Library Assistant

KANSAS CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY•Kansas City, MO

12h•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 Westport 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. Other duties may include notary services and supporting library programs.

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

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in any non-English languages used in Jackson County, MO including Spanish, American Sign Language, Vietnamese, French, Arabic, and Swahili

Responsibilities

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
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
Directs calls to the appropriate staff person if unable to assist
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
Assists in processing United States Passport applications
Trains new staff on the passport application process