Library Associate

Lafayette; Lafayette (CO); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Lafayette Public Library in Lafayette, CO is seeking an enthusiastic Library Associate to assist customers at service points, share book enthusiasm, and support literacy and lifelong learning initiatives.

This entry-level, 20-hour-per-week role focuses on welcoming service, materials processing, and assisting with programs. Spanish language skills are strongly encouraged; library experience is not required.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with Dewey Decimal System and Sierra by Innovative Interfaces is a plus.
• Strong customer service skills and excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to operate library equipment and basic computer systems.
• Ability to plan, prioritize and work in a team; handle pressure.

Responsibilities

• Attend and participate in staff meetings and committees.
• Maintain collections through weeding and rotation.
• Manage library event spaces and reservations.
• Provide information at service points and over the phone.
• Assist customers with computers, e-readers, catalog, and online tools.
• Support library programs and initiatives.
• Process library materials for collection and displays.

Skills

Excellent customer service

Strong computer skills

Equipment operation

Written and verbal communication

Education

One or more years of college

Tools

Sierra by Innovative Interfaces

Job description

SUMMARY OR GENERAL PURPOSE:

We are looking to hire a Library Associate with strong people skills who enjoys working directly with members of the public. The ideal candidate for this position provides excellent customer service at the Library’s service points; enjoys talking about books; delivers information services to the Library’s diverse customer base; supports the Library’s programs that promote literacy skills and lifelong learning; is technology literate and offers skilled and patient instruction to customers on the use of computers and other library technologies; and contributes to the maintenance of the Library’s collections.

This entry level position promotes books and reading to library customers of all ages, supports reader’s services, helps maintain the collection through new material ingestion, processing, and weeding, records maintenance and creation, and provides an energetic, friendly presence at the library.

The Lafayette Public Library serves a population of approximately 30,411 residents and is a member of the Flatirons Library Consortium. The Library has a committed staff dedicated to facilitating equal access to services, community building, innovation, intellectual freedom, literacy, and lifelong learning. Each member of our Library team is integral to the success of our organization. We value vision, hard work, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.

This position is scheduled for 20 hours per week. Candidates with Spanish language skills are strongly encouraged to apply. Library experience is not a requirement of this position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive:

1. Attend and participate in staff meetings and committees.
2. Help to maintain collections through weeding and rotation of materials.
3. Help to manage the Library’s event spaces and reservations.
4. Support, participate in and promote library programs and initiatives.
5. Use online software and databases to manage accounts, study rooms and material sources.
6. Assist in the management and inventory of supplies and resources.
7. Prepare books and non-media for library collection (stamping, placing labels, covering or packaging materials, etc.).
8. Check materials for accuracy and completeness.
9. Provide excellent customer service and maintain a courteous, positive image of the library when interacting with customers and staff.
10. Work at library service points providing information in person and on the phone.
11. Provide information on reference services and reader’s advisory services.
12. Answer questions regarding library policies, procedures, and records.
13. Maintain customer and staff confidentiality.
14. Keep informed of library information and changes via electronic and written communication and attendance at staff meetings.
15. Assist customers with the use of library equipment and resources, including computers, e-readers, the online catalog, automated reference tools, the Internet, databases, printers, scanners, and new technologies.

Public Services:

• Support the daily transactions of the library.
• Prepare library materials for customer use, processing holds, creating displays, locating materials, and assisting with material recommendations.
• Keep current on library trends and technology.
• Complete special projects as assigned, in a timely manner.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the supervision of the Librarian I, II, III, or Library Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None.

QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE: Basic library functions and procedures; library principles and trends; familiarity with the Dewey Decimal System; familiarity with Sierra by Innovative Interfaces, Inc. a plus; familiarity with basic reference tools and philosophy; computer operations and information retrieval processes; collection development principles, and reader’s advisory tools.

SKILL: Proficiency in the operation of equipment necessary to perform the functions of the job; excellent customer service skills; strong computer skills.

ABILITY: Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; plan and perform a variety of assignments requiring initiative and some exercise of independent judgment; think and act appropriately under pressure; manage conflict effectively; work effectively in a team setting.

EVIDENCE OF QUALIFICATIONS:

TRAINING: One or more years of college.EXPERIENCE: Previous general library experience or similar customer service experience, or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides evidence that the applicant possesses the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Flexibility, forward thinking, and a positive attitude.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is performed in a standard office environment. Confidentiality is required. Job entails long periods of standing and walking as well as word processing and/or data processing, requiring repetitive motion. Also requires bending, stooping, reaching, ability to reach high and low shelves. Position requires lifting and carrying of books, chairs, equipment, weighing up to 30 pounds; requires sufficient visual and audio acuity to perform duties. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Includes evening and weekend hours and requires flexibility in scheduling.

Mental: Alertness, precision, resourcefulness, flexibility, tact, ingenuity, problem solving, memory, concentration, judgment, writing, enthusiasm, reasoning, and patience.

INDEPENDENCE OF ACTION:

Work is performed within authorized limits prescribed by the supervisor and/or policy; exercises independent judgment in selecting and interpreting information, handling deviations from standard methods and resolving problems. Finished work is reviewed for attainment of objectives and adherence to deadlines. Supervisor is available to assist in solving problems.

EQUIPMENT USED:

Standard office equipment to include computers and associated software, copier, calculator, multi-line phone system, fax, and scanner.