Library Patron Services Specialist - part time

Johnson County Kansas•Overland Park, KS

1d•$23 - $31•Hybrid

About The Position

Johnson County Library is seeking applicants for the role of Part-time Patron Services Specialist. The Patron Services Specialist plays an integral role in a patron’s experience at the Library. As a front-line resource, this individual is responsible for facilitating the patron experience in a Johnson County Library branch location and through its related patron services (in branch, online or via community outreach) and service platforms (e.g., phone, email, web). This job reports to a Branch Operations Manager and works alongside other Patron Services Specialists and Materials Handling Clerks. They will also engage with Regional Librarians who are responsible for ensuring the appropriate application of library science and intellectual freedom practices, principles, and standards through all service channels. We are always looking for great people and may have more than one opening for this job in different branch locations. You may be required to work at any library location, if needed. Applications will be accepted through the end of the day (11:59pm) on Friday, September 18th, 2026. Qualified applicants will remain as an active candidate for a period of up to 90 days.

Requirements

60 hours of college credit in any field of study
two (2) years of customer service experience
Reference/background screening

Nice To Haves

A bachelor's degree in any field of study is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides patron service; greets all patrons and inquires about their needs and interests; promotes programs and services inside the branch, online and via community outreach; understands and promotes County resources and services (e.g., job boards, health resources); directs patrons to relevant spaces and/or materials inside the facility and instructs them on appropriate use; offers basic technology support; completes site checklist for opening and closing procedures; stocks supplies at patron service points; supports the Regional Librarian in hosting non-library related community events (e.g., blood drives, election-related events) and/or local group visits or tours, when needed.
Provides librarianship; exhibits patron advisory and patron reference interview best practices; escalates patron questions to the Regional Librarian when additional support is needed to address patron inquiries, research, and reference needs; supports patron account management needs, such as obtaining or replacing a Library card, placing a hold, and managing fees, as well as relevant circulation needs or issues (checking out books, inquiring about hold status); supports patron engagement with Library catalog by offering access support and basic training.
Maintains a general knowledge of intellectual freedom principles, Patron Advisory Services (for all ages), current JCL promotions, events, and programs, and related information that supports a patron’s ability to maximize JCL resources available to them; engages in all relevant training and collaborative opportunities designed for these purposes; monitors themes or trends in patron questions or requests, elevating those to the Branch Operations Manager and/or Regional Librarian, as appropriate; conducts initial issue assessment and/or troubleshooting of patron issues; adheres to all relevant guidelines (e.g., Guidelines for Enforcing Patron Code of Behavior).
Supports and delivers community outreach including but not limited to, Development Department efforts, local group or school tours and visits, and non-library related community events; supports program delivery, as needed.
Proactively and regularly monitors basic safety, security, and cleanliness protocols across all Library spaces; engages in all required workplace safety and security training, adhering to relevant guidelines.
Collaborates and communicates with internal stakeholders as well as County and community partners to expand the impact of each branch location; attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews publications and other materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.