Library Assistant II | Madison Square Branch

Grand Rapids Public Library; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

The Grand Rapids Public Library is seeking a part-time employee for the Madison Square Branch to provide exceptional public service. Responsibilities include assisting patrons in-person, over the phone, and via email with library resources, ensuring an engaging and supportive environment. Candidates with a strong customer service background or library experience, as well as the ability to communicate in Spanish, are preferred. This position requires flexibility in working hours, including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Customer service experience is important, with a preference for library experience.
• Effective communication skills are critical, including in Spanish.
• Ability to navigate library resources and technology.

Responsibilities

• Provide public service to patrons in various formats.
• Assist patrons with library resources, including technology.
• Manage challenging patron interactions with de-escalation techniques.

Skills

Customer Service

Communication

De-escalation

Research Problem Solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

College degree

Job description

This part-time position supports the Madison Square Branch by providing reference information, guidance, and assistance to GRPL patrons. The main function of this position is direct public service, and involves helping patrons access library resources in-person, over the phone, and via email.

This position is regularly scheduled at theMadison Square Branch:

A-Week

Monday: Off
Tuesday: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Wednesday:10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Thursday: 12:00 - 4:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

B-Week

Monday: 12:00 - 4:00 pm (Seymour Branch)
Tuesday: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Wednesday: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Thursday: 12:00 - 4:00 pm
Friday: Off
Saturday: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Occasionally required- Sunday: 1:00 - 5:00 pm

Examples of work:

• Provides engaging, professional public service to library patrons in-person, over the phone, and via email; assists with public workstation and printer use; assists patrons with periodical, book, and database searches and other reference sources; assists with reader's advisory; assists with interlibrary loan; assists with books by mail service
• Effectively manages challenging patron interactions through de-escalation
• Provides instruction and/or presents to patrons in groups or individually; assists with planning and implementation of programs and services
• Assists staff with research, reporting, projects, and idea generation; may proofread and edit reports or other library materials
• Creates and maintains book displays
• Represents GRPL at community events and outreach opportunities
• Develops bibliographies, pathfinders, and finding aids in support of Readers' Advisory and reference services
• Collects, compiles, and reports statistics related to library resources and programs
• Maintains records, correspondence, inventories, and other general office functions
• Recommends and evaluates reference books; maintains inventories
• Performs other tasks of a similar nature as assigned

Required:

• High school diploma or a GED

Preferred:

• College degree
• 2 years of customer service experience, library experience, cash handling experience, office experience, or some equivalent combination
• Previous public library experience
• Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish

Ability to:

• Provide professional, friendly service to library staff and patrons; ability to make independent, reliable decisions related to customer service functions
• Demonstrate strong de-escalation skills to effectively manage challenging patron interactions
• Assist and instruct patrons around hardware and software issues as they relate to library resources and public workstations
• Solve research problems and provide reader's advisory service; knowledge of community, books, and authors; knowledge of digital resources, reading devices and platforms; ability to learn and apply modern library methods and techniques and to acquire familiarity with the GRPL system and services offered
• Learn, effectively use, and adapt to ongoing changes in technology including library-specific and office software
• Communicate professionally with diverse groups both verbally and in writing
• Establish and maintain working relationships with other staff and the general public; work collaboratively
• Make independent and efficient decisions; work without close supervision
• Understand systems and maintain an organized and effective work process; flexibility to adapt to changes as processes are updated; perform standardized processes accurately and consistently; ability to follow procedures in processing forms and other communication
• Maintain library records and prepare reports
• Manage emotions in the workplace and maintain professional composure and judgement
• Work with supervisor and process feedback regarding job performance
• Work 20-24 hours per week; ability to work evenings and weekends

Understanding of:

• General office procedures, processes, and equipment; ability to operate a variety of office equipment including computer workstations, typical electronic devices, cash register and POS systems, and software.

• A cover letter is required
  • Applicants should attach a cover letter in PDF format that describes their interest in the position, their interest in working at GRPL, and how these interests connect with personal or professional goals.
• All communication regarding this position will be done via email. Please ensure that your email address is up-to-date on your account profile.
• To be eligible for this position, you must apply through the City of Grand Rapids Job Opportunities page here.

Please visit thelibrary's jobs page for a list of other open positions at Grand Rapids Public Library.

All inquiries related to this posting should be directed to:

Grand Rapids Public Library

111 Library St NE

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

616-988-5400 | [e-mail]

GRPL proudly promotes diversity and inclusion in employment, and strives to maintain a workplace culture where respect and positive recognition of differences are cultivated.

Grand Rapids Public Library provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination of any type without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, height, weight, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. GRPL will make reasonable accommodations for employees and job applicants with disabilities.

This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, transfer, training, promotion, discipline, termination, leaves of absence, compensation, and benefits, as well as work-related events and activities.