Library Assistant

KANSAS CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY • Independence, MO

15h • Onsite

About The Position

The Library Assistant provides basic circulation and registration services to ensure patrons have ready access to library materials. This role involves checking materials in and out, issuing library cards, collecting fines, updating patron records, explaining circulation policies, assisting patrons with library databases and computer equipment, processing reserve item requests, and preparing interlibrary loan requests. The position also requires maintaining courteous working relationships with patrons and staff, answering telephone inquiries, and shelving materials. Additionally, employees at the Trails West Branch assist in processing United States Passport applications and training new staff on this process, requiring them to meet specific requirements to act as a Passport Acceptance Agent.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to meet and serve the public in person & over the telephone, working effectively with customers of all ages.
• Demonstrated ability to learn library operations, services and policies.
• Demonstrated basic computer skills with a willingness to learn and keep current with emerging technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to be a team player.
• Demonstrated ability to access materials from shelves which may be overhead or those which may be below waist level. Ability to work at a counter used for customer interactions.
• Demonstrated ability to organize personal work routines effectively.
• Excellent physical stamina; many duties performed while standing; ability to lift up to 35 lbs.
• Demonstrated ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to provide service in a values-based environment.
• Demonstrated ability to provide service in a courteous, friendly, efficient manner.
• Minimum of three years of customer service experience.
• Ability to speak and understand English is required.
• Staff must meet requirements of 22 CFR § 51.22 to act as a Passport Acceptance Agent.

Nice To Haves

• Additional consideration will be given to individuals that are proficient in any non-English languages used in Jackson County, MO including Spanish, American Sign Language, Vietnamese, French, Arabic, and Swahili.

Responsibilities

• Provides basic circulation and registration services to assure patrons ready access to library materials: Checks materials in and out; issues library cards; collects fines and charges; updates customer records in the computer; verbally explains circulation policies and procedures; makes other computer inquiries; assists patrons with use of library databases, computer equipment, and software; processes patron requests for reserve items; and prepares and sends interlibrary Loan requests.
• Maintains effective courteous working relationships with all library patrons and staff.
• Courteously answers telephone by identifying self and location. If unable to assist with the request, directs call to the appropriate staff person.
• Lifts, routes and shelves materials, which may weigh up to 35 pounds, from book bins and shelves.
• Performs other related work and as assigned, such as notary services and supporting programs or activities developed and promoted by other Library colleagues.
• Assists in processing United States Passport applications and train new staff on the process.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees