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

Kent District Library•Kentwood, MI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of branch management, the Assistant Branch Librarian performs a variety of services supporting patron service. The variety and volume of duties may differ by location. The role supports circulation, collection maintenance, reference and information services, access to digital collections, equipment use, clerical operations, and staff guidance. The position is currently assigned to a specific location, but Kent District Library may require assignments at any KDL location. Occasional travel between KDL locations and related businesses is required and may include out-of-county travel for meetings and conferences. The position generally works in a normal office environment, with minimal discomfort from extreme temperatures, dust, or noise. This position is scheduled for 24 hours per week. Weeks 1–3: Monday 11:45 a.m.–8:15 p.m., Tuesday 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., and Wednesday 3:15–8:15 p.m. Week 4: the same Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday shifts, plus Saturday 8:45 a.m.–5:15 p.m. and Sunday 12:45–5:15 p.m. The library provides services seven days per week. The job involves frequent sitting or standing in one position for extended periods. It also requires visual acuity to retrieve materials from shelves or storage areas; the ability to push or pull fully loaded book carts, reach above shoulder or below knee level, and lift or carry materials and delivery bags weighing up to 40 pounds; hearing sufficient to answer telephone and customer inquiries; and manual dexterity, visual acuity, and keyboarding and computer skills for accessing information. Employees may need to travel between work locations and attend meetings at branch and service center locations; a self-identified mode of transportation is required. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities. Kent District Library uses job-related, validated pre-employment assessments. Assessments are proctored and must be completed independently without phones, other electronic devices, reference materials, or assistance from another person. Assessments may require camera, microphone, and screen access for monitoring. Applicants who need accommodations or cannot meet the proctoring requirements are asked to contact Human Resources before starting the assessment.

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.
Knowledge of popular culture and various genres represented in the library collection.
Visual acuity to retrieve library materials from shelves or storage areas.
Physical ability to push and 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 calls and customer inquiries.
Manual dexterity, visual acuity, and sufficient keyboarding and PC skills to access information on a computer.
Ability to operate a computer, cash register, fax machine, and copy machine.
Ability to travel between work locations and related places of business as needed.
Ability to attend meetings at branch and service center locations; a self-identified mode of transportation is required.

Nice To Haves

Previous work experience in a library or retail setting.
Bilingual English/Spanish.

Responsibilities

Check in and check out library materials; collect payments for lost or damaged materials; issue new or replacement library cards; register patrons; and process name and address changes.
Maintain the collection by sorting and shelving materials, emptying book drops, shelf-reading, shifting materials, cleaning and dusting, inspecting for damage, and discarding or repairing materials.
Follow circulation policies and procedures for proper handling of customer and materials records and maintaining an accurate library database, including data entry for late, lost, damaged, and claims-returned items and patron notes.
Sort, pack, unpack, and inspect materials received from or delivered to other libraries.
Run reports and lists for holds and inter-library loan requests; provide retrieval lists, route requested items, and contact patrons or other 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 integrated library system, print sources, KDL electronic databases, and online tools.
Provide materials advisory and reference interview services as needed; demonstrate and assist with e-reader devices and applications to facilitate access to KDL’s digital collection.
Provide directional information; refer advanced reference requests to Branch Librarians; and inform customers about circulation policies and procedures while referring issues as appropriate.
Count, balance, and record point-of-sale funds, then 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 paper jams or low paper and toner.
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 potentially serve as a team leader on group assignments.
Perform other duties as assigned.