Information Services Assistant

Description

Handley Regional Library seeks technology-savvy customer service individual to assist patrons in using the library and its resources at busy public service desk. Nights and weekends required.

Hours per week: 21

Rate of Pay: $15.00/hr

Reports to: Information Services Coordinator

Fair Labor Standards Act: Non-exempt

Benefits: Prorated holiday pay, vacation and sick leave

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Information Services Coordinator, performs responsible paraprofessional library work by assisting patrons in the use of the Library and its resources and through related duties as required. Examines operations on a daily basis to ensure that all resources are managed as effectively as possible.

Major Duties

• Completes assigned hours at Public Service Desk, providing quick, correct and professional answers for basic to intermediate inquiries using online resources and the reference and general collections.
• Helps patrons select and locate materials effectively and courteously. Offers suggestions and advice to patrons concerning individual reading preferences. Registers patrons for library cards and assists with placing holds on requested materials.
• Assists and instructs patrons in using the access systems of the library, including the library's computer catalog, website, online databases, downloadable content, public computers, and print-based resources.
• Assists patrons with the use of library spaces, including study rooms and meeting rooms.
• Maintains the periodical and newspaper collections and display areas of the library. Assists with shelving as assigned.
• Uses office and computer equipment efficiently and accurately (ex. scanner, copier, fax machine, self-checkout stations etc.) in conjunction with regular job functions. Performs routine maintenance, such as reloading paper trays and replacing toner or ink cartridges.
• Checks the staff wiki and work email regularly to remain abreast of any changes in system and department policies and procedures.
• Performs maintenance activities needed to keep a neat and clean Information Desk and public computer stations.
• Assists in other departments as needed or assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Controls

Library Assistant works under the supervision of the Information Service Coordinator, who establishes priorities, gives special assignments, and reviews specific tasks. Work is evaluated by direct observation, through results obtained, and through regular conferences and annual performance evaluations.

Guidelines

Policies and Procedures of the Handley Regional Library, the Five-Year Plan of the Handley Regional Library, Reference Services Guidelines and other departmental policies and procedures. State Library and ALA guidelines, and other professional and technical guidelines.

Complexity

Work is routine to moderately complex, requiring expeditious response to frequent varied requests for information and assistance. Requires the ability to work independently, sometimes alone at the workstation, especially on weekends and evenings.

Scope and Effect

When this position's responsibilities are performed successfully, patrons will receive competent and courteous assistance in using the library and its resources. All patron requests will be given prompt attention and an equitable and reasonable allocation of time will be made to each request. The library collections and displays will be kept in good order. Information Desk or other assigned public service desks will be neat and clean, with all equipment functioning and supplied.

Personal Contacts and Purpose of Contacts

Contacts are with patrons both in person, on the phone or via other electronic platforms, to provide direct assistance and to inform them of available services; and with co-workers and volunteers to coordinate activities and communicate information.

Physical Demands

The position requires standing and sitting at public service desks for the majority of the workday, working with the public, some repetitive motion and reading of computer screens. The position requires a significant amount of bending, reaching, and moving quickly to retrieve patron records or library materials shelved from six or more feet from the service desk. Shelf reading and shelving library materials requires standing on step stools or bending to reach low shelves and moving carts filled with books up and down ramps. Library Assistants must be able to empty exterior book drops, lift 25-pound boxes of books, move heavy book carts and shift furniture as necessary.

Work Environment

The work is performed primarily at a busy public information desk, during regular business hours, and includes some evening and weekends. Each Library Assistant will be assigned to work primarily in either the Handley or Bowman Library, but on occasion may be assigned to work as needed in another library in the system.

Requirements

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of reference sources and materials, reader interest levels, and books and authors; or ability to learn through training. Knowledge of library principles and practices; or ability to learn through training. Ability to use print and online resources; or ability to learn through training. Ability to work independently; ability to be flexible and remain calm in meeting demands of patrons at public service desks; good communication skills with both children and adults, including sometimes irate or upset patrons; and ability to work quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Communicates effectively and projects a positive image of the library system, functions, and branches. Ability to use computers, basic computer programs, and the Internet.

Education, Training, and Experience

Required: Two-year college degree. Ability and experience in using computers, basic computer programs, and the Internet is required. Preferred: Bachelor's degree and previous library experience.