Job Description
Title: Reference and Children’s Library Assistant, Full-Time
Summary: The Reference and Children’s Library Assistant, full-time, assists in the provision of reference services and technical assistance to patrons using library materials and resources and contributes to the provision of library services to children from birth through age 12 and to adults working with children. This position is 17.5 hours per week in Adult Services and 17.5 hours per week in the Children’s Department, Tuesday-Saturday. This position reports to both the Head of Reference and Adult Services and the Head of Youth Services.
Major Duties:
Assists in the provision of reference and readers’ advisory to patrons of all ages.
- Provides one-on-one instruction to patrons regarding use of library resources including e-resources and services.
- Provides readers’ advisory to patrons in both fiction and non-fiction and in all genres.
- Assists in answering inquiries by email, text, and phone.
- Contributes to the provision of services that promote early and developing literacy, digital literacy, enthusiasm for reading, and the development of lifelong learning.
Provides basic technical assistance to patrons using electronic resources of the library.
- Assists patrons with “how to” questions in MS Office, Google Drive, email, printing, and mobile devices.
- Does basic troubleshooting on computers and other equipment utilized by patrons
Contributes to the library’s robust programming schedule.
- Creates and presents creative, developmentally appropriate programs for children and assists with programs for adults throughout the year.
- Assists in providing outreach to community groups.
- Actively participates in developing activities in support of the library’s robust summer reading program.
- Assists in creating promotional materials for library programs.
- Participates in collection development, selection and weeding.
- Other duties as assigned by the Library Director and Department Heads.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Excellent customer services skills.
- Knowledge of theories, tools and current trends in library service to children, child development, children’s literature, and programming for children.
- Working knowledge of technology sufficient to deal with the day-to-day needs of the Library and willingness to learn new technology.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal communication skills, as well as effective oral and written presentation skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively as a team player.
- Strong desire to work with and for the public, maintaining a positive demeanor while being cheerful and welcoming.
- Ability to perform the job satisfactorily under the stressors of the position and with minimal supervision.
- Passionate about reading and sharing book recommendations.
- Must be enthusiastic, friendly, punctual and possess a positive attitude.
- Ability to work rotating and various work shifts including evenings and weekends.
- Maintains a valid driver’s license.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program.
- Students and expected graduates of library school programs are encouraged to apply.
- Library work experience and public service or customer service experience required.
- Experience with library service to children preferred.
Physical Demands
- Able to lift up to 50 pounds, manipulate and push book trucks on slight ramps and through doorway openings; must be able to bend, squat, shift, and have flexibility to retrieve items on high and low shelves.
- Physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including office equipment such as computers, scanners, copiers, AV equipment.
- Ability to sit and use computer workstation, including keyboard and visual display terminal, as well as to stand, for extended periods of time.
- Sufficient communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively.
To apply:
- Please send a letter of interest and a current resume to jobs@newportlibraryri.org. Position will be open until filled.
The Community
The city of Newport, Rhode Island is a seaside community famous around the world for its reputation as a summer resort and rich social heritage. The city is vibrant and very much alive in the present while celebrating its history. The Newport Public Library has been a major component of the city's cultural life for over 150 years. It is an institution beloved by its patrons and well supported by the community it serves.