Library Assistant (Part-time)

Library Assistant (Part-Time)

The Sioux City Public Library seeks a Library Assistant (part-time) (20 hours per week) in our Reference & Reader Services Department who possesses exceptional customer service and communication skills, a positive attitude, and strong organizational abilities. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, conscientious, and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Strong critical thinking and technical skills are essential for staffing the Library's public service desks. Duties include helping adults and children use the Library and its resources, answering reference questions, providing one-on-one tech consultations, helping patrons find their next read, evaluating resources for inclusion in the Library's collections, developing engaging book lists and displays, and contributing to the Library's website and social media presence. The work schedule varies week to week based on the needs of the Library and includes daytime, evening, and weekend hours.

If you're friendly, approachable, and love helping people discover new books and ideas, this might just be the perfect role for you. Come join us at the Library!

Employees must live within 30 miles of Sioux City (including parts of Nebraska and South Dakota).

Duties

• Staffs the public service desks.
• Assists patrons in person and via telephone or the internet with general use of the Library, answers reference and technology questions and makes suggestions using various reference tools and resources.
• Conducts specific research in response to requests for information.
• Assists patrons in the use of everyday technology and devices.
• Checks materials in and out.
• Creates content for the Library's social media platforms.
• Assists with the planning and delivery of various outreach programs.
• Plans, promotes, and conducts programs for the public.
• Assists with collection development, reviews materials, and makes recommendations for additions and deletions for the collection.
• Maintains specialized files for public and professional use.
• Shelves books and reviews shelves for proper order and identifies lost and misplaced materials.
• Makes presentations to groups and conducts Library tours.
• Organizes and prepares books and materials for use in the book van.
• Prepares Library newsletters, booklists, guides, pathfinders, etc.
• Prepares and maintains professional communication with individuals and organizations concerning Library business and services.
• Gathers and maintains records and data for use in preparing reports regarding Library activities.
• Responds to citizens' questions and concerns in a courteous and timely manner.
• Follows and enforces all Library policies to help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for patrons.
• Performs other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the position as assigned by management.
• Expected to temporarily perform duties outside of normal classification in the event of a declared emergency. In the event that an employee is excused from work other than being sick, they will be required to report to work in a state of declared emergency.

Qualifications

Cognitive Demands, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to apply current library technology and automated services in selecting appropriate materials, resources and services to assist patrons; ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in serving the general public; ability to maintain records and reports regarding Library usage and services; adjusting actions in relation to others' actions; using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems; understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents; ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences; ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

Job Knowledge: Requires a thorough knowledge of Library policies and practices; a broad range of reference, general technology, and readers' advisory materials and services; general clerical methods and procedures Knowledge of basic business math and computer applications, public relations and the ability to use the English language effectively; knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services; knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as work processing, managing files and records, designing forms and workplace terminology.

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication: Requires effective communication skills and the ability to provide technical assistance and direction to other employees and Library patrons; requires the ability to speak clearly, distinctly and effectively with patrons and fellow employees; read in English and compare similarities and differences between words and series of numbers; communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience; apply common sense understanding to the work process, procedures, programs and services; and follow verbal and written instructions. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working rapport with fellow employees, patrons, and City officials.

Physical Requirements: Requires ability to reach and handle a variety of paper documents using fingers and hands; precise use of fingers in typing and entering data using a standard keyboard. Occasionally lifts and carries objects and documents weighing up to 30 lbs. and may push or pull objects up to 30 lbs. Requires clarity of vision at 20" or less, numerical/clerical/form perception and discrimination, visual and sound perception, manual dexterity and motor coordination of eyes, hands, and fingers at a normal speed in handling various sized objects.

Work Environment: Work is normally performed in a general inside office environment with appropriate heating and cooling and is not subject to significant occupational or environmental hazards other than those normally associated with general public contact. Some occasional exposure to extreme weather conditions is involved.

Minimum Required Qualifications

Employee must possess a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in any field of study and at least one year of public service experience in any profession; or High School Diploma or GED and at least three (3) years of clerical experience working in an office setting and two (2) years of experience working in a public library performing reference or circulation duties with customer service responsibilities; or Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Applicants must include a resume and cover letter with job application to be considered.