Library Associate

Lafayette•Lafayette, CO

About The Position

The Library Associate is an entry-level position on the Technical Services Team that promotes books and reading, supports reader’s services and library programs, helps maintain the Library’s collections, and provides a friendly presence for customers. The role delivers information and customer service to a diverse public, assists customers with library equipment and technologies, and supports literacy and lifelong learning. Library experience is not required. Candidates with Spanish language skills are strongly encouraged to apply. The position is scheduled for 20 hours per week. The Lafayette Public Library serves approximately 30,411 residents and is a member of the Flatirons Library Consortium. Its staff is dedicated to equal access to services, community building, innovation, intellectual freedom, literacy, and lifelong learning. The position works under the supervision of a Librarian I, II, III, or the Library Director, and has no supervisory responsibilities. Work is performed in a standard office environment, with confidentiality required. The role includes evening and weekend hours and requires flexibility in scheduling. Physical demands include extended standing and walking, repetitive word or data processing, bending, stooping, reaching high and low shelves, and lifting or carrying books, chairs, and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds. Sufficient visual and audio acuity is required, including close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Work is performed within supervisor- or policy-authorized limits; the employee exercises independent judgment in selecting and interpreting information, handling deviations from standard methods, and resolving problems. Finished work is reviewed for objectives and deadlines, and a supervisor is available to assist with problems.

Requirements

One or more years of college.
Previous general library experience or similar customer service experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of basic library functions and procedures, library principles and trends, the Dewey Decimal System, basic reference tools and philosophy, computer operations and information retrieval processes, collection development principles, and reader’s advisory tools.
Proficiency in operating equipment necessary to perform the job.
Excellent customer service skills and strong computer skills.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; plan and perform varied assignments with initiative and some independent judgment; think and act appropriately under pressure; manage conflict effectively; and work effectively in a team setting.
Flexibility, forward thinking, and a positive attitude.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including prolonged standing and walking, repetitive processing tasks, bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting or carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds.
Ability to work evening and weekend hours and maintain flexibility in scheduling.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Sierra by Innovative Interfaces, Inc.
Spanish language skills are strongly encouraged.

Responsibilities

Attend and participate in staff meetings and committees.
Help maintain collections through weeding and rotation of materials.
Help manage library event spaces and reservations.
Support, participate in, and promote library programs and initiatives.
Use online software and databases to manage accounts, study rooms, and material sources.
Assist with the management and inventory of supplies and resources.
Prepare books and non-media for the library collection, including stamping, labeling, covering, and packaging materials.
Check materials for accuracy and completeness.
Provide excellent customer service and maintain a courteous, positive image of the library when interacting with customers and staff.
Work at library service points, providing information in person and by phone.
Provide information on reference and reader’s advisory services.
Answer questions regarding library policies, procedures, and records.
Maintain customer and staff confidentiality.
Keep informed of library information and changes through electronic and written communication and staff meetings.
Assist customers with library equipment and resources, including computers, e-readers, the online catalog, automated reference tools, the Internet, databases, printers, scanners, and new technologies.
Support the daily transactions of the library.
Prepare library materials for customer use, process holds, create displays, locate materials, and assist with material recommendations.
Keep current on library trends and technology.
Complete special projects as assigned in a timely manner.
Perform other related duties as assigned.