Library Assistant - Youth Services

City of Mount Vernon; Mount Vernon (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Mount Vernon’s library is seeking a friendly Library Assistant to provide direct customer service at the circulation desk, curbside, and via phone/email. You will help create and renew library accounts, issue access codes, and process payments, while assisting patrons with locating materials and using library resources.

Ideal candidates are flexible, collaborative, and eager to engage with a diverse community.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent and some customer service or library experience.
• Knowledge of library systems and policies helpful.

Responsibilities

• Provides customer service at circulation desk, curbside, and via phone/email; assists with accounts, renewals, and payments.
• Responds to questions and explains library policies; assists patrons with locating materials and using resources.
• Assists patrons with library technology (browsers, databases, printers, copiers).
• Checks in materials, processes repairs, shelves items, and reorganizes materials as needed.
• Provides readers with book recommendations via lists and displays; supports collection development.
• Assists with events and outreach; performs administrative duties and attends meetings.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Skills

Records management

Professional communication

Confidentiality

Task prioritization

Multitasking

Data entry speed

Clear communications

Relationship building

Verbal & written communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

The ideal candidate:

• Provides impressive customer service: you think about the patrons and how we can best serve our community.
• Is friendly and warm: you just like helping people and making their day.
• Enjoybeing on the move; you will be busy, and the job is sometimes physical.
• Wants to build relationships: you greet people and welcome them into our libraries. You register new members for library cards, help them with account questions, request and recommend books, and show all the Library has to offer.
• Is collaborative: you want to work in a collaborative environment and for an organization that values teamwork and communication; you have great ideas to share on library committees and staff-led teams.
• Is curious: you connect people to the right person or resource and are always learning to enhance your Library and community knowledge.
• Is a greatcommunicator: you can communicate effectively and appropriately with people from diverse backgrounds, both externally and internally.
• Is flexible and accommodating: the ideal candidate has availability, especially during evenings and weekends.

Preference may be given to bilingual candidates, particularly in Spanish/English.

Under general supervision, provides direct and indirect customer service and assistance to ensure patrons have access to all information, materials, and resources provided by the Library.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the followingrepresentative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides customer service and assistance to Library patrons at the circulation desk, curbside, and via phone and email; assists with creating new library accounts, renewing and updating existing accounts, and issuing internet access codes; collects and processes account payments.
• Responds to general questions and explain Library policies and procedures; assists patrons with locating materials and using library resources; collects and submits patron purchase requests.
• Assists patrons with the use of Library technology to include web browsers, databases, printers, and copiers.
• Collects and checks-in materials returned to the Library; submits items for mending, cleaning, damage evaluation, and circulation updates as needed; returns materials to appropriate shelf locations; reorganizes out of place materials as needed.
• Provides readers with suggestions through the use of book lists, displays, and website carousel.
• Participates in evaluating current material collections; provides suggestions for collection development and purchases.
• Assists with developing and setting up events and programs; may assists with preparing event materials; attends and participates in outreach events.
• Performs a variety of administrative duties and assists other Library staff with various tasks as needed.
• Attends and participates in Library meetings and training sessions as required.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines

High school diploma or GED equivalent AND some previous customer service or Library related experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• General Library policies, procedures, and equipment.
• Customer service principles, practices, and etiquette.
• Records maintenance and retention policies and procedures.
• Library cataloging and Dewey decimal systems.
• Money handling practices.
• Library software systems and technology resources.

Skill in:

1. Maintaining accurate records and filing systems.
2. Interacting tactfully and professionally with City staff, outside agencies, and the public.
3. Handling and maintaining the confidentiality of patron information.
4. Organizing and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.
5. Completing multiple tasks simultaneously.
6. Typing and entering data with speed and accuracy.
7. Preparing clear and concise communications, reports, and technical documents.
8. Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.
9. Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.