Library Associate

Job Title

Perform responsible para-professional work and simple professional work planning and implementing programs and services of the Children's Services Division of the Public Library.

Compensation Range

$20.40 - $26.13

Please note: This job opening may close earlier than the stated date, due to high candidate volume. If interested, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Job Description

Work involves bringing children and their parents and teachers together with books and information through reference work, programs, etc.; does related work as required. Work is performed under regular supervision, but requires a high degree of personal accountability, motivation, communication, and record keeping.

Essential Tasks & Responsibilities

• Demonstrates a positive attitude and supports library goals and objectives.
• Maintains current knowledge of organizational procedures, processes, policies and operations.
• Provides outstanding internal and external customer service in accordance with library policy and in a manner to enhance the reputation of the library as a public service organization.
• Performs general reference and reader's advisory work, searches for information upon request using automated system, the Internet and other informational tools and assists in locating needed books and materials;
• Assists the division with the collection through checking in and out materials, straightens books, CDs, DVDs, LOTs, and checks each assigned shelve locations to assure it is in proper classification sequence (shelf reading).
• Assists in maintenance of the collection through repairing, cleaning, discarding where necessary, and weeding materials based on condition or at managers' request.
• Assists the division with signature events like Spring Egg Hunt, Trunk or Treat, Summer Jubilee, Holiday Stroll and others.
• Assists in supervision of Junior Friends and other children volunteers for summer reading, programs, events, and meetings
• Prepares flyers digitally and in print for promoting programs, literacy, libraries, and seasonal changes.
• Assists in ordering and receiving supplies and equipment necessary for programs;
• Represents the library at community events and in community organizations;
• Plans and conducts active and passive programs at the library, including special programs holiday programs, story times, puppet shows, flannels boards, crafts, tours, book clubs, reading contests, and others;
• Proficient in Microsoft and Google suites for record keeping and statistics. Assists in collecting library statistics and surveys.
• Acts as public relations representative to the community for public schools, private schools, homeschool groups, childcare providers, businesses, other city entities etc.;

  tours, teacher packs, field trips, online resources, and representing the library at community events.

• Collaborates with other library and city departments to achieve the Library's mission and values. Including encouraging lifelong learning and library use.
• Creates displays for promoting programs, literacy, libraries, and seasonal changes
• Assists in creating reading lists for grade level, genre, BOB.
• Maintains positive working relationship with partner institutions.
• Pursues professional development including staff meetings, workshops, webinars, and conferences as budget allows. Pursues professional development and growth to stay current with technology and library trends.
• Available to work on rotating evenings and weekends and during our summer reading program.
• Assists in special projects at managers requests
• Collaborates with other divisions to achieve the Library's mission and values.
• Ensures that all work is performed in accordance with OSHA and City Safety Standards and Policies.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Formal education
• Bachelor's degree required. Liberal arts preferred.
• Extensive experience in the use of computers, Microsoft Office products, and graphic design (Canva or Photoshop preferred)
• Must upload a Cover Letter and Resume with Application.
• Must be an avid reader and familiar with writers and popular reading genres, and able to discuss both books and movies with customers.
• Must be comfortable speaking in front of people and preparing presentations, which may include curriculum and basic lesson plans.
• Must be comfortable leading programs in person or through virtual programming.
• Must be able to learn and teach the use of electronic library resources and use our computerized circulation system.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends, and holidays.
• Customer Service/Retail experience required, Public Library experience desirable.
• Must be able to relate to and communicate effectively with the public, other employees, and supervisors to maintain a positive customer service and work environment.
• Must have good listening skills.
• Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.
• Must have a valid, appropriate driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina.
• On-the-job training: approximately six weeks.

Physical Requirements

Hearing/Speaking - Expressing and/or receiving information by means of spoken word are both necessary to communicate with people in person and over the telephone, due to regular contact with the public and co-workers.

Visual Abilities – the ability to perceive via eyesight is required for this position:

• Acuity, far – Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more. Both eyes 20/25 – R 20/30 – L20/30 corrected.
• Acuity, near – Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Both eyes 20/25 corrected.
• Depth Perception – Three-dimensional vision. Ability to judge distance and space relationships so as to see objects where and as they are. Depth perception – 4
• Field of Vision – Area that can be seen up and down or to right or left while eyes are fixed on a given point.
• Accommodation – Adjustment of lens of eye to bring an object into sharp focus. This item is especially important when doing near-point work at varying distances from eye. Must be able to adjust lens of eye so worker can perform more than one task at the same time using both hands.
• All five aspects are judged to be important in carrying out the essential functions of this job.

Physical Strength – degree of physical demands typically associated with this position include:

• Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to carry and/or move books and non-print materials. Work usually requires walking, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, pushing carts of materials or containers, and climbing to a significant degree, however, the worker does sit on occasion. Must be able to climb a small ladder to set up freestanding or bulletin board displays.

Type of Physical Demands

• Reaching, Handling, and Fingering: (Reaching – Extending the hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction, but normally to the front or side.) (Handling – Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hand or hands (fingering not involved). (Fingering – Picking, pinching, or otherwise working with fingers primarily (rather than the whole hand or arm as in handling). For example, employee must reach to answer telephone, work with computer equipment, etc. Handles books, materials, cards, various forms, documents, files, pencils, pens, etc. requiring use of hands and fingers.

Mental Activity/Requirements

Reasoning

• Ability to apply principles of logical thinking to perform tasks and reply to requests made by supervisors, other employees, or members of the general public, to comprehend and

• respond to a variety of situations in an expedient manner. Must interpret information and relate to library customers so good judgment is essential.

Mathematics Ability

• Using arithmetic: Ability to use arithmetic to the extent used in locating print and non-print materials and recording monthly statistics. Must be able to collect statistics and prepare them in report form.

Language Ability

• Read: Must read for enjoyment and have knowledge of popular authors and titles. Also needs to be able to read books, manuals, instructions, directions, print and non-print materials, reference information, periodicals,