Job Details

A Library Assistant connects people and ideas by providing welcoming, knowledgeable library services to the community. They enjoy varied activities, from public-facing engagement (customer service, instruction, promotion) to behind-the-scenes efficiency and production (processing, event management,troubleshooting, creating). Whether in the library, at an outreach location or in a virtual setting, they greet everyone with a smile and proactively offer to assist, share information and collaborate with others in pursuit of library goals. They embrace learning, change, technology, and innovationeagerly, and they are passionate about fueling a well-informed and engaged community.

Key Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Strives to do the right thing, exercises good judgment and demonstrates high ethical standards

Promotes the vision and values of the County and Library

Actively pursues and maintains respectful and effective working relationships with coworkers, citizens and community partners

Embraces constant learning and actively pursues professional development opportunities

Provides a proactive, friendly, welcoming experience to all patrons in person or by phone, text, email, video or chat

Enthusiastically promotes the library's resources, services, and events

Enforces the Patron Behavior Policy to facilitate a welcoming experience for all patrons

Provides prompt, detailed, and accurate circulation services

Helps patrons use the online catalog to full advantage

Uses the integrated library system to manage patron and item records and transactions

Empties bookdrops and delivers materials curbside

Ensures expedited and accurate placement of library materials

Continually verifies and resolves condition of materials

Helps patrons submit purchase requests and alerts appropriate staff to collection needs

Fills, refills, and/or plans engaging materials displays

Helps patrons access and use the library's digital resources on personal and library devices

Assists patrons using technology and equipment, including email, printing, copying, faxing, internet searches, Office software, online forms, mobile devices, and more

Maintains accurate and transparent records of financial transactions

Processes?meeting space reservation requests?and proctors tests

Offers personalized suggestions for books, movies, music, and more in all formats

Provides basic research assistance?and instructs patrons in information literacy skills, including finding and evaluating reliable, relevant and timely information

Makes knowledgeable and relevant referrals to community resources

Participates in outreach activities at various community locations

Participates in programming for all ages, including supporting, planning and/or presenting in both in-person and virtual formats, as required

Takes on one or more significant responsibilities at a systemwide or multi-branch level, such as processing materials, leading a systemwide team, managing specific technology or programs, implementing or overseeing projects or initiatives, etc., as required

Maintains tidy appearance of library facility and materials, including cleaning as required

Fills shifts at other branches, as required

Opens/closes branch facility, as required

Attends workshops or training as required

Serves on community boards or library/consortium committees as assigned

Performs other related duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

High school diploma or GED required. Any combination of education, training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree (for full-time position) or Associate's degree (for part-time position) from an accredited college or university, or ALA Library Support Staff Certification highly preferred

Two (2) years working in a customer service or teaching position

Experience working in a library, bookstore or educational institution preferred

Experience working in retail or other hectic, public-focused customer service environments preferred

Demonstrated ability to actively and positively engage with people of all demographics, backgrounds and walks of life

Demonstrated superior customer service skills

Demonstrated history of continuous learning, improvement and innovation

Able to resolve problems, complaints and conflicts tactfully and professionally

Able to function well in a noisy, chaotic environment as well as in a quiet environment

Adaptable to performing both creative and routine tasks as needed

Demonstrated history of working effectively with others in a team

Able to learn new skills and concepts quickly and to resolve problems independently

Demonstrated intermediate technology skills, including devices, software, and online resources

Has working knowledge of Windows operating system and Microsoft Office365 suite

Demonstrated history of learning new technology quickly and independently

Able to learn and develop proficiency using library software and digital resources

Able to follow detailed directions and instructions given verbally or in writing

Has excellent written and verbal communication skills

Able to maintain a high level of speed and accuracy with all tasks and records

Demonstrated history of attention to detail and of strong organizational skills

Demonstrated ability to maintain calm demeanor in stressful situations

Demonstrated record of reliable work attendance and punctuality

Demonstrated good driving record

Able to read maps and follow written and verbal geographic directions

Able to work independently with little or no supervision

Able to evaluate weather conditions and recommend delivery service cancelation or rescheduling as needed

Bilingual (English and Spanish) skills preferred

Touch typing skills preferred

Physical Demands/Special Work Environment:

Sit and/or stand for long periods of time

Focus for long periods of time, including at computer terminals

Speak clearly and distinctly

Hear and comprehend audible notifications and verbal communication

Visual acuity to perform activities such as: driving; reading road signs; writing; preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading

Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers

Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.

Exerting up to?50 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body

Push book carts weighing over 100 pounds and lift boxes weighing up to 50 pounds.

Bend, stoop and kneel to access low shelves and raise arms, lift or stand on stools or ladders to access high shelves.

Able to move with energy to interact with and accompany library staff and patrons and to handle emergencies anywhere on library grounds.

Able to carry, shift, access, move, and otherwise handle large numbers of library materials, including heavy books, for extended periods of time.

Able to move about inside the office to attend meetings; access files, library materials and office machines; and to interact with library patrons both inside and outside the building.

Reports to: Branch Manager

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Botetourt County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.