Youth Collection Library Assistant

City of Urbandale•Urbandale, IA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Urbandale Public Library is seeking a detail-oriented, customer-focused Youth Collection Library Assistant for its Technical Services Department. The position combines behind-the-scenes collection management with direct public service, helping ensure children’s and teen materials are accessible, well-maintained, and responsive to community needs and interests. Under the general direction of the Library Manager, the assistant acquires, processes, organizes, and maintains library materials; tracks purchases and collection expenditures; maintains accurate inventory and item records; assists patrons at the public service desk; and supports children’s programming and special events. The position also assists with developing children’s and teen collections within established budgets. This permanent part-time position is 32 hours per week, with a schedule of Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend availability is required to support programming and special events. The position is eligible for time-off accrual and employee benefits.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least one year of customer service or administrative experience.
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and sensitivity.
Initiative, organization, and ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently.
Effective oral and written communication, with strong interpersonal and listening skills.
Tact, diplomacy, and professionalism when interacting with the public, coworkers, and other stakeholders.
Proficiency using computers and ability to troubleshoot common technical issues.
Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team.
Ability to maintain focus and productivity in a varied work environment.
Sound judgment and ability to make appropriate decisions within established policies and procedures.
Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records and inventory.
Reliability and ability to perform essential job duties at the designated work location and during scheduled work hours.
Successful completion of post-offer/pre-employment reference checks, drug screening, and a background check.

Nice To Haves

Library experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with library vendors and track library orders, purchases, and expenditures.
Prioritize, inventory, and process new materials, including books, audiovisual materials, STEAM kits, and other special items.
Assist the department manager and specialist with collection management, including updating item records and maintaining accurate inventory.
Support collection maintenance by repairing materials, tracking statistics, generating reports, and performing related tasks.
Sort and manage donated materials and prepare items for library book sales.
Monitor and maintain inventory of department supplies and materials as needed.
Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities.
Assist with selecting materials for children’s and teen collections and track monthly spending to support collection development within established budgets.
Evaluate, maintain, and develop children’s and teen collections to reflect changing community needs and interests.
Provide customer service at the children’s public services desk, assisting patrons with questions, library resources, and services.
Collaborate with children’s programming staff to support programs, special events, and activities for young patrons.
Check out and receive library materials and collect applicable fines and fees.
Provide proactive, responsive, and welcoming customer service to patrons of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Assist patrons with questions about library materials, resources, and services.
Perform other related duties as assigned.