Circulation Desk Assistant (Part-time - Mon, Wed & Every Other Weekend)

MOUNT PROSPECT PUBLIC LIBRARY•Mount Prospect, IL

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Circulation Desk Assistant position at MPPL in Mount Prospect, IL, is a part-time role focused on public interaction and task-oriented work within the Circulation team. The assistant will provide excellent customer service at the checkout desk and manage various workroom activities, including checking in, sorting, and shelving library materials. The primary goal is to ensure materials move smoothly through the library and are readily available for patrons. Under the direct supervision of the Circulation Department Head, Assistant Department Head, or Circulation Supervisor, this role involves staffing the public desk, handling library materials, and performing clerical duties, all while maintaining a team atmosphere and addressing all aspects of patron services related to the department.

Requirements

High school diploma (or equivalent work experience) required
Knowledge of library policies and procedures
Knowledge in the use of the Integrated Library System
Ability to access, input and retrieve data from the computer
Ability to alphabetize correctly and to understand numerical arrangement utilizing the decimal point
Ability to operate a two-way radio and telephone
Ability to read library material spines and labels
Ability to handle cash transactions and/or operate a cash register
Able to follow detailed procedures and ensure accuracy in documentation and data; concentrate on routine work details and organize and maintain a system of records (Attention to Detail)
Able to clearly present information through the spoken or written word; read and interpret complex information; talk with customers or clients; listen well (Communication)
Able to demonstrate a high level of service delivery; do what is necessary to ensure internal and external customer satisfaction; deal with service failures and prioritize customer needs (Customer Focus)
Able to take action in solving problems while exhibiting judgment and a realistic understanding of issues; able to use reason, even when dealing with emotional topics; review facts and weigh options (Decision Making & Problem Solving)
Able to remain open-minded and change opinions on the basis of new information; perform a wide variety of tasks and change focus quickly as demands change; manage transitions effectively from task to task; adapt to varying customer needs (Flexibility)
Able to act in accordance with established guidelines; follow standard procedures in crisis situations; communicate and enforce organizational policies and procedures; recognize and constructively conform to unwritten rules or practices (Policies, Process, & Procedures)
Able to adapt behavior to others' styles; interact effectively with people who have different values, cultures, or backgrounds; optimize the benefits of having a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce (Supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
Able to share due credit with coworkers; display enthusiasm and promote a friendly group working environment; work closely with other departments as necessary; support group decisions and solicit opinions from coworkers; display team spirit (Teamwork)
Able to withhold actions or speech in the absence of information; deal with unresolved situations, frequent change, delays, or unexpected events (Tolerance of Ambiguity)

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a public setting is desirable

Responsibilities

Checks in, sorts, arranges, print and non-print materials to make ready for reshelving, including loading and arranging carts
Inspects and cleans materials
Shelves books and other materials in appropriate places
Maintains shelves by straightening, shifting and organizing materials as assigned
Reads shelves to ensure correct order of materials
Retrieves materials used by patrons in the Library and keeps a tally of total materials picked up, sorted, & re-shelved
Checks in in-house materials in ILS as assigned
Prepares reports and compiles statistics as assigned
Contacts patrons regarding lost, damaged, and overdue materials as needed
Runs reports and participates in specialized tasks as assigned
Applies MPPL-values-based customer service
Assists patrons at the public desk, on the telephone, and via e-mail with account inquiries
Monitors the behavior and conduct of Library patrons to ensure an atmosphere conducive to the use of the department and library resources for all patrons
Assists patrons at public service desk with all circulation functions
Answers patron questions on circulation related problems
Registers patrons for new library cards; updates library card records as needed
Adds reciprocal patron library cards to the database
Collects money for fees and issues refunds as required
Assists with training staff when assigned
Participates in special projects when assigned
Attends appropriate meetings, workshops, and seminars
Serves on committees as assigned
Other duties as assigned