Library Public Service Associate I
About The Position
Library Public Service Associates (“LPSAs”) work at all VPL locations across the city. They staff VPL’s service desks, checking in and out items and answering basic questions to help patrons in a friendly and welcoming way. The library welcomes people from all walks of life. We deliver friendly, respectful and responsive service for everyone, regardless of their income, housing situation, or background. A genuine desire to help people will be a great asset in this role! Duties will involve sorting and shelving books and other resources which requires the ability to lift and handle a high volume of physical items during a shift, and to stand, reach, bend, and move around the library comfortably for long periods of time. You will be part of a system that circulates over 5 million items per year! LPSAs also support our creative programs for adults, kids and teens. You might help set up for an author event, or supervise a Lego block party, or even host a film screening about the issues that our community cares about. With over 5,000 programs per year at VPL, you’ll never be bored!
Requirements
- Completion of Grade 12 supplemented by relevant courses and/or experience.
- Experience in a customer service environment.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Patience, warmth, and curiosity for other people.
- Diplomacy, tact, and empathy.
- Skills with conflict de-escalation.
- Ability to lift and handle a high volume of physical items during a shift.
- Ability to stand, reach, bend, and move around the library comfortably for long periods of time.
- Experience with lifting and handling large volumes of orders/materials.
- Familiarity and comfort working with technology.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Flexibility and ability to work with others.
- Kindness and clear communication when speaking with the public or writing an e-mail.
- Ability to plan and be organized.
- Ability to carry out assigned duties on time.
- Ability to fulfill commitments.
- Pride in doing good work.
Nice To Haves
- Related experience in library services.
- Knowledge about library methods and procedures.
- Working knowledge of the objectives, organization, procedures, services and resources of a public library.
Responsibilities
- Staff VPL’s service desks, checking in and out items.
- Answer basic questions to help patrons in a friendly and welcoming way.
- Deliver friendly, respectful and responsive service for everyone.
- Sort and shelve books and other resources.
- Support creative programs for adults, kids and teens.
- Help set up for author events.
- Supervise activities like Lego block parties.
- Host film screenings.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
