Library Support Assistant

Lee-Itawamba Library System; Tupelo (MS); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Lee-Itawamba Library System in Tupelo, MS, is seeking a part-time Library Support Assistant (16 hours/week) to deliver friendly patron service, shelve materials, assist with programs, and support staff across Adult, Public, and Youth services.

The role requires flexibility for daytime, evenings, and weekends; must lift up to 20 pounds and stand for long periods; prior customer service preferred; familiarity with the Dewey Decimal system encouraged.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years customer service experience.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Ability to learn and use library software.
• Ability to learn and apply the Dewey Decimal system.
• Able to work independently and in a team.
• Able to stand for long periods.
• Able to lift up to 20 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service to patrons.
• Accurately shelve and shelf-read library collections.
• Assist department staff with library programs.
• Supervise student volunteers as needed.
• Enforce library policies and procedures.
• Perform or assist with library closing procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Computer literacy

Dewey Decimal

Team player

Adaptability

Independent work

Physical stamina

Job description

Description

The Library Support Assistant is a part-time, position responsible for providing excellent customer service and assistance to patrons, children, and families. This includes answering patron requests, registering new patrons, helping patrons navigate the library’s collection, and helping patrons check out, renew, and return library materials. Library Support Assistants will float between the Adult Services, Public Services, and Youth Services on an as-needed basis, staffing service desks, shelving library materials, keeping department spaces tidy, and assisting department staff prepare and implement library programs as necessary. Library Support Assistants report to the manager of the department to which they are assigned. This position is a part-time, 16 hours/week role. The work schedule for these roles requires flexibility including daytime, or some evening and weekend hours.

The work environment for this role is sometimes fast-paced and may involve large crowds of program attendees, children, and families. It may also involve a range of noises and other distractions, including loud children. Additionally, this position may be called upon to work around strong smells such as craft paint, hot glue, and laminating equipment.

Central functions and responsibilities of this role include:

• Provides excellent customer service and assistance to patrons
• Accurately shelves and shelf-reads library collections
• Assists department staff in preparing and implementing library programs
• Supervises student volunteers as needed
• Enforces library policies and procedures, including patron conduct policies
• Performs or assists with library closing procedures as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• 1-2 years customer service experience, library experience preferred
• Excellent computer skills and ability to learn library-specific software
• Ability to learn and actively utilize the Dewey Decimal library shelving system
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, working relationships with library teammates
• Ability to handle fast-paced, moderate-to-high pressure environment and adapt quickly
• Ability to research and remain familiar with library resources and initiatives
• Strong team player
• High level of self-motivation, creativity, initiative, and resourcefulness
• Ability to work both independently—with limited supervision—and collaboratively
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to read and understand information on book spine labels and computer monitors
• Ability to stoop, kneel, bend, and turn while shelving and/or moving library materials
• Ability to sit on the floor or stretch to reach higher materials if needed
• Ability to prepare for crafts, such as cutting out materials with scissors, using glue, etc.
• Ability to lift up to at least 20 pounds