LIBRARY ASSISTANT II – Public Services Library Programs Assistant

Job Description

Typical Responsibilities of Position

Under the direction of the Children’s Librarian, plans, prepares, and implements programs for children, young adults, and adults. Supports outreach programming; may collaborate with local schools and organizations for Library involvement in local events. Supports daily library operations at the circulation/reference desk.

Essential Functions: Library Programs Assistant

1. Under the direction of the Youth Librarian, plans, organizes and implements library programs for all ages. Participates in the long-range planning of programming goals and in the development of special programs, such as Summer Reading.
2. Networks with library contacts who conduct programming; networks and collaborates with community contacts to promote library services and conduct outreach programming.
3. Assists in marketing and creation of promotional materials for programming.
4. Promotes library resources by creating special interest displays. Promotes library resources to patrons, local organizations, and special interest groups through special programs and community engagement.
5. Updates program and room scheduling applications.
6. May assist in the directing of work of persons in support staff positions.

General Essential Library Assistant Functions:

1. Performs circulation desk procedures such as checking materials in and out, answering phones, registering patrons, collecting fines, emptying book drop, etc.
2. Answers directional questions, assists patron with ready-reference questions, readers’ advisory, bibliographic instruction, and database searching when possible, and placing interlibrary loan requests, or refers patron to librarian or library director.
3. Assists patrons with various library equipment (public computers, printers, OPAC, microfilm machine, etc.).
4. Conducts bibliographic and database searches, updates item records.
5. May help with the maintenance of library materials and/or equipment.
6. Assists with library programs and displays.
7. Performs light housekeeping.
8. Performs opening and/or closing library procedures.
9. Shelves library material and reads shelves when library page is not available.
10. Performs other related work as assigned.

Required Knowledge and Abilities of the Position

Ability to work with people of all ages. Comfortable speaking in front of people and leading a group. Ability to plan and execute programs for different ages. Ability to locate supplies that are within budget. Ability to locate and generate ideas for programming through online searches and networking opportunities, etc.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team; ability to interact with diverse populations; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public; ability to communicate effectively in person, over the telephone, in writing, and online. Ability to organize and prioritize work.

General knowledge of library procedures, methods, practices, equipment, and techniques; general knowledge and interest in books; general knowledge of library circulation functions; basic knowledge of office procedures and records maintenance.

General knowledge of common technology; ability to do basic internet searches; ability and interest in learning new computer software and technology. Ability to use computers, telephone, copiers, microfilm reader and other library equipment.

Ability to understand library policies and procedures and apply them to library operations; ability to perform work requiring considerable detail; ability to make basic mathematical computations using numbers, fractions, and decimals; ability to respond to varied/changing work demands and make decisions; ability to understand and follow copyright requirements; ability to read, understand, apply, and communicate information contained in memoranda, reports and bulletins, etc.

Environmental/Working Conditions: 

This work is mostly indoor, though occasionally work may be outdoors (e.g., during special programming or events); work schedules include daytime and evening hours and weekends (weekends on a rotating basis); work schedule may occasionally fluctuate depending on programming needs. Work is in a moderately noisy location (business office, light traffic, etc.).

Physical Demands of the Position

1. Ability to work in confined spaces.
2. Ability to bend, twist, and reach high and low.
3. Good distance vision at 20 feet or further and near vision at 20 inches or less.
4. Ability to use wrists, hands, and fingers for long periods to do following activities: Keyboarding, writing, filing, sorting, shelving, and processing.
5. Ability to handle materials for processing, picking up, and shelving.
6. Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds or less; ability to push and pull a full book cart.
7. Ability to sit, stand, walk, climb, stoop, kneel and crouch.
8. Speaking and hearing abilities in order to hear and speak to patrons in person and over the telephone.
9. Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
10. Ability to visually inspect and analyze both computer images as well as physical objects in order to answer patron reference questions.

Equipment Used

Equipment used include the following: Audiovisual equipment, book truck, calculator, cash drawer, computer workstation, copy/fax machine, microfilm reader/printer, OPAC terminal, printers, cameras, cell phones, tablets, telephone, smartphones, cameras, and other devices.

Required Education and Experience: 

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with the public.
• Must have a valid Wisconsin driver’s license.
• Experience using computers, smart phones, and other devices.
• Experience using word-processing software and a familiarity with computer software suites (Microsoft Office Suite and/or Google Suite).

Desired Education and Experience: 

• An associate’s/technical degree or equivalent, as demonstrated by prior work experience or documented accomplishments.
• Experience planning events and/or programs or equivalent transferrable experience; solid customer service skills.
• Library experience.
• Extensive experience using Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and Google products.
• Experience using library products such as Libby, Hoopla, databases, etc.

Mandatory Requirements:   

1. Background check
2. Drug test