Reference Assistant

Alsip-Merrionette Park Public Library District; Peoria (IL); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Peoria Public Library is seeking staff to assist at the information desk, provide reference and readers advisory services, and support programming and collection maintenance. The role includes shelving, outreach, and preparing newsletters.

The position emphasizes customer service, teamwork, and the ability to work across multiple locations and with diverse patrons.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; library experience preferred.
• Ability to provide reference and readers advisory service.
• Familiarity with library systems and databases.

Responsibilities

• Staff the information desk and provide reference and readers advisory service to customers in person, online or by phone.
• Assist in programming, collection maintenance, newsletters and outreach.
• Assist with day-to-day department duties including shelving, weeding and displays.
• Prepare content for newsletters or brochures and develop bibliographies and finding aids.
• Perform opening/closing procedures and daily statistical reporting.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Public library service

Staff collaboration

Computer literacy

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Previous library experience preferred

Tools

Computers & software

Office equipment

Job description

Provides excellent customer service by responding to patron reference and reader’s advisory requests; develops and assists with programming; assists with collection maintenance; performs other duties as assigned. Reports to Department or Branch Manager.

ESSENTIALFUNCTIONS

(Functions listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not excludethem from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Staffs the Information Desk; provides reference and readers advisory service to customers in person, online or over the phone, consistently providing high level customer service;
• Helps customers successfully use the library;
• Provides formal and informal instruction regarding the use of the library, materials, equipment and databases to customers and staff;
• Assists in collection maintenance under supervision from the department head by placing orders as requested, processing new materials, weeding, mending or shelving, etc.;
• Performs circulation duties, checks library materials in; issues library cards; collects fines, etc.; may empty book drops during regular library hours;
• Assists in developing and presenting programs such as teen programming, Summer Reading, story hours, tours and class visits;
• Assists with day-to-day department duties such as shelving, weeding, and mounting displays;
• Prepares content for library newsletters or brochures; develops bibliographies and finding aides as assigned;
• Performs outreach and represents the library in the community and at appropriate professional organizations; ensures that community groups are kept informed of library programs and services; may assist in developing outreach materials;
• May be assigned to maintain one of the library’s file systems or information such as the vertical files, question files, visitor files, program files, collection shelf list, local history scrapbooks, interlibrary loan information, etc.;
• May maintain one of the library’s collections such as genealogy materials, magazines, etc.;
• May assist with the maintenance of library materials and item record codes;
• Assists customers and staff with basic troubleshooting for library computers;
• Participates in opening and closing procedures, including starting up computers, completing pick lists and preparing deliveries at opening; powering down computers, checking bathrooms and setting alarms at closing;
• Prepares daily statistical reports;
• May be required to work in multiple locations and on any of the 7 days of the workweek (Sunday – Saturday);
• Attends meetings and participates in committees and organizations that further the library’s mission and goals; and
• Keeps abreast of library developments by attending workshops and educational programs and reading periodicals and specialized literature; attends staff meetings.

REQUIREDKNOWLEDGE,SKILLSANDABILITIES

The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:

• AbilitytogainthoroughknowledgeofPeoriaPublicLibrary’spoliciesandprocedures;
• AbilitytoactasarepresentativeofPeoriaPublicLibrarytothepublic;
• Generalknowledgeoftheprinciples,practices,andproceduresforpubliclibraryserviceandthe ability to interpret them to the staff and the public;
• Abilitytomaintainapleasantandproductiveworking atmosphere;
• Abilitytokeepallrelevant partiesinformedof allmajor issuesandtorecommendchangesas appropriate;
• Abilitytowork andcommunicateeffectivelywithdiverseindividuals(customersandstaff)inorderto accomplish library and department goals and objectives;
• Abilitytoeffectivelycommunicateandpresentinformationtoothers;
• Abilitytoestablishandmaintaineffectiveworkingrelationshipswithotherprofessionals;
• Abilitytooperaterelevantcomputersystems,includinghardwareandsoftware,andoffice machines; and

EDUCATIONANDEXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’sDegree;
• Previouslibraryexperiencepreferred.

PHYSICALANDENVIRONMENTALCONDITIONS

Workrequireslightphysicaleffortinthehandlingofmoderatelylightmaterialsinnon-strenuouswork positions up to 40 pounds.

Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typicalofsuchplacesasoffices,libraries,classroomsormeetingandtrainingrooms,e.g.,useofsafe work place practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls and observance of fire and building safety regulations and traffic signals when driving.

Theabovejobdescriptionisnotintendedas,norshouldit beconstruedas, exhaustiveof all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.

Reasonableaccommodationsmaybemadetoenablequalifiedindividualswithdisabilitiestoperform the essential functions of this job.