LibraryJobline

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The Library Associate performs entry-level duties including but not limited to: 

• Frontline customer service: answering reference questions, readers' advisory and technology questions,
• Circulation tasks: checking materials in and out, shelving, shelf-reading and updating patron accounts,
• Programming assistance: preparing materials, facilitating activities, and clean-up,
• Other duties as required and necessary to ensure the success of the organization.

Requires regular evening and weekend (Saturday) hours. Reports to the Library Assistant Manager.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

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.

• Library Associate – Youth Services (Full-time, benefitted): Facilitates story times, youth programming and outreach; assists with collection development, maintains the overall organization, appearance and cleanliness of the library, creates book displays and marketing materials, supports the work of volunteers.
• Library Associate – Adult and Technology Services (Full-time, benefitted): Facilitates adult and technology programming and outreach; assists with collection development, maintains the overall organization, appearance and cleanliness of the library, creates book displays and marketing materials, supports the work of volunteers.
• Library Associate – Substitute Services (Part-time, non-benefitted): Provides vacancy, sick and vacation coverage. Assists with daily tasks and projects as assigned.  Requires a flexible schedule, reporting to work often on short notice.

SUPERVISION

No supervisory responsibilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITY 

• Ability to consistently promote, work, and act in a manner in support of the Library’s and Town’s vision, mission and values.
• Possesses excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of standard library operating procedures, methods and philosophies.
• Background and knowledge of literature, media and library services.
• Ability to work with and relate to all ages, identities and backgrounds.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Ability and experience in providing programs and public presentations to groups of varying ages.
• Knowledge of various reading levels and materials for all ages.
• Working knowledge of the library's computer system, digital resources and maker technology.
• Ability to use computer software, such as Canva and Adobe, to prepare materials for marketing and promotion.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with library and town coworkers.
• Ability to perform job duties during relaxed or stressed activity levels within the library.
• Ability to work independently, multi-task, meet deadlines and to constructively problem solve.
• Welcomes diverse populations, including but not limited to cultural, racial, economic, and ethnic diversity.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Teamwork, Trustworthiness, Customer Service, Communication, Quality of Work, Innovation, Leadership, Flexibility 

Experience

• One (I) year of progressively responsible public service, library or related field experience required. This is in addition to any years used to satisfy the education requirement.
• Experience providing customer service to diverse individuals and groups is preferred.
• Spanish language proficiency is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of post-secondary education and experience may be substituted for the degree on a year for year basis.

Education

• An Associate degree is required.
• A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Additional Requirements/License/Certifications
 

• Must have reliable transportation.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license is preferred.
• Passing a driving record (MVR), references and criminal history background check will be required prior to the start of employment.
• Must be able to provide documentation that proves eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship.

MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT DIRECTLY USED 

Operating knowledge of library on-line computer catalog and staff terminals; Internet; personal computers (PC's); printers; hosting and attending on-line meetings using various platforms; technology such as tablets; electronic readers (eReaders); sound systems; MP3 players, Gaming Systems; laminators; photocopier; paper cutter; Digital Video Device (DVD) players; graphic design platforms; basic video recording tools; telephone; library carts; library materials (books, DVDs, Compact Discs (CD's), etc.); makerspace technology (3D printer, laser cutter, etc.) and arts and crafts materials.

WORKING 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.

• Incumbent will work in a dynamic public library environment with extensive public contact including explaining displayed information and directing customers to shelf locations and answering questions.
• This requires a flexible schedule which requires regular evening and weekend (Saturday) hours.
• Work is generally performed in an indoor library environment.
• Subject to interruptions, working with all ages and sudden stressful demands.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS 

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.

• Must be able to access and visually scan the library computer and staff screens.
• Must be able to position or move materials on varying height shelves for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to move library carts weighing in excess of 50 pounds across a carpeted floor.
• Must be able to kneel, sit on floor and get up from floor for an extended period.
• Must be able to manipulate visual materials during story times.
• Ability to stand, sit, walk, talk, reach with arms and hands, have good manual dexterity, use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard, handle or feel, hear alarms/telephones/normal speaking voice.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Moderate physical activity required by moving and positioning objects up to 50 pounds occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds frequently.