Circulation Desk Assistant (Part-time, 25.75 hours per week)

Do you enjoy a job that has a mix of public interaction and task-oriented work We are hiring a part-time Desk Assistant with excellent customer service skills and a keen eye for detail to join our Circulation team. In this role you will assist library users at our checkout desk and handle various workroom activities such as checking in sorting and shelving material ensuring material is moved smoothly throughout the library and readily available for our patrons to enjoy.

SCHEDULE:(approximate average of 25.75 hours per week)

• Monday Wednesday and Friday9am-5pm
• One weekend every four weeks:
  • Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 11am-5pm

SALARY:$16.62 per hour

BENEFITS:Paid time off (vacation sick holiday and birthday) participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension plan 457 retirement savings plan as well dental life and pet insurance.

PURPOSE

Under the direct supervision of the designated supervisor (Circulation Department Head Circulation Assistant Department Head or Circulation Supervisor) the Circulation Desk Assistant is responsible for staffing the public desk performing tasks related to the handling of library materials and other various clerical duties. This position is expected to handle all aspects of patron services related to the department within a team atmosphere.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

This position comprises of the following essential duties:

1. Materials Handling (approx. 50%)
2. Public Service (approx. 35%)

Other non-essential job duties may include special projects and other departmental tasks.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Materials Handling

1. Checks in sorts arranges print and non-print materials to make ready for reshelving including loading and arranging carts
2. Inspects and cleans materials
3. Shelves books and other materials in appropriate places
4. Maintains shelves by straightening shifting and organizing materials as assigned
5. Reads shelves to ensure correct order of materials
6. Retrieves materials used by patrons in the Library and keeps a tally of total materials picked up sorted & re-shelved
7. Checks in in-house materials in ILS as assigned
8. Prepares reports and compiles statistics as assigned
9. Contacts patrons regarding lost damaged and overdue materials as needed
10. Runs reports and participates in specialized tasks as assigned

Public Service

1. Applies MPPL-values-based customer service
2. Assists patrons at the public desk on the telephone and via e-mail with account inquiries.
3. Monitors the behavior and conduct of Library patrons to ensure an atmosphere conducive to the use of the department and library resources for all patrons
4. Assists patrons at public service desk with all circulation functions
5. Answers patron questions on circulation related problems
6. Registers patrons for new library cards; updates library card records as needed
7. Adds reciprocal patron library cards to the database
8. Collects money for fees and issues refunds as required
   

Special Projects

1. Assists with training staff when assigned
2. Participates in special projects when assigned
   

Other

1. Attends appropriate meetings workshops and seminars
2. Serves on committees as assigned
3. Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma (or equivalent work experience) required.
• Experience working in a public setting is desirable.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITY

Knowledge & Ability

• Ability to carry library materials weighing up to 20 lbs
• Ability to move book carts loaded with materials weighing up to 300 lbs
• Ability to alphabetize correctly and to understand numerical arrangement utilizing the decimal point
• Ability to stand for varied lengths of time from 2 - 6 hours
• Ability to operate a two-way radio and telephone
• Ability to read library material spines and labels to comprehend and put in correct order
• Ability to handle and process cash and/or cash register
• Knowledge in the use of the Integrated Library System
• Knowledge of library policies and procedures
• Ability to access input and retrieve data from the computer
  

Behavioral Skills

1. Attention to Detail. Able to follow detailed procedures and ensure accuracy in documentation and data; concentrate on routine work details and organize and maintain a system of records.
2. Communication. Able to clearly present information through the spoken or written word; read and interpret complex information; talk with customers or clients; listen well.
3. Customer Focus. Able to demonstrate a high level of service delivery; do what is necessary to ensure internal and external customer satisfaction; deal with service failures and prioritize customer needs.
4. Decision Making & Problem Solving. Able to take action in solving problems while exhibiting judgment and a realistic understanding of issues; able to use reason even when dealing with emotional topics; review facts and weigh options.
5. Flexibility. Able to remain open-minded and change opinions on the basis of new information; perform a wide variety of tasks and change focus quickly as demands change; manage transitions effectively from task to task; adapt to varying customer needs.
6. Policies Process & Procedures. Able to act in accordance with established guidelines; follow standard procedures in crisis situations; communicate and enforce organizational policies and procedures; recognize and constructively conform to unwritten rules or practices.
7. Supporting Diversity Equity and Inclusion. Able to adapt behavior to others styles; interact effectively with people who have different values cultures or backgrounds; optimize the benefits of having a diverse inclusive and equitable workforce.
8. Teamwork. Able to share due credit with coworkers; display enthusiasm and promote a friendly group working environment; work closely with other departments as necessary; support group decisions and solicit opinions from coworkers; display team spirit.
9. Tolerance of Ambiguity. Able to withhold actions or speech in the absence of information; deal with unresolved situations frequent change delays or unexpected events.