Part-Time, Temporary Library Public Services Assistant

University of North Alabama; Florence (AL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of North Alabama is seeking a part-time, temporary Circulation Assistant to support daily operations in the library's circulation area. You will respond to patron needs in person, by chat, and by email, assist with basic circulation tasks, and help supervise student workers during shifts.

You’ll work evenings and weekends and collaborate with librarians and staff across campus to ensure smooth service.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Some college education preferred.
• Customer service experience preferred.
• Knowledge of library technology such as ILS and electronic resources preferred.

Responsibilities

• Respond to patron needs in person, via chat, and email.
• Assist with daily circulation functions and supervise student workers.
• Support library website and databases to help patrons.
• Cover assigned evening and weekend shifts as needed.
• Participate in library projects and departmental duties.

Skills

Customer service

Verbal communication

Written communication

Multitasking

Flexibility

Attention to detail

Public service mindset

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college education

Tools

Integrated Library Systems (ILS)

Microsoft 365

Library databases

Job description

This part-time, temporary position assists with daily operations within the circulation area, including assigned circulation functions and patron assistance. Responsibilities include responding to patron needs both in-person and through chat and/or email; ensuring adherence to the department and university’s policies and guidelines; working set scheduled hours and covering additional hours as requested; assisting with projects in the access services department and elsewhere in the library; and assisting with the supervision of student workers during assigned shifts.

This position works evening shifts (Sunday - Thursday 9:00PM - 1:00AM) and/or weekend shifts (Saturday 11:00AM - 7:00PM; Sunday 2:00PM - 10:00PM). Hours may vary during finals and summer schedules.

• Serve as the main point-of-contact during evening and/or weekend hours;


• Maintain excellent customer service with students, faculty, staff, and the general public;


• Maintain communication with supervisor and other staff;


• Maintain familiarity with the library website and databases in order to assist patrons;


• Contact the appropriate parties when integrated library system or campus network is down;


• Work closely with the entire library staff, students, faculty, and administrative staff to ensure smooth and cooperative working relationships between the library and the entire campus;


• Perform all other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES:

• Work with librarians and staff on various projects including as requested;


• Serve on departmental committees as requested;


• Assist with maintaining collections in an orderly fashion.

• High school diploma/equivalent, required;


• Some college education, preferred;


• Customer service experience, preferred;


• Knowledge of library technology, such as Integrated Library Systems (ILS), electronic information resources, etc., preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to operate a PC and standard office equipment;


• Ability to utilize current software applications;


• Ability to utilize Microsoft applications including 365;


• Ability to adapt and work in a rapidly-changing and service-oriented environment;


• Ability to quickly learn new software and library applications (library system, electronic information resources, etc);


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to engage constantly in both verbal and written communications;


• Experience with and a positive attitude toward public service work;


• Reliable and detail-oriented;


• Flexibility with work environment as duties, assignments, and skills are subject to ongoing immediate change;


• Ability to multitask;


• Flexibility with schedule as hours are subject to change; (library is open overnight during finals week twice per year and this position is required to work during that time);


• Ability to interact effectively with a varied array of students, faculty, staff, administrators, parents, visitors, vendors, and the general public;


• Ability to assist with books on high/low shelves and assist with PC/printer problems that may require bending or standing for extended periods of time;


• Ability to sit at a service point for extended periods and/or stand for extended periods while assisting users;


• Ability to navigate the floors of the library (in case of emergency or need to assist users);


• Ability to work with near constant interruptions.