Library Assistant

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<strong>Summary<br><br></strong>Garland Public Libraries is seeking a creative and energetic individual with a passion for serving the community to further the Library’s mission and goals. Working with the Library’s team, this position will provide programs, reference assistance, readers’ advisory, and library services to the adults, youth, and families of the Garland community.<br><br>Responsible for providing direct assistance to library patrons in reference, outreach services, periodical searches, and print and media use. Also responsible for providing and assisting librarians with programming services. The weekly work schedule will include nights and weekends, with some changes to the regular schedule required to participate in programming and outreach services.<br><br><strong>Pay Range:</strong> (Depending on qualifications and experience)<br><br><strong>Work Schedule: </strong>This position works a flexible schedule depending on department needs. Days, nights, and weekends are required. The position may also work at other Garland Library locations and participate in outreach events as needed.<br><br>Essential Duties and Responsibilities<em> include the following. Other duties may be assigned</em>.<br><br><ul><li>Plans and presents informative and entertaining programs and activities for all ages by identifying and accessing audiences, recruiting attendees, accessing resources in the collection, and coordinating such programs and outreach events in order to stimulate interest and foster competence in reading, viewing and using information and ideas.</li><li>Assess patron needs and provide assistance using printed materials, automated databases and other library technologies.</li><li>Participate and assist with library programming and library outreach services.</li><li>Assists patrons with library card services such as checking out materials, making cards, and resolving bills.</li><li>Organize and shelve or file materials appropriately, such as alphabetically or by Dewey decimal classification number.</li><li>Assist and instruct patrons in the basic usage of the Internet, automated or online services and resources, and other library technologies.</li><li>Assist and instruct library patrons in the use of library equipment, including microfilm reader/ printers, computers, and print management and PC reservation systems.</li><li>Provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers, including dealing with difficult patrons and volatile situations.</li><li>Plan and conduct age-appropriate programming and events to diverse populations.</li><li>Respond and resolve requests for library materials, services and information or refer to librarians as needed.</li><li>Complete special projects, as assigned. </li><li>Assist librarians with collection development, programs (both in-person or virtual) or library services as needed.</li><li>Contribute to a positive work environment, take pride in the workplace, and have knowledge, sensitivity and awareness of diverse cultures.<br><br></li></ul><strong>Minimum Qualifications<br><br></strong><ul><li>Associate’s degree or two years’ experience working in a public library<br><br></li></ul><em>Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.<br><br></em><strong>Preferred Qualifications<br><br></strong>Education/ Experience<br><br><ul><li>Bachelor’s degree in library studies, education, or related field of study</li><li>Up to 1 year’s experience in public library</li><li>Experience or background working in a diverse customer service environment</li><li>Training or experience working with mainstream social media (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)</li><li>Working knowledge of library technologies and online resources<br><br></li></ul><strong>Knowledge, Skills & Abilities<br><br></strong><ul><li>Demonstrated ability to communicate within all levels of an organization matched with strong verbal, written, presentation, and one-on-one communication skills;</li><li>Strong service orientation with a positive attitude;</li><li>Ability to work independently, be flexible and thrive in a fast-paced work environment;</li><li>Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships;</li><li>Listens effectively and communicates in concise, tactful, respectful manner both orally and in writing, including proper use of sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar;</li><li>Basic knowledge of how to file using a filing system</li><li>Ability to learn the Dewey Decimal Classification system</li><li>Basic knowledge of library automated system functions</li><li>Knowledge of proper public contact and telephone etiquette</li><li>Skill in assisting with circulation desk activities including shelving and retrieving books</li><li>Skill in utilizing Windows-based software</li><li>Skill in resolving customer complaints and concerns</li><li>Ability to organize work for appropriate and timely completion</li><li>Ability to work independently in the absence of the supervisor</li><li>Ability to easily adjust to fluctuating work schedules and work from any library or unit, as assigned</li><li>Skill operating office equipment, computer equipment, and software programs, especially Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook, Access)<br><br></li></ul>Licenses and Certifications<br><br><ul><li>Valid Class C Texas driver's license<br><br></li></ul>Physical Requirements / Work Environment<br><br><em>The work environment and physical demands 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.<br><br></em>The incumbent works in a typical library environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and some exposure to dust, but some physical labor and travel offsite may occur. Work assignment may be at any of the four library facilities and may vary, depending on departmental needs; reliable transportation will be needed. Physical tasks may include lifting, squatting, bending, stooping, walking, and carrying supplies, as needed, to accomplish the tasks of the activity on a daily basis. Must be able to reach materials at 90” height shelving or shelving at floor level, lift and carry materials, with the use of proper equipment, and push/pull full book carts. Must also be able to use keyboard and peripherals, operate a telephone, and communicate in person and over the telephone. The employee may interact with upset members of the public while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

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