Reference Assistant

Peoria Public Library•Peoria, IL

About The Position

Peoria Public Library is hiring a full-time Reference Assistant currently assigned to the Lincoln Branch. The position provides customer service by responding to reference and readers’ advisory requests, assisting with programming and collection maintenance, and performing other assigned duties. The ideal candidate will develop and present programs for people of all ages that reflect the interests and needs of the diverse Lincoln Branch community, support public service, and create engaging learning opportunities. The Reference Assistant staffs the Information Desk and helps customers use library services, materials, equipment, and databases. The role also involves circulation work, collection maintenance, programming, outreach, preparing library content and reports, assisting with basic computer troubleshooting, and participating in opening and closing procedures. The employee reports to a Department or Branch Manager and may work at multiple locations and on any day of the week. The work requires light physical effort handling materials weighing up to 40 pounds. The environment is typical of offices, libraries, classrooms, and meeting or training rooms, with normal safety precautions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree.
Previous library experience.
Ability to gain thorough knowledge of Peoria Public Library policies and procedures.
Ability to represent Peoria Public Library to the public.
General knowledge of public library service principles, practices, and procedures, and ability to interpret them to staff and the public.
Knowledge of reference services, practices, and procedures in a specialty area (adult or children’s).
Ability to establish priorities and organize workload.
Ability to maintain a pleasant and productive working atmosphere.
Ability to keep relevant parties informed of major issues and recommend changes as appropriate.
Ability to work and communicate effectively with diverse customers and staff to accomplish library and department goals.
Ability to effectively communicate and present information to others.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals.
Knowledge of electronic resources, including the Internet and database information retrieval.
Ability to operate relevant computer systems, hardware, software, and office machines.
Ability to obtain a valid Illinois driver’s license.

Responsibilities

Staff the Information Desk and provide reference and readers’ advisory service in person, online, and over the phone.
Help customers successfully use the library and provide instruction on library materials, equipment, and databases to customers and staff.
Assist with collection maintenance, including ordering materials as requested, processing new materials, weeding, mending, and shelving.
Perform circulation duties, including checking in materials, issuing library cards, collecting fines, and possibly emptying book drops during regular library hours.
Assist in developing and presenting programs, including teen programming, Summer Reading, story hours, tours, and class visits.
Assist with day-to-day department duties such as shelving, weeding, and mounting displays.
Prepare content for library newsletters or brochures and develop bibliographies and finding aids as assigned.
Conduct outreach and represent the library in the community and at appropriate professional organizations; keep community groups informed about library programs and services and assist with outreach materials as needed.
Maintain assigned library file systems or information, such as vertical files, question files, visitor files, program files, collection shelf lists, local history scrapbooks, or interlibrary loan information.
Maintain an assigned library collection, such as genealogy materials or magazines, as needed.
Assist with maintaining library materials and item record codes.
Assist customers and staff with basic troubleshooting for library computers.
Participate in opening and closing procedures, including preparing computers, pick lists, and deliveries at opening and powering down computers, checking bathrooms, and setting alarms at closing.
Prepare daily statistical reports.
Work at multiple locations and on any of the seven days of the workweek as required.
Attend meetings and participate in committees and organizations that further the library’s mission and goals.
Keep abreast of library developments through workshops, educational programs, periodicals, and specialized literature, and attend staff meetings.