UPDATE: THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED AND IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE, JUNE 2022
The Mercer Public Library is seeking a friendly, well-organized, enthusiastic person to provide youth services and circulation services. The Library Aide assists with planning and presenting summer youth programming, works at the library service desk, assists with scanning and organizing local history documents, and performs other library paraprofessional duties.
This is a flexible part-time position requiring an average of 10 hours per week, including some evening and weekend hours. This limited term position begins on or about June 6, 2022, and ends on or about August 20, 2022. A background check will be required. This current rate offered for this position is $14/hour.
The position will remain open until filled, with preference given to those who submit application materials by May 16, 2022. To apply, email a cover letter, resume, and three personal or professional references to director@mercerpubliclibrary.org.
Circulation and Youth Services Library Aide: Position Definition
The Circulation and Youth Services Library Aide assists with developing and presenting programming for youth, provides customer service to library patrons, and performs paraprofessional library duties. The Library Aide works under the supervision of the Library Director and Library Assistant.
Responsibilities
Youth Services programing
- Under the direction of the Library Director, plans and implements engaging programs for youth and families that encourage reading, literacy skills, and general library use.
- Gathers materials and prepares coordinating activities for youth programs, craft kits, and other drop-in library programs.
- Makes recommendations for special guests, speakers, and ongoing youth programs to the library director.
- Makes recommendations for youth collection development to the library director.
- Maintains accurate records of youth program offerings and participation.
Customer Service
- Handles phone calls and patron requests at the circulation desk.
- Assists patrons in finding library materials and other library services.
- Assists with copy, fax, and laminating.
- Enforces the library’s Patron Responsibilities and Conduct policy as necessary.
Circulation
- Circulates library materials using software for the Northern Waters Library Network integrated library system (ILS) consortium.
- Registers patrons for new library cards and renews existing cards as necessary.
- Shelves library materials.
Local History
- Assists with scanning local history materials, creating metadata, and organizing physical local history collections.
General Library tasks
- Handles payments for library fines, fees, and services such as copying and faxing.
- Creates displays of library materials to encourage patron browsing.
- Performs basic cleaning and maintenance duties.
- Organizes supplies, storage areas, and library equipment.
- Performs shelf reading to keep library materials organized.
- Opens and/or closes the library.
- Other duties as assigned.
Upholding library policies
- Provides a safe and welcoming environment for all patrons.
- Follows all library confidentiality policies and appropriate state statutes.
- Follows accepted library practice for intellectual freedom and the freedom to read for all patrons.
- Provides professional service to all library patrons regardless of religious, racial, social, economic, or political status; mental, emotional, or physical condition; age; gender; or sexual orientation.
Qualifications and skills
- Customer service experience, with an emphasis on working with children and families of various developmental levels
- Storytelling skills and an ability to give instruction to children and families
- Attention to detail and an ability to complete work with a high level of accuracy and professionalism
- Proficient with technology including desktop computer applications and Microsoft Office
- Knowledge of basic office procedures and experience in library work are a plus
Working conditions
- Work is generally performed inside the library. Some duties may require work outside on the library grounds.
- Regularly scheduled hours including weekend and evening hours
- Equipment Used: Computer workstations, audiovisual equipment, book trucks, calculator, copy machine, fax machine, printer, telephone/TDD
Physical requirements
- Ability to move throughout the library; reach, bend, and twist; lift and carry objects 30 pounds or less; push or pull carts weighing 50 pounds or less; and assist patrons with building evacuation in case of an emergency
- Ability to communicate with other staff, library patrons, and community members in verbal and written form and using the telephone and digital communication methods
- Ability to follow written and oral instructions accurately
- Ability to perform basic mathematical computations accurately; type accurately; work cooperatively with others; and provide positive customer service
- In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Mercer Public Library will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.