Library Assistant - Youth & Families

City-of-Amarillo; Amarillo (TX); On-site; USD 31,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Amarillo is seeking a Youth Library Assistant to support reading programs and family literacy initiatives. You will assist youth and their families with books, films, and information, and help operate computers and other technologies under the guidance of librarians.

The role requires evening and some weekend work, lifting up to 20 pounds, and delivering engaging programs such as storytimes, book talks, and offsite outreach. A bachelor’s degree is preferred; 40 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Customer service: assist patrons (youth and adults) via reference interviews.
• Understanding of child development to tailor youth programs.
• Explain library policies clearly to the public.
• Knowledge of children’s literature and films for recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Assist patrons in locating books, films, and information.
• Reserve items and process interlibrary loan requests.
• Develop and present youth programs (storytimes, book talks, etc.).
• Maintain youth collections and assist with cataloging recommendations.
• Support outreach and offsite programs and displays.

Skills

Customer service

Developmental psychology

Communication

Reader’s advisory

Program development

Collaboration

Recordkeeping

Education

Ninety undergraduate hours

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Basic computer applications

Job description

JOB CLASS NUMBER: PRF034PAY GRADE: G03FLSA STATUS: Non-ExemptBUSINESS UNIT NAME: LibraryREPORTS TO: Librarian II, Librarian III, or Director of Library ServicesSUPERVISORY WORK: NoneENTRY LEVEL SALARY – $15.09 per hourYouth Library Assistants encourage reading and the use of the library by young people and their families through storytimes and other literacy-based activities. They develop and implement special services, programs, and outreach under the direction of their branch librarian and the guidance of the Youth Coordinator. Youth Library Assistants help young patrons find books, films, and other information. They also instruct and assist patrons regarding the operation of computers and other technologies. Lastly, they assist the Branch Librarian with maintenance of library collections, and they also oversee branch library operations in the absence of their supervisor.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESSuccessful candidates will be able to serve the public using the knowledge, skills, and abilities that follow:Customer Service: Assist patrons, youth and adult, in locating books, films, and information by using reference interviews to ascertain their needs. Reserve items and complete interlibrary loan requests as required.Educational and Developmental Psychology: Display an understanding of various developmental stages and learning styles of children to effectively tailor programs and services.Communication: Explain library policies and procedures to the public. Select appropriate modes of communication to engage effectively with children and adults.Reader’s Advisory: Demonstrate knowledge of both current and classic children’s literature as well as films to better assist young patrons with finding materials they will enjoy.Program Development: Create youth programs appropriate to the needs and interests of the library’s patrons. Perform reading aloud, skits, book talks, storytelling, and other programs, some of which take place offsite.Collection Maintenance: Work with youth fiction, nonfiction, audiovisual, and periodicals collections. Make recommendations for collection development to the Branch Librarian and the Youth Coordinator.Marketing: Promote library programs and services to the community. Create displays for young patrons and their families that emphasize the library’s services. Assist with outreach activities, and conduct library tours.Recordkeeping: Record daily activity statistics and prepare daily cash reports. Maintain accurate patron records.Collaboration: Assist the circulation desk as needed. Shelve youth materials when shelvers are absent. Work with other branches and departments to serve the public, and complete other duties as required.REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSAt least ninety semester hours of undergraduate work at a recognized college or university are required. Must have knowledge of basic computer applications. Patience, courtesy, and a helpful attitude are required. Completion of a bachelor’s degree at a recognized college or university is preferred. Previous library experience is also preferred.WORK ENVIRONMENTThis full-time, 40-hour-per-week position requires evening and some weekend work (two nights per week, alternating Fridays and Saturdays, and one Sunday every four weeks). Candidates must be eager to serve the public courteously and be able to work tactfully and harmoniously with others. Full performance of duties requires physical stamina. Youth Library Assistants must walk briskly, stand for considerable periods of time, lift and carry stacks of books weighing up to 20 pounds, and push loaded book trucks for short distances – all of which requires agility in stooping, lifting, and bending.ADA PROFILEReasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. The employee must also balance, climb, crawl, crouch, walk, stand, kneel, stoop, sit, hear, feel, finger, grasp, handle, reach, pull, push, speak, see, and talk. Also requires the ability to make rational decisions and perform repetitive motions.The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case by case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 806-378-4294.About UsStart your career with the City of Amarillo today! We are committed to providing the highest quality services to our community, and we believe that starts with our team. As a city, we are dedicated to supporting our employees and providing opportunities for growth and development. Our mission is to create a safe, prosperous, and thriving community, and we know that starts with attracting and retaining the best talent. We are proud of our city and the work we do, and we are excited to welcome you to explore career opportunities with us.