Part-time Library Aide

POSITION:                 Library Aide               DEPARTMENT:         Library

SUPERVISOR:          Library Director        CLASSIFICATION:   Hourly/Non-Exempt

PAY: Starting $15.55/hour

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

The primary responsibility of this position is to provide customer service at the Library’s service desks. While covering a service desk, also responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the assigned service area (Audiovisual, Circulation, Children’s, or Adult Departments) including other staff, patrons, the building, furnishing, and library materials. Assist patrons with use of the online public access catalog and other public-access computers, answer directional and reference questions in person and on the telephone, checks in and out library materials, shelves library materials, and straightens book shelves. As time permits, Library Aides also works on duties or projects as assigned by the Library Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Covers assigned service desk, as scheduled.
2. Checks out library materials to patrons.
3. Checks in returned library materials. Follows up on missing items.
4. Re-sensitizes library materials and sorts on cart for shelving.
5. Shelves fiction, periodicals, and audiovisual materials as needed. Generally does not shelve non-fiction materials because it would take Library Aide too far away from the service desk.
6. Straightens library shelves. Maintains shelf order by reading the shelves to make sure materials are in correct order. Shifts materials from one shelf to another as necessary.
7. Assists patrons applying for library cards by explaining how to fill out the registration form and about the library’s policies. Processes new library cards.
8. Computes and collects fines and fees. Issues refunds.
9. Renews library materials.
10. Explains to patrons how to reserve library materials, searches for reserved items, and phones or mails notes to patrons about the availability of reserved materials.
11. Answers reference questions as able, or refers patrons to other library staff or to the La Crosse Public Library’s reference desk.
12. Explains to patrons how to fill out interlibrary loan request forms and assists patrons as needed.
13. Provides day to day direction and assistance to the Library Pages working in same assigned area, as needed. Refers any problems with Library Pages to the Library Director.
14. Opens up in the morning and locks up at closing time. Checks on the Library Pages’ safety; never leaves before Library Pages.
15. Fills in for vacationing staff as necessary.
16. Covers for other staff lunches as necessary.
17. Attend classes, conferences, and workshops as approved and/or assigned by the Library Director.
18. Performs other duties and projects as assigned by the Library Director.
19. The City of Tomah has adapted rules and regulations established for the safety of its employees in the performance of their jobs.  It is the responsibility of every employee of the City of Tomah to follow safety rules and regulations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITITES:

1. Ability to project cheerfulness and kindness to patrons and staff.
2. Ability to work cooperatively with all staff members.
3. Ability to communicate clearly with patrons and staff.
4. Ability to create and maintain effective public relations.
5. Knowledge of library methods and practices, as well as willingness to keep up with new library methods and practices.
6. Ability to understand library policies and procedures and apply them to library operations.
7. Ability to use computer software and hardware and other library technology, as well as a willingness to keep with new and evolving library technology.
8. Keyboarding and filing ability.
9. Working knowledge of English grammar and spelling.
10. Ability to continually evaluate and improve personal work skills, knowledge, and abilities through active participation in appropriate learning experiences.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Sitting, standing, walking, climbing, stooping, and repetitive movements.
2. Bending, twisting, and reaching.
3. Talking and hearing: use of the telephone.
4. Far vision at 20 feet or further; near vision at 20 inches or less.
5. Lifting and carrying; 50 pounds or less.
6. Handling: processing, picking up and shelving books.
7. Fingering: typing, writing, filing, sorting, shelving, and processing.
8. Pushing and pulling: objects weighing up to 80 pounds on wheels.
9. Mobility: travel to meetings and training events outside the library.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Communication Skills: effectively communicate ideas and information both in written and oral form.
2. Reading Ability: effectively read and understand information contained in memoranda, reports, and bulletins.
3. Ability to Comprehend and Follow Instructions: effectively follow instructions from supervisor, verbally and in written forms.
4. Mathematical Ability: calculate basic arithmetic problems (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) without the aid of a calculator.
5. Time Management: set priorities in order to meet assignment deadlines.
6. Decision-Making: effectively evaluate or make independent decisions based upon experience, knowledge or training, without direct supervision.
7. Conflict Resolution: calmly, respectfully, and effectively communicate with patrons and staff to resolve conflicts; use good judgment to seek additional assistance if needed to resolve conflicts.

ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. 1. Inside work environment, with possible occasional outside or off-site work such as for special programming and outreach activities.
   2. Schedule: 20 hours per week, when the Library is open (including evenings & weekends).

EQUIPMENT USED:

Computers (including stand-alone PCs, networked PCs, and network server PC), printers, digital cameras, scanner, typewriter, calculator, copy machine, fax machine, CD-ROM equipment, telephone, cash register, printing equipment, cameras, audio and video recording equipment, projectors, cassette players, VCRs and televisions, projection TV systems, other types of audiovisual equipment that are acquired by the Library, and building security systems.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

1. High school diploma or GED required.
2. Keyboarding and general office experience.
3. One or more years of library experience or its equivalent in relevant business experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Sitting, standing, walking, climbing, stooping, and repetitive movements.
2. Bending, twisting, and reaching.
3. Talking and hearing: use of the telephone.
4. Far vision at 20 feet or further; near vision at 20 inches or less.
5. Lifting and carrying; 50 pounds or less.
6. Handling: processing, picking up and shelving books.
7. Fingering: typing, writing, filing, sorting, shelving, and processing.
8. Pushing and pulling: objects weighing up to 80 pounds on wheels.
9. Mobility: travel to meetings and training events outside the library.

PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS:

Each employee must be committed to the goals of the department/city and communicate to the public the highest level of service, fair treatment, and ethical behavior.  Employees shall actively employ diligent care of department/city equipment and resources.  Employees must further a personal commitment to physically and mentally maintain the highest level of professional appearance and actions reflecting skill and enthusiasm in all assignments and duties. Employees must provide to the public a trust in the department by always being honest, fair, diligent, and courteous.