Reference Assistant

Peoria Public Library•Peoria, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Provides excellent customer service by responding to patron reference and reader’s advisory requests; develops and assists with programming; assists with collection maintenance; performs other duties as assigned. Reports to Department or Branch Manager.

Requirements

Ability to gain thorough knowledge of Peoria Public Library’s policies and procedures
Ability to act as a representative of Peoria Public Library to the public
General knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures for public library service and the ability to interpret them to the staff and the public
Knowledge of reference services, practices and procedures in 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 all relevant parties informed of all major issues and to recommend changes as appropriate
Ability to work and communicate effectively with diverse individuals (customers and staff) in order to accomplish library and department goals and objectives
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, including hardware and software, and office machines
Ability to obtain a valid IL driver’s
Bachelor’s Degree
Previous library experience

Responsibilities

Staffs the Information Desk; provides reference and readers advisory service to customers in person, online or over the phone, consistently providing high level customer service
Helps customers successfully use the library
Provides formal and informal instruction regarding the use of the library, materials, equipment and databases to customers and staff
Assists in collection maintenance under supervision from the department head by placing orders as requested, processing new materials, weeding, mending or shelving, etc.
Performs circulation duties, checks library materials in; issues library cards; collects fines, etc.; may empty book drops during regular library hours
Assists in developing and presenting programs such as teen programming, Summer Reading, story hours, tours and class visits
Assists with day-to-day department duties such as shelving, weeding, and mounting displays
Prepares content for library newsletters or brochures; develops bibliographies and finding aides as assigned
Performs outreach and represents the library in the community and at appropriate professional organizations; ensures that community groups are kept informed of library programs and services; may assist in developing outreach materials
May be assigned to maintain one of the library’s file systems or information such as the vertical files, question files, visitor files, program files, collection shelf list, local history scrapbooks, interlibrary loan information, etc.
May maintain one of the library’s collections such as genealogy materials, magazines, etc.
May assist with the maintenance of library materials and item record codes
Assists customers and staff with basic troubleshooting for library computers
Participates in opening and closing procedures, including starting up computers, completing pick lists and preparing deliveries at opening; powering down computers, checking bathrooms and setting alarms at closing
Prepares daily statistical reports
May be required to work in multiple locations and on any of the 7 days of the workweek (Sunday – Saturday)
Attends meetings and participates in committees and organizations that further the library’s mission and goals
Keeps abreast of library developments by attending workshops and educational programs and reading periodicals and specialized literature; attends staff meetings