Salary: $23.02 - $24.89 Hourly
Location : Grand Rapids, MI
Job Type: Part-time
Job Number: 937-0624
Department: Library
Opening Date: 06/04/2024
Closing Date: 6/25/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Nature of Work
This part-time position supports the Grand Rapids History Center by providing reference information, guidance, and assistance to GRPL patrons. The main function of this position is direct public service, and involves helping patrons access library resources in-person, over the phone, and via email.
This particular position has an emphasis on working with specialized resources related to local history, archives, and genealogy. Applicants should be able to demonstrate experience working in one of these areas. The position requires the ability to organize complex materials and information, and a proficiency with digital technology.
This position is regularly scheduled to work at the with the following schedule:
Monday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Tuesday: 5:00 - 9:00 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Alternating Friday/Saturday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Occasionally required:
Sunday: 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Examples of work:

• Provides engaging, professional public service to library patrons in-person, over the phone, and via email; assists with public workstation and printer use; assists patrons with periodical, book, and database searches and other reference sources; assists with reader's advisory; assists with interlibrary loan; assists with books-on-hold service
• Process and arrange archival material and create finding aids in archival software
• Creates and edits metadata for digital content according to established standards
• Provides instruction and/or presents to patrons in groups or individually; assists with planning and implementation of programs and services
• Assists staff with research, reporting, projects, and idea generation; may proofread and edit reports or other library materials
• Creates and maintains book displays and exhibits
• Represents GRPL at community events and outreach opportunities
• Develops bibliographies, pathfinders, and finding aids in support of Readers' Advisory and reference services
• Collects, compiles, and reports statistics related to library resources and programs
• Maintains records, correspondence, inventories, and other general office functions
• 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 in different departments and branches as necessary
• Performs other tasks of a similar nature as assigned

Minimum Training and Experience

• High school diploma or a GED is required; a college degree is preferred.
• Previous public library experience is preferred; background in history, genealogy, museum, and/or archival work preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish is preferred.

Other Necessary Qualifications

• Ability to
  • Provide professional, friendly service to library staff and patrons; ability to make independent, reliable decisions related to customer service functions
  • Assist and instruct patrons around hardware and software issues as they relate to library resources and public workstations
  • Solve research problems and provide reader's advisory service; knowledge of community, books, and authors; knowledge of digital resources, reading devices and platforms; ability to learn and apply modern library methods and techniques and to acquire familiarity with the GRPL system and services offered
  • Communicate professionally with diverse groups both verbally and in writing
  • Establish and maintain working relationships with other staff and the general public; ability to work collaboratively
  • Work without close supervision
  • Understand systems and maintain an organized and effective work process; flexibility to adapt to changes as processes are updated
  • Maintain library records and prepare reports
  • Work with supervisor and process feedback regarding job performance
  • Work 20-24 hours per week; ability to work evenings and weekends

Other Information

Please note the following:

• A cover letter is required
  • Please attach a cover letter in pdf format that describes your interest in the position, your interest in working at GRPL, and how these might tie in with personal or professional goals
• 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

Please visit the for a list of other open positions at 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 |
GRPL proudly promotes diversity and inclusion in employment, and strives to maintain a workplace culture where respect and positive recognition of differences are cultivated.
Grand Rapids Public Library provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination of any type without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, height, weight, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. GRPL will make reasonable accommodations for employees and job applicants with disabilities.
This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, transfer, training, promotion, discipline, termination, leaves of absence, compensation, and benefits, as well as work-related events and activities.
GRPL | Part-time Employee Benefit Summary

• Employer sponsored HealthiestYou by teledoc Healthcare
• Paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • Floating holidays
  • Vacation
  • Sick leave
  • Personal time
  • Bereavement leave
  • Parental leave
  • Jury duty leave

Retirement

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Plan

01

Are you currently employed by GRPL?

• Yes
• No

02

Have you ever been employed at GRPL?

• Yes
• No

03

List all relatives employed at GRPL (enter "None" if you do not have any relatives working at GRPL).
04

This position has the following regular schedule:Monday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pmTuesday: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pmThursday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pmAlternating Friday/Saturday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pmAre you able to work these hours?

• Yes
• No

05

In addition to the regularly scheduled hours, this position occasionally works on rotating Sunday afternoons between Labor Day and Memorial Day when the Main Library is open. This currently works out to around 7 Sundays per year. Are you able to work some Sundays?

• Yes
• No

06

This position may occasionally require you to work a shift at a different branch location. Would you be able to accommodate this requirement?

• Yes
• No

07

What is your highest level of education?

• High school diploma/GED
• Some college
• Technical/vocational education or training
• Associates degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree
• PhD or Doctorate

08

Are you verbally fluent in Spanish?

• Yes
• No

09

How many years of genealogy, local history, archival, and/or land research experience do you have?

• Less than 1 year
• 1-3 years
• Greater than 3 years

10

Do you have at least 1 year of work experience providing service to culturally and economically diverse populations in an urban setting?

• Yes
• No

11

What word best describes you?
12

What are your preferred pronouns?
13

I have attached a cover letter to my application.

• Yes
• No

Required Question