Library Technician

Gaston County Government; Gastonia (NC); On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Gaston County Public Library in Gastonia invites applications for a Library Clerk position supporting public service across branches. This role emphasizes friendly customer service, help with lending, registrations, and information inquiries.

You will assist patrons with readers' advisory, checkouts, and access to online databases, and help bridge the digital divide. The job also involves processing interlibrary loans, participating in programs, and supporting collection development.

Qualifications

• Requires a minimum of two years of college-level coursework and at least two years of experience in a service-related environment.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, social media, and library databases.
• Ability to receive instructions and communicate with the public; commitment to diversity and creating a welcoming environment.
• Flexibility to work a varied schedule including evenings and Saturdays.
• Must be able to lift 25–50 lbs and operate office equipment.

Responsibilities

• Provides excellent customer service to create a welcoming environment for all users.
• Assists patrons with library use: readers' advisory, checkout, registration, and information requests.
• Handles fees and monetary transactions as needed.
• Aids patrons in accessing digital resources, job searches, internet use, and online databases.
• Processes outgoing Interlibrary Loan requests and assists with in-house Interlibrary Loan processing.
• Plans and implements in-house and outreach library programs for adults.
• Recommends materials purchases and weed collection as needed.
• Promotes library services via exhibits and displays to the public.
• Serves on Library/County teams or committees as needed.
• Assists other sections/locations as needed.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Digital literacy

Work independently

Organizational skills

Patron assistance

Education

Two years of college-level coursework

Tools

Microsoft Office

Library databases

Social media

Job description

The Gaston County Public Library operates ten facilities including the Main Library in Gastonia and branches: Belmont, Builders & Creators @ Bessemer City, Cherryville, Dallas, Ferguson Branch (Erwin Center), Mt. Holly, Stanley, TECH@Lowell and Union Road.

The Gaston County Public Library delivers services via three program areas:

Administrative & Technical Services

Acquires, catalogs, processes, and distributes library materials for/to all Gaston County library service outlets. Staff provides technical support for the library’s automation system and advisory and resource assistance to public service staff. Administration manages the Library budget, personnel, and day-to-day library business operations, determines system wide library service direction, and establishes service policies and procedures.

Main Library Services

Provides direct assistance to the public in-house, by telephone, FAX, e-mail, and the Library’s website via two service points: Adult Services (Circulation and Reference) and Children's Services. Responsibilities include registering borrowers, processing loans and returns, answering reference and information requests, planning and conducting library activity programs, and assisting in-house users with library materials and equipment.

Branch Library Services

Facilitate the delivery of library materials and services to citizens throughout the County. Staff provide direct assistance to library users: registering borrowers, processing loans and returns, answering reference and information requests, planning and conducting library activity programs, and assisting in-house users with library materials and equipment.

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $16.88 - $20.04

The duties listed below are not all of the duties that may be assigned but are those that are considered as essential for an employee to perform.

• Provides excellent customer service to create an environment that leads to positive user experiences and that is welcoming and inclusive to all.

• Provides patron assistance in all aspects of library use including readers’ advisory, material check out, library card registration, and information assistance.

• Handles monies as needed for fees and other services.

• Assists patrons in bridging the digital divide by providing help with job searching, Internet searching, online database use, and accessing the Library’s electronic collection.

• Processes outgoing Interlibrary Loan requests from other libraries. Assists with Interlibrary Loan processing for incoming patron requests.

• Plans and implements in-house and outreach library programs and activities for adults.

• Makes recommendations for the purchase of library materials; weed collection as needed.

• Promote section and system services in-house and in the community via exhibits & displays.

• Serves on Library and/or County teams/committees as elected or appointed.

• Assists other sections/locations as needed.

Requires a minimum of two years of college-level course work AND at least two years of experience in a service-related environment, preferably in a library setting.

Candidates must be experienced in the use of Microsoft Office applications, social media, and database resources. Must possess the ability to receive instructions and communicate with the public. Must be committed to working with diverse populations and creating a welcoming environment. Candidates must also possess strong communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to work independently is essential. Strong computer skills required.

Must be able to work a flexible and varying work schedule from 8:00 AM-8:00 PM Monday- Thursday; 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday and 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM Saturday. This position includes a minimum of one night per week until 8:00 PM, and alternate Saturdays.

• Must have the physical ability to bend, stoop, and to push and pull loaded carts weighing 25-50 lbs.

• Must have the ability to lift and maneuver crates/boxes/materials weighing 25-50 lbs.

• Must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time.

• Must be able to operate office and computer equipment.

The applicant selected must undergo a criminal background check and pass a drug screening test prior to employment

In compliance with G.S. 153A-94.2 (b) if the position being filled requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the County must require the applicant, if offered the position, to be subject to a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI. These checks must be performed in accordance with G.S.143B-1209.26, which authorizes the SBI to provide fingerprint-based state and national criminal record checks to cities and counties.