Arvin A. Brown Public Library

Library Assistant Job Description

SCOPE:
The Library Assistant is responsible for working the circulation desk as well as assisting the library director with programs, grant writing, and fund-raising activities. S/he must have a thorough knowledge of the library’s policies and procedures. S/he will work under the direct supervision of the Library Director.

Responsibilities :

Greets all Library users employing effective customer service skills.
Reviews and uses “Top Ten Customer Service Skills for Library Staff”
Provides effective service to library users when assisting patrons in all areas of the library.
Provides effective Reference service to Library users with reference questions.
Provides effective service to Library users when staffing the Circulation Desk.
Responsible for Library opening and closing procedures as assigned.
Informs Library users of rules of conduct as necessary, and enforces those rules when appropriate.
Remains fully informed about the library’s collection in order to provide comprehensive user service
Attends to facility and equipment needs; troubleshoot problems
Plans, executes, and evaluates adult and children’s programs
Publicizes events
Grant-writing activities – as needed
Assists with fundraising projects as requested
Helps recruit and train volunteers

Duties

Greets and assists all Library users, including:
assisting with use of the online catalog
assisting with determining and locating information and materials such as books, audio-visual resources, electronic (online) resources, periodicals and microfilm
assisting with the use of equipment such as Internet access computers, printers and microfilm reader
instructing patrons needing help on library computers
assisting patrons using library equipment, performing basic maintenance on copiers and computers
fielding interlibrary loan requests
assisting telephone callers with their reference questions and other needs
recording usage statistics
assists in seeing that Library rules of conduct are observed by asking Library users to observe rules of conduct that are not being followed, and by informing Library administration when necessary.

Staffs the Circulation Desk as needed, greeting and assisting Library users at the Circulation Desk employing effective customer service.

Performs all Circulation Desk functions, including
checking in, checking out and renewing Library materials
informing Library users of the status of their Library records
processing applications for, and issuing, new Library cards
assisting Library users in locating and retrieving Library materials
fielding requests for new acquisitions and Interlibrary Loans
assisting Library users in making photocopies
receiving phone calls, and assisting or transferring callers as necessary
notifying Library users of materials being held for them
emptying the book drop
shelving Library materials
performing or assisting in Library opening and closing procedures

Assists with Cataloging Tasks including:
preparing new materials for circulation (covering and cataloging)
processing, rotating and withdrawing periodical materials
shelving, reading, and organizing materials
assisting with library inventories
making recommendations for improvements in services and collection

Assist in general appearance and neatness of library including:
collections
book sale area
maintaining periodical collection
assisting with library inventories

Performs clerical tasks
maintaining front desk income accounts
maintaining registration files
clerical jobs (data entry, typing) and answering telephone

Planning, execution, and evaluation of children’s programs
Initiating, planning, and conducting a variety of programs and activities to increase literacy skills and encourage the use of the library by children and young adults between the ages of 0 to 18, including but not limited to films and special events, reading clubs, and school and community outreach
Maintaining and cultivating contacts with parents and other family members, the public, schools, teachers, other town groups and organizations..
Organizing and coordinating Summer Reading Program.
Developing effective and productive youth service.
Reporting on children’s services/programming activities to Director in an electronic document.

Planning, execution, and evaluation of adult programs
Overseeing the planning, development, and implementation of adult programming that draws people to the library and motivates them to utilize library products and services.
Scheduling library programming and coordinating with director as needed.
Designing and implementing publicity for adult and special programs, continually seeking to broaden reach.
Presenting or introducing programs, tours, etc. as needed.
Evaluating success of programs in fulfilling the needs of the target audience, as well as promoting library usage, awareness and image.
Reporting on adult services/programming activities to Director in an electronic document.

Publicize events
Writing articles and letters to the editors for local newspapers
Submitting information to upcoming events listings
Creating flyers, posters, bookmarks, etc
Posting to web site and other electronic formats

Grant-writing activities – as needed
Responsible for conducting the activities required to prepare, submit, and manage grant proposals to appropriate sources.
Develop individual grant proposals in accordance with each grant-making organization’s preferences and follow exactly grant application guidelines.
Compile, write, and edit all grant applications exhibiting strong expository writing skills and a high-level command of grammar and spelling.
Create the budget of a project or program for which funding is sought
Comply with all grant reporting as required by foundation/corporate donors.
Provide stewardship to director, and provide regular written updates
Maintain current records in database and in paper files, including grant tracking and reporting.
Electronically tracking statistics relevant to grant and provide written materials when necessary (visitor number and diversity, educational program attendance, etc).
Manage the process of supplying progress reports (when required) and the final report to a grant-making organization that has funded a project or program.
Other duties as assigned by Library Director

Job Specifications
Undergraduate degree required or High School Diploma with Library experience
Library experience is preferred or transferable skills.
Excellent customer service skills are essential.
Desire to serve all members of the public under the direction of the Library Director in a team environment.
Library skills sufficient to accomplish the duties listed above, “transferable” skills, or the ability to learn those skills, including those necessary to answer reference questions. In particular, the ability to learn the use of the Dewey classification system, and other Library procedures is required.
Desire to serve young children and their parents and caregivers under the direction of the Library Director in a team environment.
Experience or education in the appropriate techniques for working with children of all ages and backgrounds and their families and caregivers
Computer skills sufficient to communicate via email, produce word documents, publicity publications, presentations and reports.
Computer skills sufficient to perform the functions of the Library’s automated Library system, particularly the online catalog and circulation functions.
Strong written communication skills; ability to write clear, structured, articulate reports and persuasive proposals.

Ability Requirements

Ability to adapt to changes in library technology and procedures.
Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with the public and with library staff, including people of all ages, abilities, and from a variety of social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds
Ability to communicate and listen in a professional manner at all times, whether in person, via telephone, email and other electronic means.
Ability to maintain composure when working under pressure and when meeting deadlines
Ability to maintain composure when working with difficult patrons
Ability to take direction, work cooperatively, and/or work independently
Ability to organize, plan, and prioritize work load
Ability to work scheduled hours, including evenings and weekends
Ability to retrieve and replace materials on shelves at various heights
Ability to push and pull shelving carts requiring up to 41  pounds of force for distances of up to 25 feet on a carpeted surface
Ability to transport materials weighing up to 25 pounds, and occasionally weighing up to 50 pounds, from one part of the library to another
Ability to work in a stationary position for long periods
Ability to transport oneself throughout the library
Ability to attend work on a regular basis.