Library Assistant - Revised September 2021
Hours: 35 hours/week
Job Summary: The library assistant assists youth services staff in providing exceptional service to youth and families. Reports directly to the Head of Children’s Services.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES: The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that shall be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, a logical assignment to the class, or it addresses business needs and changing practices.
- Provides readers advisory and reference to the general public related to but not limited to the juvenile collection and materials.
- Recommends age, grade, and developmentally appropriate materials.
- Assists in selecting, cataloging, and maintaining materials for the Children’s Collection
- Assists youth services staff to plan, publicize and implement assigned programs which may be held inside the library, outside, or in the community, as well as in person or virtual options.
- Assists the Children’s Librarian in maintaining strong collaboration and outreach with Middletown schools, educators, Navy Base, Middletown daycare centers, scouts and other community groups/ agencies
- Conducts tours of the Children’s area, and the library as a whole, provides bibliographic instruction, and computer assistance with online searching and software installed on public computers
- Prepares bibliographies and assists with services for specific age or interest groups through programming, bookmarks, displays, summer reading lists, teacher resource kits, and take/make kits
- Records statistics for Youth Services reference questions, program attendance, and general assistance
- Assists patrons with utilizing online library and digital services via the Library’s webpage and patrons’ personal devices
- Repairs damaged materials both print and a/v
- Assists with maintaining the Library’s webpage, and social media sites
- Assists at the circulation desk and reference desk when necessary/as assigned
- Uses sound judgement in monitoring the Children’s Department and maintaining a safe environment
- Assists in training staff as necessary
- Serves as person in charge in the absence of a regularly scheduled supervisor.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- A high school diploma or equivalent, preferably with a minimum of 2 years of college with coursework in child development, or education. Finalists will be required to provide official educational transcripts.
- A minimum of 1-year experience in public library service with demonstrated knowledge in all functions of the integrated library system, specifically cataloging and circulation
- Enjoys working with people of all ages, abilities, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity with an aptness to relate successfully with youth, families, and co-workers
- Must possess/project a welcoming demeanor, positive attitude, patience, and a professional appearance
- A minimum of 1 year paid experience working with youth
- A background in children’s literature or children’s education preferred along with a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of children’s literature, preferably with course work in the reading interests of children and young adults
- Demonstrated ability to write and speak effectively
- Demonstrated exemplary customer service skills
- Demonstrated organizational skills with an attention to detail
- Self-directed, flexible, motivated and able to prioritize tasks
- Experienced in using online catalogs, online searching, online databases, e-mail, office software with the ability to integrate technology into operations
- Proficiency in using a computer keyboard, setting up equipment for virtual programming, video editing software, Google Suite, and other online collaborative tools.
- Must successfully pass a background check.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.
- Environment: Work is performed primarily in a public library environment. Incumbents will be required to work evenings and weekends.
- Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a library setting, to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to often walk, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach (above shoulders), climb, and twist; to lift, carry, push and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight up to 25 pounds; to work with filled book carts that may weigh 50 pounds approximately; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive had movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard, and to verbally communicate and exchange information.
- Vision: See in the normal vision range with or without correction.
- Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
EQUIPMENT USED: Equipment used includes but is not limited to the following: computer, tablet, mobile device, peripheral device, virtual programming equipment, 3-D printer, copy/scanning equipment, laminating equipment, and telephone.
