to complete objectives.
• Creative, accurate and detail-oriented.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Interest in learning new technologies.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Considerable organizational and time management skills.
• Criminal background check.
• Child abuse clearance.
• FBI clearance.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Completion of a two- or four-year program from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, elementary education, or children’s literature.
• Experience working in a library with computerized systems.
• General knowledge of library operations or the principles and practices of public library service.
• Knowledge of Chester County Library policies, procedures, services and programs.

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 to Intermediate Office Suite Skills, (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Explorer).
• Basic to Intermediate Outlook skills (Email and Calendar).
• Proficiency with Library’s online catalog.
• Basic knowledge of Cloud technology.
• Basic knowledge of Makerspace technologies.

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 computer equipment that weighs up to 75 pounds; and spend extended periods of time viewing a computer monitor and operating a mouse and keyboard.

Occasionally, the employee will need to work with arms above shoulders or reach above shoulder height.

• Close vision.
• Color vision.

Work Environment:

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

Other:

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

All employees of the Chester County Library are considered a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse under the Child Protective Services Law (Title 23 Pa. C.S.A. Chapter 63).