Library Assistant

The Kansas City Public Library • Kansas City, MO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the immediate supervision of the Plaza Evening and Weekend Supervisor, the Library Assistant provides services that give patrons access to library collections and services, offers basic technical support for patrons using library-provided technology, and assists with collection maintenance. The position is based at the Plaza Branch, 4801 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64112, and is scheduled for 20 hours per week: Fridays from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The pay rate is $17.07 per hour.

The role includes circulation and registration work, helping patrons use library databases and technology, answering telephone inquiries, processing and routing library materials, and supporting branch services and programs. Plaza Branch-specific services include voter registration assistance and notary services. The work takes place in a shared branch workspace with coworkers and patrons from a diverse socioeconomic community. Duties may change, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform essential functions, absent undue hardship.

Requirements

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Demonstrated ability to meet and serve the public and work effectively with customers of all ages.
• Demonstrated ability to be a team player.
• Ability to learn library operations, services, policies, and computer procedures.
• Use decision-making skills that reflect values-based principles.
• Ability to access materials on shelves above head height or below waist level and work at a customer-service counter.
• Ability to perform duties involving standing and bending and to lift up to 15 pounds.
• Basic computer skills and willingness to learn and keep current with emerging technologies.
• Ability to follow oral and/or written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively in and understand English.

Nice To Haves

• At least 3 years of customer service experience is preferred.
• Proficiency in non-English languages used in Jackson County, Missouri, including Spanish, American Sign Language, Vietnamese, French, Arabic, or Swahili, receives additional consideration.

Responsibilities

• Provide circulation and registration services, including checking materials in and out, issuing library cards, collecting fines and charges, updating customer records, explaining circulation policies, making computer inquiries, and processing reserve requests.
• Maintain courteous and effective working relationships with library patrons and staff.
• Assist patrons with library databases, computer equipment, and software.
• Answer telephone calls courteously, identifying oneself and the location and directing callers to appropriate staff when unable to assist.
• Lift, route, and shelve library materials from book bins and shelves; materials may weigh up to 35 pounds.
• Process patron requests for materials and prepare and send Interlibrary Loan requests.
• Perform related or assigned work, which may include Kid’s café, teen lock-ins, notary services, and supporting library programs or activities.
• Provide voter registration assistance and notary services to Plaza Branch patrons.
• Organize daily work routines effectively for the location.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED