Assistant Branch Librarian (ABL) - 24hrs./wk.

Kent District Library•Grandville, MI

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of branch management, the Assistant Branch Librarian performs a variety of services in support of patron service. Specific duties vary in variety and volume depending on location. The role supports library circulation, collection maintenance, reference and information services, interlibrary loans, equipment use, clerical operations, and staff guidance. The position is currently assigned to a location, but KDL may require employees to work at any KDL location. The role generally works in a normal office environment, with minimal discomfort from extreme temperatures, dust, and noise. Occasional travel between KDL locations is required and may include out-of-county travel for meetings and conferences. The position requires frequent sitting or standing in one position for extended periods, and preparation, loading, carrying, or moving materials is commonly required. Two possible schedules are listed: a non-weekend schedule Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and a weekend schedule Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. This is a 24-hour-per-week position.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Basic clerical skills, including computer and telephone skills.
Basic mathematical skills for routine calculations.
Working knowledge and understanding of KDL policies and procedures.
Ability to work with general supervision and follow established policies and procedures.
Interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively and courteously with staff and customers.
Skills to provide leadership and guidance to less experienced circulation staff.
Visual acuity to retrieve library materials from shelves or storage areas.
Physical ability to push or pull fully loaded book carts, retrieve or place materials above shoulder or below knee level, and lift or carry materials and delivery bags weighing up to 40 pounds.
Hearing ability to answer telephone and customer inquiries.
Manual dexterity, visual acuity, and sufficient keyboarding and PC skills to access information on a computer.
Ability to operate equipment including a computer, cash register, fax machine, and copy machine.
Ability to travel between work locations and related places of business as needed.
Ability to meet the position’s computer keyboard and mouse activity and in-person, electronic, and telephone communication demands.
Self-identified mode of transportation is required for travel to meetings at branch and service center locations.

Nice To Haves

Previous work experience in a library or retail setting.
Knowledge of popular culture and various genres of materials in the library collection.
Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Responsibilities

Serve patrons by checking in and out library materials; collecting payments for lost or damaged materials; issuing new or replacement library cards; registering patrons; and processing name and address changes.
Maintain collections by sorting and shelving materials, emptying book drops, shelf-reading, shifting materials, cleaning and inspecting items, and repairing or discarding materials.
Follow circulation policies and procedures for handling customer and material records, including entering late, lost, damaged, and claims-returned items and patron notes into the library database.
Sort, pack, unpack, and inspect materials received from or delivered to other libraries.
Run reports and lists for holds and interlibrary loan requests; provide retrieval lists, route materials, and contact patrons or libraries as needed.
Provide reference and information services, answer questions about collections, services, and policies, interpret patron needs, and assist patrons in finding materials using the ILS, print sources, KDL databases, and online tools.
Provide materials advisory and reference interview services as needed, facilitate access to the digital collection by demonstrating and assisting with eReader devices and applications, and provide directional information.
Refer advanced reference requests to Branch Librarians and provide information about circulation policies and procedures, referring issues as appropriate.
Count, balance, and record point-of-sale funds and forward reconciled funds and paperwork to the Finance Department.
Assist patrons and staff with library equipment and machines; perform routine maintenance and correct minor malfunctions, such as refilling paper or toner and assisting with paper jams.
Perform clerical tasks as requested, including materials order entry, supply ordering, word processing, filing, and checking in new periodicals.
Sort and distribute U.S. and inter-office mail.
Train and guide less experienced staff and possibly serve as a team leader on group assignments.
Perform other duties as assigned.