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

Kent District Library•Rockford, MI

1d•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. The variety and volume of specific duties may vary by location. The role supports circulation, collection maintenance, inter-library loan processing, reference and information services, equipment use, clerical operations, and the guidance of less experienced staff. The position is currently assigned to a specific location, but employees may be required to work at any KDL location. Occasional travel between KDL locations and related places of business is required and may include out-of-county travel for meetings and conferences. The position is scheduled for 24 hours per week. The non-weekend schedule is Monday 11:45 a.m.–8:15 p.m., Tuesday 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., and Friday 9:45 a.m.–6:15 p.m. Every fourth week, the schedule is Monday 11:45 a.m.–8:15 p.m., Tuesday 9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Saturday 8:45 a.m.–5:15 p.m., and Sunday 12:45–5:15 p.m. The work environment is generally a normal office environment, with minimal discomfort from extreme temperatures, dust, or noise. The work commonly involves extensive computer keyboard and mouse activity, in-person, electronic, and telephone communication, and preparing, loading, carrying, or moving materials. Frequent sitting or standing in one position for extended periods is required. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

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 computers, cash registers, fax machines, and copy machines.
Ability to travel between work locations and related places of business as needed.
Ability to meet the position’s schedule, which includes weekend work every fourth week.
Ability to complete proctored pre-employment assessments independently without phones, other electronic devices, reference materials, or another person’s assistance.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Check in and check out library materials; collect money for lost and 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, inspecting and cleaning materials, and discarding or repairing items.
Follow circulation policies and procedures for handling customer and material records and maintaining an accurate library database, including entering information about 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 item holds and inter-library loan requests; provide retrieval lists, route items appropriately, and contact patrons or other libraries as needed.
Provide reference and information services, answer questions about collections, services, and policies, interpret patron needs, assist with locating materials, and provide materials advisory and reference interview services using library systems, print sources, electronic databases, and online tools.
Demonstrate and assist patrons with eReader devices and applications to facilitate access to the digital collection.
Provide directional information and information about circulation policies and procedures; refer advanced reference requests to Branch Librarians and refer policy 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 paper jams or depleted 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.
Travel between work locations and related places of business as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.