Youth Services Assistant

Library Assistant

Handley Regional Library seeks enthusiastic individuals who have a passion to promote literacy through creative programming for youth and displays. Nights and weekends required.

Hours per week: 23

Rate of Pay: $15.00/hr

Fair Labor Standards Act: Non-exempt

Benefits: Prorated holiday pay, vacation and sick leave

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of a Youth Services Manager, performs responsible paraprofessional work by assisting patrons in the use of the Library and its resources, by developing and maintaining collections, and by developing library programs and services. Assists with departmental operations on a daily basis to ensure that all resources are managed as effectively as possible.

Major Duties

• Provides direct service to library patrons by answering reference questions and providing readers advisory service.
• Instructs library users in the use of physical and e-library materials, and computer resources and equipment. Appropriately refers patrons to resources in other Library departments and beyond the Library's collection.
• Promotes the Library's collections and services through outreach efforts programs, displays and other avenues.
• Helps maintain a clean, safe and welcoming environment for children and their caregivers. Upholds Patron Behavior Guidelines and the Safe Library Policy as they relate to keeping children safe in the library.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Controls

Work is performed under the regular supervision of Youth Services Manager. The supervisor indicates specific responsibilities, gives special assignments, establishes and/or reviews priorities, and monitors progress in meeting goals and objectives. Work is reviewed on-the-job, through regular conferences and annual performance evaluations.

Guidelines

Policies and procedures of the Handley Regional Library, the Library's Mission Statement and Five-Year Plan, and the Dewey Decimal Classification System. Policies and guidelines of the Library of Virginia and the American Library Association.

Complexity

Work is routine to complex in nature; position requires ability to work independently to accomplish tasks. Work demands special sensitivity to the interests and needs of children and young adults.

Scope and Effect

This is a responsible paraprofessional position that supports the quality and effectiveness of the collections, programs, and services offered by the Youth Services Department.

Personal Contacts

Contacts are with library users (children, young adults, parents, care givers and teachers) to provide service and assistance. Contact with co-workers involves sharing information and assisting in library responsibilities.

Physical Demands

Requires the ability to traverse the Youth Services area several times each day; the ability to carry 25-pound boxes of books, climb a step ladder to reach materials, move furniture and equipment, push book trucks, and frequently stoop and bend.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a public library setting during regular business hours, including evenings and weekends.

Requirements

Knowledge of library principles, methods, materials and practices desired; knowledge of reader interest and needs desired; general knowledge of children and young adult books and authors desired; basic knowledge of classification and cataloging of library materials desired; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with co-workers and library patrons, especially children expected; ability to use computer technology required; ability to work independently required; ability to develop creative displays preferred; ability to learn routine procedures with attention to detail desired.

Education, Training and Experience

Two years of college required, Bachelor's degree and previous library experience or equivalent education and experience preferred. Experience with technology including cloud-based software required.