Library Assistant (Children's Department)

Jackson County, NC; Sylva (NC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Jackson County Public Library is seeking an entry-level staff member to assist library patrons, process and prepare materials for circulation, and enter records into the ILS. The role involves frequent public contact, especially with children and families, and requires adherence to JCPL policies.

Responsibilities include reference and readers' advisory services, program support, and promotion of library materials, with occasional evenings and weekends, and some travel.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One year of customer service experience required.
• One year of related library experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Answers general information questions in person, by phone, and electronically.
• Assists in locating materials and using the library catalog.
• Provides circulation assistance including checkout, issuing library cards, and handling fines and patron records.
• Provides reference service and readers' advisory.
• Schedules use of library resources and meeting rooms.
• Promotes the library through materials, social media, and community outreach.
• Reviews catalog holdings and bibliographic information for errors; processes and repairs materials.
• Performs opening and closing procedures; shelves materials and maintains orderly stacks.

Skills

Customer service

Public service

Catalog search

Reference service

Technology assistance

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Integrated Library System (ILS)

Job description

An employee in this entry-level position performs public service duties necessary to assist library patrons (specifically children and teens) and library staff, processes and prepares materials for circulation, enters item and user records into the integrated library system (ILS), and performs related work as apparent or assigned. Work involves frequent public contact, particularly with children, teens, and families, and is performed in accordance with Jackson County Public Library (JCPL) policies, guidelines, and procedures. Work is performed under the supervision of the Library Department Supervisor. Grade 16.

• Answers general information questions, in person, by phone, and electronically.
• Assists in locating materials and using the library catalog.
• Assists with use of library equipment and technology.
• Provides circulation assistance to patrons, including check out of library materials, issuing library cards, assessing and collecting fines and fees, and addressing problems related to patron records.
• Maintains confidentiality and privacy of protected information.
• Schedules use of library resources and meeting rooms.
• Provides reference service, including instruction in the use of electronic resources.
• Provides readers’ advisory services.
• Assists with planning, delivery, and promotion of programs, activities, and displays.
• Assists with promotion of the library through the development of marketing materials, use of social media, and community outreach.
• Reviews and edits catalog holdings information on existing records.
• Reviews catalog bibliographic information for errors.
• Processes and repairs new or existing library materials.
• Routes suggestions and makes recommendations for new library materials.
• Performs opening and closing procedures.
• Shelves library materials and keeps shelves in order.
• Performs minor repairs to equipment.
• Prepares reports and statistics.
• Supports organizational goals and objectives by participating in library system and community collaborations.
• May be required to perform work assignments concurrently.
• Responsible for maintaining a safe and secure working environment.
• Evening and weekend work required.
• Some travel required.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One year of customer service experience required.
• One year of related library experience preferred.
• Relevant experience for specific job assignment preferred.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Possession of a valid, State of North Carolina driver license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.

• Familiarity with current reading trends and interests of diverse populations.
• Familiarity with specific needs of service population.
• Familiarity with library principles and practices.
• Familiarity with library circulation, catalog, and Dewey Decimal Classification systems.
• Ability to plan and organize work, and handle interruptions.
• Ability to accurately count money.
• Ability to give attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively work with diverse populations.
• Possess good interpersonal skills including tact, courtesy, and discretion.
• Ability to take direction.
• Ability to use good judgment.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Ability to work independently and exercise initiative.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to use a variety of library equipment and technology.
• Ability to effectively use various computer applications.

Statement of Equal Employment Opportunity

Jackson County recognizes its continued success in meeting the needs of its citizens requires the full and active participation of talented and committed individuals, regardless of their gender, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability or political affiliation. It is the policy of the County to foster, maintain, and promote equal opportunity by use of a systematic, consistent recruitment program, and to identify and attract the most qualified applicants for employment with the County. This policy is to be achieved by announcing all position vacancies, by evaluating all applicants using the same criteria, and by applying testing methods through the NC Career Works Office. Selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, disability, age, or sexual orientation.