North Branch - Library Assistant I - North Branch

Abilene; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Abilene is seeking a friendly and customer-focused library support staff member to assist patrons with registering for library cards and using the self-check system. The role includes helping customers with accounts, directing them to resources, and supporting daily circulation tasks at the desk.

You will input patron data, aid in catalog searches, and help maintain the collections. This position requires ability to lift up to 40 pounds and travel between library sites as needed.

Qualifications

• One (1) year of public contact and/or customer service experience is preferred.
• Clerical or library clerical experience in a public library is preferred.
• A high school diploma or GED is required; an associate’s degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Register patrons and check in/out library materials at the circulation desk.
• Input data into the library database for patrons and materials.
• Shelve materials and maintain neat, organized shelves and displays.
• Conduct regular inventory of paperback materials and maintain newspaper rack.
• Provide Readers Advisory and assist patrons with online catalogs and digital resources.
• Assist the public with computer usage and photocopying.
• Maintain and clean audiovisual collections.
• Travel between work sites for meetings, programming, and training.

Skills

Public service mindset

Adaptability

Customer service orientation

Positive attitude

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree preferred

Tools

MS Office Suite

Google Suite

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under the supervision of the Customer Service Manager or Branch Manager, assists customers with registering for library cards and using the self-check system. Answers questions about library accounts and solves problems for library customers. Provides prompt and friendly customer service to patrons and assists them with a variety of tasks relating to their use of library materials. Works with the circulation team to handle the flow of items.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position exercises no supervision.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Serves at the circulation desk checking in and checking out library materials, registering patrons, collecting overdue fines, and assisting patrons with directional and “ready reference” information.
• Inputs data into the database regarding library patron information and library materials.
• Shelves materials, reads shelves, and creates displays to assist in maintaining a neat and orderly library collection.
• Conducts regular inventory of the paperback collection and organizes the newspaper rack, ensuring both areas are in good order.
• Provides Readers Advisory service to library patrons and staff.
• Assists the public in the use of the library’s online catalog and digital resources.
• Assists the public with hands‑on computer assistance as well as photocopying assistance.
• Maintains and cleans the audiovisual collections.
• Travel between work sites for meetings, programming, and training is required.
• Assists with holds, claims returned and missing items on a routine basis, clearing materials as necessary.

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

• Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Library policies, procedures, systems, and services including the Dewey Decimal System.
• Bibliographic database and related search procedures.
• Working knowledge of library collections (circulation and reference).
• MS-Office Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as Google Suite.
• Internet search capability and techniques.

Skill to:

• Accurately operate a computer.
• Present and apply a dedicated commitment to public service.
• Adapt to changing circumstances and situations.
• Perform with a positive attitude using unwavering work ethic.

Ability to:

• Use tact and always remain courteous.
• Use independent judgment and initiative within the framework of departmental policies and established procedures.
• Learn to use the computerized circulation system.
• Work with library customers and staff in a friendly and efficient manner.
• Acquire and perform routine library functions and procedures quickly and accurately.
• Learn and apply money collection procedures.
• Clearly communicate policy to library customers.
• Communicate clearly and concisely in writing.
• Operate standard office equipment.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
• Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
• Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect

Experience and Training Guidelines

For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels arerequired at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Experience:

One (1) year of public contact and/or customer service experience as well as familiarity with basic library procedures and demonstrated knowledge of computers is preferred.

Previous clerical or library clerical experience in a public library preferred.

Education/Training:

A high school diploma or GED is required.

An associate’s degree is preferred.

License or Certificate:

A valid current Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required

Special Requirements:

• Outreach and other programming may necessitate working outside in seasonal weather conditions as needed.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to sit, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, twist and climb.
• With or without accommodation, ability to regularly lift up to 40 pounds of library materials.
• Ability to push or transport a loaded cart weighing up to 150 pounds.
• Ability to travel to different work sites.
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends and maintain regular reliable attendance.
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer and telephone equipment.
• Ability to see and hear which may be accomplished with the assistance of eyeglasses, contact lenses, and/or hearing aids.

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:

___ Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds

___ Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds

_X_ Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds

___ Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds

___ Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes: The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:

Codes for how often:

N = No

E = Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)

M = Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)

I = Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)

A = Almost Never (<10% of the time)

Code / Task

M Standing

M Sitting

M Walking

M Lifting

M Carrying

M Pushing/Pulling

M Overhead Work

E Fine Dexterity

M Kneeling

M Crouching

M Crawling

M Bending

M Twisting

I Climbing

M Balancing

E Vision

E Hearing

E Talking

I Other: Work Outside in Elements