Part-time Library Assistant

 

  • Library: Norway Memorial Library
  • Town: Norway
  • Library Type: Public
  • Position Type: Non-MLS
  • Deadline: Open until filled (first posted March 20, 2023)

Description, How to Apply, and Contact: 

The Norway Memorial Library is seeking a friendly individual with excellent customer service skills to help patrons and visitors and aid in the day-to-day running of the library. Work will be divided between the library’s information and circulation desks and is public-facing. This position is for 15-20 hours a week. Wednesday evenings and Saturdays are required. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The ideal candidate will have: 

  • a patient, friendly personality necessary for helping and working with library users and visitors of all ages and diverse backgrounds 
  • clear communication skills, ability to work with other staff members and the public congenially and respectfully
  • a high level of computer skills (regularly using Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Publisher; email, Sierra (library’s integrated library system-ILS), Minerva & MaineCat (online library) catalogs, and superior searching skills- effective searches using a search engine  
  • the ability to prioritize, multi-task, and work efficiently and independently
  • a commitment to learning and following library policies and procedures
  • superior organizational skills and attention to detail 
  • interest in reading and familiarity with e-books and mobile devices is an advantage
  • excellent phone etiquette and written and in-person oral communication skills; commitment to following the library’s style sheet for grammar
  • willingness to take online webinars using the Maine State Library’s online Voluntary Public Library Certification 
  • High School Diploma or equivalent is required, but a college degree is preferred

Information desk role:

  • Welcoming/greeting all who enter the library 
  • Patron support, including aid with using library print and digital resources, locating library materials within the library or through inter-library loan
  • Using a variety of computer-based tasks and various systems, including the Minerva and MaineCat, Sierra library system (ILS), Microsoft Office, Zoom, etc.
  • Providing Readers Advisory assistance
  • Learning and following best practices of a reference interview to provide unbiased, quality information that meets the searcher’s need 
  • Providing tech assistance to the public, for whom expertise and comfort level varies greatly (an innate desire to help others is helpful as many of our patrons ask for assistance with using laptops & desktops, mobile devices, and scanner/copy machine, etc.) 
  • Sending and receiving faxes
  • Handling money: payments for photocopies, prints, and faxes, keeping accurate records, and reconciling petty cash weekly
  • Keeping statistical records of information desk use and activity
  • Aiding with diverse library projects as required, for example, processing library materials in preparation to lend
  • Assist with administrative tasks with the director and other members of staff

Circulation: 

  • Welcoming/greeting all who enter the library 
  • Carrying out all circulation duties, including checking items in and out, registering new cardholders, and renewing established library card registrations
  • Handling money: receiving payments and making change; accurate record keeping
  • Processing incoming and outgoing inter-library loans 
  • Keeping statistics of desk and library activity
  • Lifting and moving totes of books (up to 35 lbs.), and bagged books delivered in the totes
  • Unloading materials return boxes from locations inside and outside the building,
  • Processing bills for long overdue, lost, missing, or damaged items
  • Communicating by phone and email about problems with materials borrowed from or loaned to other libraries
  • Communicating with patrons about inter-library loan availability, library events, and information 

Other requirements include:

  • Bending, reaching, retrieving, and replacing books kept on high and low shelves
  • Working at both seated and standing workstations and moving between the two frequently 
  • Clear boundaries to ensure offering equitable, professional, accurate, and efficient service
  • Working Wednesday evenings and Saturdays 

Compensation:

Salary: $15.25 per hour, paid time off including prorated pay for ten observed holidays using an earned time system 

Submit a letter telling of your interest in this position and your resume to Norway Memorial Library director, Beth Kane by an email sent to: nordir@norwaymemoriallibrary.org