About the position
The Library Aide position at Fairfax County Public Library involves providing essential circulation assistance to library customers and performing various public service support tasks. The role is designed to enhance the library experience for patrons by ensuring that library materials are organized and accessible. The selected candidate will be responsible for sorting, shelving, and shifting library materials, as well as checking shelves to ensure that books are in proper order. This position requires a commitment to customer service, as the aide will respond to inquiries at the circulation desk, charge and discharge library materials, process returns, and issue library cards while maintaining customer accounts. In addition to these core responsibilities, the Library Aide will inform customers about library services, policies, and procedures, and assist them in using technology such as copiers and printers. The aide may also recommend reading materials and assist with outreach and library programs. The position requires flexibility in scheduling, with standard hours including day and evening shifts, as well as weekends as needed. The role may involve working at various library branches within Fairfax County, and the selected applicant will need to adapt to the changing needs of the library environment. Candidates should possess a high school diploma or GED and have experience working or volunteering in a library or providing customer service. The position also requires the ability to lift materials, perform repetitive movements, and stand for extended periods. A criminal background check and Child Protective Services Registry check will be required for the successful candidate. This job announcement is open to the general public and may be used to fill multiple current and future vacancies within the library system.
Responsibilities
- Sorts, shelves, and shifts library materials.
- Alphabetizes books on carts.
- Checks shelves to ensure books are in proper order.
- Responds to the needs of library customers at the circulation desk.
- Charges and discharges library materials; processes delivery and book drop returns.
- Issues library cards and maintains customer accounts.
- Informs customers of library services, policies, procedures, and resources.
- Resolves customer issues within established guidelines.
- Assists customers in the use of technology, e.g., copiers, printers, electronic materials.
- Refers customers to the information desk as appropriate.
- Retrieves and processes daily circulation reports.
- Assists with maintenance of the library collection.
- May recommend reading materials to customers.
- May assist with outreach and other library programs.
Requirements
- High school graduation or possession of a GED issued by a state department of education.
- Six months of full-time experience or equivalent part-time experience working or volunteering in a library, or one year of full-time experience providing customer service.
- Knowledge of library policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Ability to sort alphabetically and numerically.
- Knowledge of word processing and computer applications.
- Ability to operate the Library's automated circulation system.
- Ability to learn and independently use office equipment, including software suites and specialized databases.
- Ability to perform basic arithmetic.
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with others.
- Ability to exercise tact, good judgment, and initiative.
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written communications.
- Ability to promote library services.
- Ability to communicate orally and in writing in English with customers and staff.
- Ability to adapt to workplace change.
Nice-to-haves
- Six months of experience working with and assisting the public in a library setting.
- Experience explaining policies and procedures.
- Experience working with automated library systems/software.
Benefits
- Flexible scheduling options.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- Paid time off for holidays and personal days.
