Library Page

Chester-County-of-Pennsylvania; Exton (PA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chester County Library is seeking a Circulation Clerk to support daily patron service, process returned materials, and keep shelves neat for easy access.

You will handle book drops, assist patrons, and perform basic online circulation tasks using standard County software. The role requires good communication and physical stamina for lifting up to 25 lbs.

Qualifications

• Process and reshelve returned materials in a timely manner.
• Assist patrons with locating materials and direct to service desks as needed.
• Learn and follow Dewey Decimal system and library filing procedures.
• Demonstrate basic online circulation skills and use standard County software.
• Maintain clean shelves and work area, including handling materials up to 25 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Process returned materials for re-shelving or transfer to other libraries.
• Shelve materials and perform shelf reading for accessibility.
• Move materials between book trucks, shelving areas, and desks.
• Answer inquiries and assist customers courteously and professionally.
• Follow safety and incident response protocols as required.

Skills

Computer literacy

Customer service

Communication skills

Education

High School education (in progress) / GED or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

This position is responsible for performing Circulation procedures to ensure quality customer service and smooth, accurate flow of library materials to and from customers. This includes following Library and County policies in order to maintain the public service image of the library.

Key job responsibilities for the position are processing and reshelving returned library materials, keeping shelves and public tables neat, clearing the outside book drops throughout the day, and interacting with library patrons in a courteous and professional manner.

The person in this position must be able to put materials in order alphabetically and numerically using decimal numbers. The position also requires the ability to master basic online circulation functions, and demonstrate current computer proficiency including internet, email, and Microsoft Office skills.

This position requires the following physical abilities: to handle, lift, move, shift library materials weighing up to 25 lbs; to wheel book carts weighing up to 125 lbs; to operate a keyboard; to stand, sit, kneel, walk, stoop, reach repeatedly throughout the workday.

All library positions require both criminal background and child abuse clearances. Candidates who have not lived in PA in the past 5 years will be required to obtain an FBI fingerprint check. Copy and paste this link: www.pa.cogentid.com/index_dpw.htm for further information about the process.

Essential duties, tasks and accountabilities may include the following:

• Process returned materials in preparation for being re-shelved or sent to other libraries.
• Shelve materials and perform shelf reading to ensure patron access and proper organization
• Move material between book trucks, shelving areas, and desks.
• Answer in-person inquiries, help customers locate needed materials, and refer customers to other appropriate assistance.
• Maintain shelves (dust or clean).
• Search library for misplaced books, materials, and equipment and return materials and equipment to proper location.
• Know and execute library emergency and incident response protocols.
• Learn and use a variety of software applications for payroll and other County employee accounts.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

• High School education (often in progress), GED, or equivalent experience.
• Must have the ability to perform physically challenging work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to courteously refer clients to the appropriate service desk.
• Must be able to file materials within the appropriate classification schemes: including alphabetical and numerical (using Dewey Decimal System).
• Ability to learn Dewey Decimal system and other library filing systems.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbally, in writing or by listening).
• Ability to read, comprehend, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English in order to perform the duties of the position.
• Knowledge of general vocabulary, spelling and standard English grammar.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• PA Criminal background check.
• PA Child abuse clearance.
• FBI Fingerprint-based Criminal background check.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Knowledge of the Chester County policies and procedures.
• Experience within library settings, may include volunteer experience in school libraries.
• Knowledge of library filing procedures, including cross-file indexing.

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Basic Office Suite Skills, (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Explorer)

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to handle, lift, move, shift library materials weighing up to 25 lbs; to wheel book carts weighing up to 75 lbs. to operate a keyboard; to stand, sit, kneel, walk, stoop, reach repeatedly throughout the workday. On rare occasions, the employee will need to work with an uncommon level of noise.

This position includes some physically challenging work such as re-shelving materials throughout the library consisting of a wide variety of sizes and shapes, walking and standing for extended periods, maneuvering book trucks and large book drop bins and carrying a reasonable selection of materials between places where they are stored and places where they are to be re-shelved.

The specific vision requirements for this position are as follows:

• Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)
• Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
• Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus)

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet to moderately noisy.
• The work is generally performed indoors but requires work outside to empty book drops.