Library Assistant PT 18 (Adult Services)

Do you enjoy customer service and finding answers to all sorts of questions?
Join the Bedford Library's Adult Services team! This position is responsible for researching and answering customer questions, referring customers to trusted resources, offering computer assistance, providing reader's advisory, as well as handling circulation duties. To be successful in this position, you must be friendly, tech savvy, empathetic, and a problem-solver.

***This is a part-time, 18-hr per week position requiring two evening shifts per week (Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday), and every Saturday.***

SUMMARY

Provides customer service to library patrons in person, over the phone, and online. Assists with duties associated with the circulation of materials, processing, and shelving.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides information assistance in person, over the phone, and online. Analyzes patron requests to determine information needs and assists in providing or locating that information. Answers basic reference questions using online library catalog, the Internet, and electronic resources.
2. Assists patrons with computer needs such as email, saving documents, searching the Internet, using computer databases, and accessing library resources on electronic devices. Reports computer problems.
3. Performs the library’s check-out and check-in procedures working with multiple software applications, automated materials handling system, issues library cards, collects fines and fees; explains library policies, addresses complaints, documents, and resolves issues or forwards to appropriate staff.
4. Assists public in registration for classes, programs, equipment, room reservations and use, training and assistance for electronic devices, printers, faxes, scanners, and copiers.
5. Manages the automated materials handling process ensuring items are properly checked in and Processes patron holds. Routes items that are damaged or items needing attention to proper location. Contact patrons about problem items.
6. Sorts material, according to author, classification number, subject matter, or title, to arrange material for shelving. Selects correct shelving destination and merchandise.
7. Participates in securing the building, assists with building maintenance including keeping the building clean and reporting problems, performs opening and closing procedures, and protects confidential information of patron records.
8. Provides support to Technical Services with processing of materials, as needed.
9. Participates in staff meetings, uses scheduling software, attends trainings and workshops, and provides training to other unit staff.
10. Assists the unit manager/supervisor as needed, such as providing receptionist service, employee training, volunteer supervision, and compiling data and reports.
11. Performs other assignments and handles special projects as required.
12. Regular and timely attendance is required, as well as the ability to get along with others in a professional and cordial manner.

ASSIGNED DUTIES for Adult Services:

1. Provides reader’s advisory services and assists in finding specialized resources.
2. May assist in the creation and presentation of age-appropriate programs in a variety of venue and promote Library services and programs through outreach.
3. Assists with collection maintenance.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be
able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma / GED; or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before customers or City staff.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages; apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry in practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

None required.

SPECIALIZED KSA'S

Demonstrated skills in the use of personal computers, printers, scanners, and other office and related equipment. Must possess a working knowledge of basic office machines. Must acquire a working knowledge of library classification systems, i.e., Dewey decimal classification, in order to shelve and find materials. Ability to shelve and process a high volume of materials on a daily basis. Possess a working knowledge of data entry. Must possess advanced skills in effective communication with staff and a diverse community.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, stand, and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly push and pull up to 25 pounds with assistance and occasionally lift 25 pounds waist-high with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.