Library Associate

The Kansas City Public Library•Kansas City, MO

23h•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Plaza Senior Branch Manager, the Library Associate provides reference, information, readers advisory, community referral, interlibrary loan (ILL), circulation, registration, and other basic library services in person and by telephone. The role participates in collection development and maintenance and may maintain branch operations in the absence of the Senior Branch Manager and Customer Services Manager. The position reports to the Plaza Senior Branch Manager and is scheduled for 24 hours per week at the Plaza Branch, 4801 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri. The schedule is Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Mondays and Tuesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The pay rate is $20.28 per hour. The Plaza Branch also provides voter registration assistance and notary services to library patrons. Work is performed at the branch in a shared workspace with co-workers and patrons from a diverse socioeconomic community. Duties may change, and reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to enable employees with disabilities to perform essential functions, absent undue hardship.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Demonstrated ability to meet and serve the public and work effectively with customers of all ages.
Demonstrated ability to work as a team player.
Demonstrated 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 level or below waist level and work at a customer-service counter.
Ability to organize daily work routines effectively.
Ability to perform duties that involve standing and bending and to lift up to 35 pounds.
Basic computer skills and willingness to learn and keep current with emerging technologies.
Demonstrated ability to follow oral and/or written instructions.
Ability to communicate effectively in and understand English.
At least 3 years of library or customer service experience is preferred, not required.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in non-English languages used in the Kansas City area, including American Sign Language, Vietnamese, French, Arabic, or Swahili.
At least 3 years of library or customer service experience.

Responsibilities

Provide reference, information, readers advisory, community referral, and ILL services; use online databases within specified guidelines and refer more complex requests to a librarian.
Instruct patrons in the use of library resources, including computer equipment; recommend and retrieve materials in response to customer requests.
Provide information about community services and events, and promote and accept requests for materials in circulation or located elsewhere in the system.
Provide circulation and registration services, including checking materials in and out, issuing library cards, collecting fines and deposits, clearing customer records, explaining policies and procedures, making computer inquiries, and checking shelves for overdue materials.
Enter customer information, process reserve requests, resolve discrepancies, and address circulation- and registration-related customer complaints or staff problems, referring unresolved issues to the Branch Manager.
In the absence of the Senior Branch Manager and Customer Services Manager, maintain adequate staffing, ensure services are provided, and resolve problems.
Maintain courteous and effective working relationships with library customers and staff.
Assist with collection maintenance.
Assist with maintenance of computers, fax equipment, and copiers, referring unresolved problems to the Information Services department.
Answer telephone calls courteously, identify self and location, provide assistance, or direct calls to the appropriate person.
Perform other related work and undertake special projects as assigned.
Provide voter registration assistance and notary services to patrons at the Plaza Branch.