The Library Assistant performs a wide variety of customer service and library duties in a public library setting: customer service, readers advisory, technology assistance, account assistance, collection maintenance, promotion of services and programs, merchandizing, and clerical tasks. As frontline staff, assistants welcome and assist guests and uphold the mission and values of the Buena Vista Public Library. Library assistants work dynamic scheduled hours, including evenings (until 6:00 p.m.) and Saturdays. Seeking candidates with experience or interest in graphics and marketing.
Responsibilities:
1. Promotes and practices the Vision and Mission of the Library and upholds foundational principles of the library and information profession.
2. Provide excellent customer service, greet every guest, and provide directions.
3. Build and maintain positive working relationships with library staff and community members.
4. Enforce the library’s policies and procedures, while safeguarding confidential and restricted information, both patron information and information related to personnel and pending organization changes. Comply with laws governing patron privacy, confidentiality CRS24-90-119 and ALA Code of Ethics.
5. Assist patrons with library catalog, study room and meeting room reservations, makerspace reservations and resources, and/or other equipment needs.
6. Verify registration information; issue library cards; collect fees per established library policies.
7. Respond to customer requests for information and materials in-person, by email and by telephone.
8. Properly open and close the library as scheduled.
9. Maintain library patron areas to keep spaces clean, safe, and orderly. Includes tidying and sanitizing the children’s area and toys.
10. Process returned materials; examine items for damage; sort and shelve materials; prepare materials for courier.
11. Promptly read and respond to email; communicate updates and feedback with other staff; contribute to discussions and planning for library best practices and services.
12. Provide readers advisory for children, youth and adults using local lists, online resources, and other appropriate tools.
13. Promote early literacy best practices.
14. Connect guests to physical and digital resources; assist guests in digital provider account registration, set up and downloads.
15. Keep updated on community resources and how to connect patrons to essential, non-library services.
16. Provide technical help and instruction on a range of devices.
17. Promote all library services to guests.
18. Assist in maintenance of collection.
19. Assist in promoting library classes and events.
20. Assist volunteers in tasks.
21. Maintain orderly individual and shared workspaces.
22. Completes special assignments related to Library operations as directed.
The Library offers additional opportunities for Library Assistants to grow new and leverage existing skillsets based on interest and qualifications. Opportunities may include:
· Public notary training
· Class instruction opportunities
· Cataloging library materials
· Marketing
· Web maintenance
This employee has the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
· Mastery of the library's automated circulation system.
· Knowledge of the philosophy and objectives of public library service, including current trends and developments.
· Seeks training and professional opportunities to further library development, including reading of professional literature, webinars, workshops and conferences as applicable.
· Ability to provide outstanding customer service in person, on the telephone, and via e-mail and other forms of electronic communication.
· Ability to work independently, using discretion to address patron requests and behavior according to established library policies and best practices.
· Digital literacy proficiency, including solid knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google products, and the ability to troubleshoot and learn new technologies.
· Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written English.
· Ability to effectively multitask while maintaining a positive attitude.
· Ability to deal calmly and effectively with a wide range of individuals, in some instances under stressful or emergency conditions.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
· On a continuous basis, stand and/or walk for long periods of time. Intermittently twist and reach materials: bend, stoop, crouch, kneel.
· Extend arms above the shoulder to reach and retrieve books and materials from shelves; grasp books and materials; lift materials and supplies which may weigh up to 40 pounds; set up and tear down tables and chairs.
· Use phone system; write or use keyboard to communicate through written means.
· Visual acuity to read print and digital materials of various font sizes.
· Hearing acuity to answer phones, respond to patron verbal requests, and respond to noise incidents.
· Work is frequently disrupted by the need to respond to in-person and telephone inquiries.
· Work is performed indoors in an air-conditioned office environment with fluorescent LED lighting and moderate noise level. There is some exposure to outside atmospheric conditions when supporting off-site programming and maintaining the book drop.
Education and Experience:
• A high school diploma, or equivalent, is required; successful completion of some college level course work is preferred.
• Library or customer service experience preferred.
The Library offers a benefit package which includes paid time off, PERA retirement contributions, 13 paid holidays per year, and professional development support.
The Buena Vista Public Library is currently under construction and is scheduled to reopen in March 2026. The Library is working out of a temporary location in reduced capacity in the interim. The goal is to bring in this additional staff member in January to train and be part of the transition back to our larger space.
The Buena Vista Public Library (Northern Chaffee County Library District) serves the residents and guests of the Town of Buena Vista and the northern portion of Chaffee County, nestled in the Arkansas River Valley, surrounded by picturesque mountains and rock formations. The total service area of 10,000 residents relies on the library as a hub for gathering, entertainment, resources and programming.
External Job Ad
https://buenavistalibrary.org/job-opening/
Website
www.buenavistalibrary.org
Apply by sending an introductory letter, resume, and references to Cecilia LaFrance, [email protected].