LIBRARY ASSISTANT I

Posting number: 03645

Department: Library

Division: Library Administration

Job classification: LIBRARY ASSISTANT I

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Administrative Assistant, Community Services, Library, Social Services, Customer Service

SummaryProvide exceptional customer service in a fast-paced library environment by welcoming, assisting, and connecting patrons with library resources and services. This paraprofessional position requires the ability to work independently and alone when scheduled. This position requires availability to work days, evenings, and weekends. A positive attitude, flexibility, and a sense of humor are essential. Employees may be assigned to work at any library location, including the Main Library, Downtown Branch, or the Bookmobile.

This is a part-time position, anticipated 25 hours per week. 

The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.  Examples of duties

• Delivers friendly, responsive, and professional customer service to patrons of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities by greeting patrons, answering questions, and connecting them with library resources and services.
• Provides circulation services at public desks, including issuing library cards, checking materials in and out, placing holds, collecting fines, and using the integrated library system.
• Assists patrons with self-service technology, including self-checkout stations, public computers, printers, scanners, and business center equipment. 
• Helps patrons with use of the online library catalog, internet searches, job applications, email, and other digital resources.
• Provides reader’s advisory services by recommending books, media, and other library materials for patrons of all ages
• Answers informational and directional questions in person and by telephone
• Processes materials delivered through courier system including unpacking, sorting, checking in materials, preparing deliveries, and maintaining bags for other locations.
• Shelves library materials and keeps library spaces neat and welcoming, including checking shelves for overdue materials, collecting holds, and emptying book drops.
• Assist librarians with library programs, displays, and activities for youth, teens, and adults.
• Troubleshoots basic technology and equipment problems and monitors use of supplies.
• Participates in library outreach initiatives.
• May be asked to act as a library courier and drive between library branches.
• Other duties as assigned 

When unusual situations occur and/or the City Manager declares a State of Emergency, all City employees may be required to accept special assignments and perform as needed to ensure appropriate service delivery.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

QualificationsAssociate’s degree recommended. Library, bookstore, museum or other relevant customer service experience preferred. Knowledge of Library automated systems preferred.
Supplemental information

Other Qualifications/ Requirements

• Valid driver's license and a driving record that meets the City of Lynchburg's Driving Criteria.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software, Canva, and internet use, as well as the ability to demonstrate such abilities.
• Effective communication of information and ideas
• Strong organizational skills.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of patrons and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. 
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to apply common sense to solve practical problems in a variety of situations with limited standardization.
•  Ability to interpret and understand instructions in written, diagram or schedule formats.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Requires solid interpersonal and communication skills including tact, common courtesy and conflict resolution within a team environment and with individual patrons.

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 functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and telephone keyboard.
•  The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. 
• The employee is occasionally required to sit and climb or balance. 
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.