Library Support Assistant - PTNB

Alexander County, NC; Taylorsville (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Alexander County, NC's library seeks a friendly Library Assistant to help patrons, check materials in and out, and support daily clerical tasks. You’ll assist with locating materials, issuing cards, collecting fees, and answering phones.

The role involves opening/closing duties, shelving, organizing materials, and training volunteers. Some nights and weekend hours are required; the position supports public service across library branches and adapts to evolving digital resources.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; experience in a library preferred.
• Experience working with the public in a library setting.
• Familiarity with office practices or clerical duties.
• Ability to work some nights and weekend hours.

Responsibilities

• Check materials in and out at the circulation desk.
• Assist patrons in locating materials and using library search tools.
• Issue library cards and collect fines and fees.
• Open and close the library; answer phones.
• Assist in organizing materials and shelving; train volunteers if needed.
• Create programs and displays; maintain neat library environment.

Skills

Customer service

Patience

Public interaction

Attention to detail

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience in library setting

Tools

Library catalog

Personal computers

Digital databases

Phone systems

Job description

Provides friendly, high quality customer service to patrons of the Library and branch locations. Also performs clerical support work. An employee in this class will provide assistance to all library patrons. Work includes checking materials in and out, assisting patrons in locating materials and information, issuing library cards, collecting fees/fines, opening and closing the library, answering phones, and maintaining organization of library materials. Work may involve training volunteers as well as creating programs and displays. Work in a library may expose an employee to dusty atmospheric conditions, small-enclosed rooms and narrow aisles. Work involves accuracy and constant public contact. Work requires employees to be tactful and courteous. Work is performed under general supervision of the Library Director. Work is evaluated for customer service effectiveness and accuracy of work activities through daily observations, discussions and review of completed work.

Position requires some nights and weekend hours.

• Assists patrons in the use of library materials and the library’s search tools including the catalog, personal computers, digital databases, and other resources in varied formats.
• Collects returned materials, organizes materials for return to shelves, examines condition and sets aside items requiring mending and repair, sorts items by call numbers for shelving.
• Shifts books and moves sections of books to accommodate new arrivals and/or to ease crowding.
• Shelves and files materials, ensuring accurate library shelving of books and periodicals by shelf-reading and re-shelving as necessary.
• Assists at the circulation desk by checking materials in and out, issuing new or replacement cards, answering reference questions, answering phones, and emptying book drops.
• Computes and collects overdue fines and costs for lost or damaged materials, photocopying charges, and makes change. Records money collected.
• Prepares materials for discard.
• Assists in keeping the library neat, orderly, and clean.

• May create or assist with library programs, displays, and social media.
• May open and/or close the Library.
• May supervise and train volunteers in basic categorizing and shelving.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Working knowledge of books and authors.
• Works with minimal supervision and shows initiative in work responsibilities.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of current technology and willingness to expand knowledge base with evolving trends.
• Possesses a strong public service attitude and ability to work in an effective manner with patrons of all ages and demographics, coworkers, and other departments and/or agencies.
• Some knowledge of library procedures, methods, materials, objectives, theories, and practices.
• Must be able to work the required schedule which includes some nights and weekends.

• Graduation from high school and experience working with the public in a library setting and familiarity with office practices or related clerical duties; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.