Library Assistant II

Nature of Work

This part-time, 20-hour-per-week position involves paraprofessional library work providing reference information and guidance to GRPL patrons with an overall emphasis on providing excellent customer service. The majority of time will be spent at a public service desk assisting patrons with reference questions and providing directions to materials. Work is performed under the general supervision of a librarian and may involve coordinating the work of other library employees and volunteers. Other functions include assisting librarians with collection development, programming, presentation of programs, and creating displays.

This particular position has an emphasis on working in a general, adult services capacity. It is first and foremost a frontline, customer service position. In addition to the examples of work outlined below, applicants will need to enjoy engaging with the public to provide reference and technical support. This role has a heavy emphasis on reader’s advisory and in sparking interest in library services in general, both verbally and in writing. Applicants should be comfortable training and making presentations and are asked to submit a book review along with their resume and cover letter
(see “Other Information” below)
.

The start date for this position is July 17.

This position is located at the
Main Library
.

The base work schedule for this position is:

Tue, 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Wed, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Thu, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

This schedule works alternating Fridays and Saturdays:

Fri, 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Sat, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Examples of work:

• Provides direct service to library patrons including walk-in, telephone, and electronic interactions; assists patrons with periodical, book, and database searches on computer and through inter-library loan; provides books-on-hold service; uses other basic reference tools.
• Develops bibliographies, pathfinders, and finding aids in support of Readers’ Advisory and reference services.
• Provides instruction to patrons in groups or individually.
• Maintains the inventory of all library holdings and updates the inventory as needed.
• Maintains statistics for branches and special programs.
• Creates and maintains book displays; participates in programming efforts; visits schools and other agencies; and speaks to groups about library materials.
• Maintains records, correspondence, inventories and other general office functions.
• Conducts copy cataloging of new materials; ensures accuracy of call numbers; indexes authors.
• Recommends and evaluates reference books; maintains inventories; checks bibliographies against holdings, processes old and used books; may recommend purchase of books for library system.
• May be assigned to assist at different branches as necessary.

Minimum Training and Experience

Bachelor’s degree or any equivalent combination of training and experience.

Previous experience in a public library is desirable, and the ability to work with staff at all levels within the library is required.

Other Necessary Qualifications

• Ability to work 20 hours per week.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Knowledge of modern library methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of GRPL system and services offered.
• Knowledge of community, books, and authors.
• Ability to operate computer terminals for reference service.
• Ability to maintain library records and prepare reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public, to solve research problems, and provide Readers’ Advisory service.
• Requires a solid understanding of electronic reading devices and platforms as well as the capability of effectively assisting patrons with basic computer issues and teaching computer classes.
• Requires impeccable time-management and multitasking skills along with clerical and computer skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate in Spanish is preferred.
• The employee must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time in the performance of the duties associated with this position. Lifting objects weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance is also required. The ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer is essential to this position.

This position is based at the Main Library, but may be required to fill in at other locations throughout the system on an as needed basis.

Other Information

This position is open to the general public.

Please note the following:

• Please include a cover letter and resume in pdf format with your application.
• In addition, include a short, 300-word book review on a title of your choice targeted to a general adult audience reading on our blog. The goal of the review is to generate interest in the title you are reviewing that will encourage patrons to visit and check out the book. The review should balance personality and professionalism, and otherwise demonstrate your capacity to write smart, engaging, and fun material while motivating the reader to want to check out the book.
• All communication regarding this position will be done via email. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email address is up-to-date on your account profile.
• If you are submitting an application that was used for job openings in the past, please make sure your information is current before submitting for this or other opportunities.

Visit the
library’s jobs page
for more information about this position or Grand Rapids Public Library.

All inquiries related to this posting should be directed to:

Grand Rapids Public Library

111 Library St NE

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

616-988-5400

jobs@grpl.org
(Please apply using this application process; do not email resume to this address)