Assistant Librarian

General Summary

We're seeking a talented and energetic full-time Assistant Librarian who loves story time, makerspaces, and working with youth and adults. In coordination with Library staff and under the supervision of the Programs & Community Engagement Manager, the Assistant Librarian supports library operations by providing excellent customer service at the library’s service points and assists in planning and implementation of programs that promote literacy and lifelong learning.

Supports the successful operation of the library by providing excellent customer service at the library’s service points; delivering reference and information services to customers of all ages; assisting in the planning and implementation of programs that promote literacy skills and lifelong learning; supporting reader’s services; and assisting in the development and maintenance of the library’s collections.

The Lafayette Public Library serves a population of approximately 31,000 residents and is a member of the Marmot Library Network. The library has a committed staff dedicated to facilitating equal access to services, community building, innovation, intellectual freedom, literacy, and lifelong learning. Each member of our Library team is integral to the success of our organization. We value vision, hard work, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.

About the City
Lafayette has an inescapable small-town feeling that provides a sense of belonging and connection. Whether it’s eclectic Old Town, distinctive neighborhoods, or unique arts and outdoors spaces, the City has a warmth and character all its own, offering a unique vibe and spirit. Lafayette has appeared on numerous national lists of top places to live and safely raise a family.

We are a full-service City, which means services are provided directly to our community such as Police, Fire, Public Works, Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, Library and Community Arts Center. These types of services offer employment opportunities for a wide array of interests. The City’s mission is to recruit, develop and retain a diverse, well-qualified and professional workforce that reflects the unique personality of the community we serve.

Exceptional City Provided Benefits:

• 100% City-paid Medical, Dental, Vision (up to $25,980 annually for family coverage)
• 401A Retirement Plan (10.2% City, 8% Employee, immediately 100% vested upon hire)
• Life Insurance (One year’s salary up to $150,000. AD&D coverage in equal amount)
• Tuition Assistance (up to $5000 per year for approved expenses)
• Employee Assistance Program (free counseling, travel assistance, legal aid, etc)
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Bilingual Pay

• Deferred Compensation and Roth Options
• Voluntary Life Insurance/AD&D
• Identity Theft Program
• Recreation Center Pass
• Wellness Punch Card (100 punches per year to use at golf course, waterpark, etc)

• First year employees will accrue 80 hours Vacation
• 96 hours Sick Leave
• 24 hours Floating Holiday Leave
• 11.5 paid City holidays.
• Other leave programs are offered to include FMLA, Parental and Bereavement Leave

Essential Functions

The following duties are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive:

• Provides excellent customer service and maintains a courteous, positive image of the library when interacting with customers and staff; works at library service points providing information, reference services, and reader’s advisory services; answers questions regarding library policies, procedures, and records; and maintains customer and staff confidentiality.
• Assists in the creation, promotion and presentation of library programs, both in the library and through outreach activities; may coordinate with individuals and community organizations to plan and schedule special programs and services; maintains and reports accurate records of programs and services provided.
• Helps to evaluate, recommend, and select materials for the library’s collections; helps to maintain collections through weeding and rotation of materials.
• Helps customers with the use of library equipment and resources, including computers, e-readers, the online catalog, automated reference tools, the Internet, databases, printers, scanners and new technologies.
• Keeps informed of library information and changes via electronic and written communication and attendance at staff meetings.
• Completes special projects as assigned, in a timely manner.
• May coordinate and direct volunteers.
• Keeps current on library trends and technology.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of basic library functions and procedures; library principles and trends; familiarity with basic reference tools and philosophy; computer operations and information retrieval processes; collection development principles, and reader’s advisory tools.
SKILL: Proficiency in the operation of equipment necessary to perform the functions of the job; excellent customer service skills and strong computer skills.
ABILITY: Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; plan and perform assignments with initiative and judgment under minimal supervision; think and act appropriately under pressure and work effectively in a team setting. Some positions require bilingual abilities. Mental: Alertness, precision, resourcefulness, flexibility, tact, ingenuity, problem solving, spatial perception, auditory discrimination, speaking, memory, concentration, judgment, writing, reasoning, initiative, patience, visual discrimination, persuasiveness. An aesthetic sense, writing ability, and imagination.
TRAINING: Some college required
EXPERIENCE: One (1) year work experience in public library services or any equivalent combination of training and experience in customer service that provides evidence that the applicant possesses the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Special Requirements

A positive, forward thinking attitude and a willingness to take calculated risks.