Library Assistant

Christian County Library•Sparta, MO

6d•$15 - $16

About The Position

The Library Assistant works at the service desk to help patrons with library-related needs. The role includes circulating library materials, processing financial transactions, assisting with reference and readers’ advisory inquiries, supporting library programming and displays, helping patrons use technology, and maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming branch environment. The assistant also communicates with coworkers, Administration, and IT about scheduling, procedures, performance issues, and technology needs.

Requirements

Excellent customer service skills.
Proficient computer skills, including familiarity with the internet, office productivity software such as Google Workspace or Microsoft products, and email.
Ability to work with scanners, printers, and photocopiers.
Working knowledge of reader interest levels, books, authors, and reference sources.
Working knowledge of automated library circulation systems and online databases.
Working knowledge of print, non-print, digital, and online information sources from publishers, the internet, libraries, and vendor-based systems.
Ability to present ideas and provide instruction, and comfort teaching and using various forms of technology.
Ability to adapt to multiple demands and changing priorities, learn, and embrace change.
Ability to develop or demonstrate decision-making, leadership, team-building, strategic, and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to set priorities, organize, and coordinate multiple projects.
Ability to maintain performance of assigned duties and responsibilities to achieve desired outcomes.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing, and by listening.
Ability to interact positively and effectively with coworkers, supervisors, and the general public.
Ability to work with minimum supervision and collaboratively in a team environment, demonstrating professional standards, good judgment, dependability, and timeliness.
Preferably 15 or more college hours or relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

15 or more college hours or relevant experience.

Responsibilities

Check out library materials to cardholders according to library policies and check in returned materials.
Inspect returned items for missing components or damage and process them appropriately.
Maintain patron and materials records, register new cardholders, and add charges for lost or damaged materials.
Process incoming and outgoing patron holds.
Accept cash, check, and credit card payments for overdue, damaged, or lost items; issue receipts as needed.
Collect payments for printing, photocopies, and faxes; reconcile collections with electronic payment records and complete deposits according to Business Office guidelines.
Help patrons use the online catalog, reference materials, the internet, and library databases.
Guide patrons in locating materials and assist with holds, including MOBIUS and Interlibrary Loan requests.
Understand the library’s digital collection and its required technology, and teach patrons to access resources on their own devices.
Respond to inquiries on a wide variety of topics using reference interview techniques and suggest materials using readers’ advisory tools and methods.
Assist with programming and branch displays as assigned.
Help patrons with technology questions, including the use of public computers, printers, copiers, and fax machines.
Help maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment; perform light plumbing, housekeeping, and maintenance as needed.
Shelf-read, shift, and straighten the collection, and empty the book drop on assigned days when the library is closed.
Help ensure all patrons have access to facilities and services.
Communicate effectively, promptly, thoroughly, and respectfully with coworkers, Administration, and IT in person, by phone, in writing, or by email, including using the IT ticketing system.
Frequently access materials and equipment on the floor, in bins, and on shelves up to six feet high; move rolling carts and bins weighing up to 300 pounds; operate office equipment; and move items weighing up to 30 pounds.