Library Assistant I - Part-Time

City of Clive (IA); Clive (IA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

City of Clive (IA) seeks a part-time library assistant to support reference, circulation, and technical services. The role involves helping patrons, answering technology questions, and assisting with program registrations in a busy public library setting.

You will handle check-ins/outs, prepare displays, and promote library services. Strong customer service, confidentiality, and computing skills are essential for daily operations.

Qualifications

• B.A. or B.S. degree; education/library science preferred.
• One year customer service experience.
• State of Iowa driver’s license with good driving record.
• Ability to use computing applications and library systems.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist patrons with information, technology questions, program registration.
• Check in/out study rooms; renew materials.
• Prepare displays and exhibit materials.
• Promote library services to individuals and groups.
• Maintain confidentiality in patron and staff interactions.
• Assist at circulation and reference desks via phone, fax, or email.
• Assist with catalog instruction and re-shelving of materials.
• Ensure regular attendance and reliability.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Computing applications

Research skills

Education

B.A./B.S. degree

Library science preferred

Job description

What We Are Looking for in Your Availability

This position is expected to work approximately 8-15 hours per week. Available hours are (one weekend shift required):

Monday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. & 12:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Every fourth weekend: Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. & Sunday, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Recruitment Timeline

Interviews: Week of September 7

City Council Approval: Thursday, September 24

Target Start Date: Monday, September 28

Under the direct supervision of the Library Manager, performs major and varied tasks in providing library service to patrons. Responsibilities include work primarily in the reference, circulation, and technical services areas and may include work in other library areas as needed. This position requires a high level of skill in customer service, daily work with the public, and the ability to do detailed work such as record-keeping and research.

Examples of Essential Job Functions

• Provides information assistance, assistance with technology questions, program registration, and reader’s advisory services.
• Assists with check-in and check-out of study rooms for patrons.
• Prepare displays and exhibits.
• Actively promote library services and written and verbal programs to individuals and groups of all ages.
• Maintain confidentiality in all patron and staff interactions.
• Work at the circulation desk assisting patrons in checking materials in and out and renewing materials.
• Work at the reference desk assisting patrons with their information needs by telephone, fax, or e-mail.
• Assist with weeding and withdrawal of library materials
• Recommend materials for selection.
• Provide reader’s advisory service.
• Instruct patrons in the use of the library catalog and other library resources.
• Assist with re-shelving of materials.
• Use computers, telephones, and other equipment to provide customer service.
• Perform other duties as apparent or assigned.
• Regular attendance is essential for this position.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to use logic and science to solve problems with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to listen and provide requested information in person and on the telephone.
• General knowledge of customer service.
• General knowledge of library operations, collection organization, equipment, and staffing needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, co-workers, and the public; tactfully handle various social situations; good oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal regulations regarding library services and issues.
• Knowledge of safety precautions associated with public library services.
• Thorough understanding of and ability to apply computing applications.
• General knowledge of public library organization and classification principles.
• Ability to perform all job duties safely and follow applicable rules, guidelines, policies, and training.

Education, Training, and Experience

Education Required:

B.A. or B.S. Degree of any kind, education/library science preferred

Preferred Experience

One or more years working in a public library

Experience Required

One year experience in customer service

Required Qualifications

Shall possess or be able to obtain a valid State of Iowa driver’s license and have a good driving record for the past three years.

Required Physical Activities

Reaching, Pushing, Pulling, Lifting, Fingering, Talking, Hearing, Seeing, Sitting, Walking, Stooping, Kneeling, Speaking, Climbing, Crouching, Standing, Grasping, Repetitive Motion.

Physical Characteristics of the Job

Medium work requires occasional exertion of up to fifty (50) pounds of force and up to twenty-five (25) pounds of force.

Environmental Conditions

The work is performed primarily inside an office and public service environment. The job requires sitting and standing for extended periods of time, and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situations, significant work pace pressure, and, at times, irregular work hours. May frequently perform outside activities such as off-site programs, errands, etc.

Equipment and Materials Used

Computer hardware and software, general office equipment, print and electronic reference materials, telephone, fax machine, postal equipment, copier, and auxiliary computer hardware.

The City of Clive retains the authority to change the job duties included in this job description at any time. The list of duties is not exhaustive, and various requirements are subject to possible modification as a reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual.