Library Assistant

City of High Point • High Point, NC

3d • $17 - $22 • Onsite

About The Position

The Library Assistant performs routine para-professional and customer service work in the Public Library, which involves lending materials and keeping records of those materials and their borrowers, and keeping materials in order on shelves. This is an entry-level position. Does related work as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• One year (1) of recent (within the last 3 years) customer service experience in retail, library, or a related service industry
• Valid driver’s license
• Demonstrated commitment to exceptional customer service
• Strong communication, listening, and teamwork skills
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse community and adapt to evolving library services.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic office practices; ability to accurately interpret and manage digital records.
• Intermediate Experience with Canva or similar design tools, social media platforms (X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads), and digital technologies such as online databases and streaming services may be required for certain assignments. (Preferred for Lending Services, REQUIRED for Reader's Services)
• Ability to assist customers with downloading apps, setting up accounts, and accessing digital content on mobile devices may be required for certain assignments.
• Knowledge of organizational systems such as the Dewey Decimal System; ability to maintain accurate shelving and interpret spine labels for library materials.
• Comfortable with public speaking and training for programs and instruction, including occasional off-site events may be required for certain assignments.
• Physical ability to move throughout all library floors, push carts, and lift materials (up to 50 pounds).
• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays; regular schedule includes evenings and a weekend rotation (or as scheduled)
• Applicant must upload a cover letter and resume with application.
• Hearing/Speaking - Expressing and/or receiving information by means of spoken word are both necessary to converse with people in person and over the phone.
• Visual Abilities – the ability to perceive via eyesight is required for this position: Acuity, far - Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more. Both eyes 20/25 - R 20/30 - L 20/30 corrected Acuity, near - Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Both eyes 20/25 corrected Depth Perception - Three-dimensional vision. Ability to judge distance and space relationships so as to see objects where and as they actually are. Depth Perception - 4 Field of Vision - Area that can be seen up and down or to right or left while eyes are fixed on a given point. Accommodation - Adjustment of lens of eye to bring an object into sharp focus. This item is especially important when doing near-point work at varying distances from eye.
• Physical Strength – degree of physical demands typically associated with this position include: Light to Medium Work Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and/or Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently. and A negligible amount of force constantly to carry and/or move books and other material.
• Type of Physical Demands Reaching - Extending the hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Handling - Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hand(s). Fingering - Picking, pinching or otherwise working with fingers primarily rather than the entire hand or arm. Employee must reach to answer telephone, work with computer terminal, etc. Handles books, materials, cards, forms, documents, pencils, pens etc., requiring use of hands and fingers.
• Mental Activity/Requirements Reasoning The ability to apply principles of logical thinking to work tasks and practical situations and requests made by supervisor, other employees or members of the general public. to comprehend and respond to a variety of situations in an expedient manner. Must interpret information so good judgment is important.
• Mathematics Ability The ability to use arithmetic to figure due dates and book and material fees and to complete time sheets.
• Language Ability The ability to read emails, manuals, instructions, directions, book information, forms and other documents relating to the job. The ability to write names, addresses, figures, and take messages. The ability to be conversant in voice and diction so as to participate in discussions with other employees and the general public in person and by telephone.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Canva or similar design tools, social media platforms (X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads), and digital technologies such as online databases and streaming services may be required for certain assignments. (Preferred for Lending Services, REQUIRED for Reader's Services)
• Ability to assist customers with downloading apps, setting up accounts, and accessing digital content on mobile devices may be required for certain assignments.
• Comfortable with public speaking and training for programs and instruction, including occasional off-site events may be required for certain assignments.

Responsibilities

• Answers borrowers’ questions about reserves in person and over the telephone, using information found in the computer.
• Answers the telephone and transfers calls to other parts of the library.
• Answers questions about the Library at the Customer Service Desk as assigned.
• Checks books and non-print materials out to borrowers, scans RFID tags barcodes with antenna or scanner and operates computer and circulation system.
• Registers new borrowers, which involves oral communication, reading applications filled out by the borrower, entering information into a computer, and interpreting information on driver’s license.
• Collects fees for damaged and lost materials and Friends Continuous Book Sale, involving finding and interpreting information in the computer and operating a money transaction program and credit card machine.
• Performs computer operations involving renewing materials, changing status of library cards, and other activities related to circulation of library materials.
• Checks shelves for overdue, lost and requested materials which involves going to all three floors of the Library and searching shelves for materials listed on a computer printout.
• Straightens shelves, which involves pushing books into an upright position with edges aligned with the edges of the shelves.
• Performs shelf-reading, which involves checking all books on shelves to make sure they are in alphabetical or Dewey Decimal order, identifying misfiled books, and placing misfiled books in correct places.
• Shifts books, which involves moving books from one shelf to another, sometimes by hand and sometimes with a cart.
• Checks in materials using a computer, circulation system and RFID antenna.
• Manually changes status and holdings codes, as needed.
• Sorts books, which involves separating them by types and putting them in appropriate places in the book sorting room.
• Shelves books, which involves going to all three floors of the Library pushing carts and placing books on shelves in correct location by alphabetical or Dewey Decimal order.
• Writes RFID tags using a computer, RFID antenna and specific computer program.
• Inspects returned items for damage or missing components.
• Places and cancels reserved materials for borrowers, which involves entering information in a computer.
• Processes reserved materials for library and self-service lockers at other locations pick up. which involves checking in materials to fill reserves, checking out materials and assigning self-service lockers using a circulation system and specific locker assigning computer program.
• Instructs library customers in use of the computerized catalog.
• Assists borrowers with self-checks, involves scanning library cards and using RFID antenna.
• Assists the public with using the photocopier i.e. make change and troubleshoot problems.
• Orders and maintains inventory for photocopier.
• Schedules maintenance and repairs for photocopier when needed.
• Opens and closes money transaction program and credit card machine, including tallying end of day moneys.
• Full-time employee -acts as team leader in absence of the supervisor.
• Ensures that all work is performed in accordance with OSHA and City Safety Standards and Policies

Benefits

• A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service
• 401K and 457B Retirement Plans
• PTO earned within first year
• 12 Paid Holidays per year
• Tuition Reimbursement Plan
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective day one
• vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

What This Job Offers

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