Part-time Library Assistant

Roanoke County, VA; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Roanoke County Public Library is seeking a part-time Library Assistant to perform a broad range of public library duties across the system. The role includes assisting patrons, handling circulation tasks, and supporting daily operations as needed, with shifts that may include evenings and weekends.

The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, good customer service skills, and a valid Virginia driver's license. Hours are 10-15 per week and assignments may vary by department needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; college level courses helpful.
• Preferred: some experience working with the public in a customer service environment.
• Must possess a valid Virginia driver's license and have a good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Assist patrons in the use of the library and materials.
• Provide circulation related services including registering borrowers, charging, renewing, or discharging materials, placing requests, receiving payments of fines and fees.
• Manage public computer usage and assist with public computer workstations.
• Provide reader’s advisory and reference service for patrons.
• Assist patrons with library equipment and personal devices (phones, tablets, laptops).
• Perform missing item inventory and participate in deselection processing as directed.
• Provide guidance and supervision on opening/closing routines and serve as senior on shifts when needed.
• Assist professional staff in library operations and support programming.
• Assist with outreach events, stops, and marketing of library materials and services.
• Provide technology instruction and troubleshoot common software/hardware.

Skills

Customer service

Library operations

Cash handling

Technology instruction

Staff supervision

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Performs a wide variety of general library work in public services. Responsible for routine activities associated with the operations of a public library. May be assigned anywhere within the system to meet staffing needs. Performs other duties as assigned.

• Hours Required for this position: 10-15 hours per week
• Shift Hours and/or days worked: Schedule may vary by department need, and may include evenings and weekends
• Assists patrons in the use of the library and the materials collection.
• Provides circulation related services including: registering borrowers, charging, renewing, or discharging materials, placing requests, receiving the payment of fines and fees, etc.
• Manages public computer usage, provides assistance with public computer workstations.
• Provides reader’s advisory and reference service for patrons.
• Assists patrons with library equipment such as public computers, printer/copiers, fax machines, and catalog computers.
• Assists patrons with personal devices such as smart phones, tablets, and laptops.
• Performs missing item inventory and gathers and processes items for deselection as determined by professional staff.
• Provides procedural guidance and task supervision on a regular basis, including the proper execution of closing and opening routines, serves as senior member in charge of a facility or division for various shifts and for any period when needed.
• Assists the professional staff in the operation of the Library.
• Plans, delivers, and assists with library programming.
• Assists with activities related to the marketing and promotion of library materials and services.
• Helps train and supervise subordinate staff as needed.
• Provides technology instruction.
• Follows policies and procedures related to cash handling.
• Repairs items as necessary and participates in collection maintenance activities.
• Participates in team or system projects.
• Assists library patrons at outreach events and stops.
• Drives community outreach vehicle and sets up outreach events, including tent, tables, marketing resources, and program resources.
• Maintains consistent communication with regularly scheduled outreach stops and works with Community Engagement Librarian to develop additional stops and plan outreach events.
• Enters item records in automated catalog.
• Resolves issues with previously processed items.
• Reconciles shipments of materials with invoices and prepares items for catalogers.
• Processes items, including creating spine labels, making and applying various stickers, wrapping books, and stamping materials with appropriate markings and addresses.
• Informs professional staff of any supply needs.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with County employees, vendors, customers, and the public.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education:

Required: High school diploma or equivalent supplemented by college level courses.

Experience:

Preferred: Some experience working with the public in a customer service environment.

Certifications/Licenses:

None required. Must possess a valid Virginia driver's license and have a good driving record.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Good knowledge of the standard procedures, practices and equipment of a public Library, and of English, spelling and arithmetic. General knowledge of literature and other materials of interest to the public, and of a variety of standard library techniques. Ability to follow written and oral instructions in the performance of routine tasks. Ability to interact successfully and provide excellent customer service for patrons of all ages. Ability to develop a working knowledge of automated systems and related appropriate databases. Ability to perform primary operational responsibility for various functions, divisions, and facilities on a routine basis. Ability to direct the activities of subordinate staff. Skill in typing preferred. Proficiency using and troubleshooting common software and hardware.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

May provide direction to subordinate staff. Trains and supervises volunteers.

Additional Requirements:

Subject to a complete criminal history background search with acceptable results. Must also be able to perform the job as described in the Physical and Environmental Demands section of this job description.