Library Assistant, Heritage Room (HE-03)

Overview

• Status: Part-time, hourly; non-exempt; without benefits
• Hours: Up to 15 hours per week; evening and weekend hours are required
• Salary: $16 per hour
• Application Deadline: Open until filled

Bilingual Skills (English-Spanish) are preferred, though not required.

Purpose and Scope

Athens Regional Library System is committed to our Vision: Engaging Communities and Exceeding Expectations, which we achieve through the everyday practice of our organizational values. It is through our values we provide an atmosphere and work environment that is inclusive, supportive of our community, respectful, committed to excellence and welcoming.

Athens Regional Library system has an immediate opening at the Athens-Clarke County Library for a part-time Heritage Room Library Assistant. The System will hire an experienced, responsible, creative, and enthusiastic individual who embraces and thrives in an active, fast-paced, culturally diverse environment. The person in this position staffs the public service desk in the Heritage Room, providing genealogy and local history assistance to library patrons. This position requires knowledge of reference interview techniques and basic genealogy reference resources, familiarity with archival principles, and excellent communication and public service skills. This position reports to the Archives & Special Collections Coordinator.

Minimum Training and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree or college experience preferred. Experience working or using archival or genealogical resources preferred. At least one year of experience working with the general public required; library experience preferred. A combination of education, training, and experience that provides requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position may also be considered.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following are normal, but not exclusive or all-inclusive, expectations for this job. Other duties of a similar nature or level may be required as assigned and job assignments may change in the future, including night and weekend work assignments.

• Provides basic assistance in genealogy research, using locally available databases, books, and other resources.
• Provides instruction to patrons on the use of genealogy databases and resources offered by the library.
• Participates in the planning and development of library book displays, exhibits, reader’s advisory guides, pathfinders, resource lists, and finding aids.
• Assist library patrons of all ages with computer activities, including catalog, database, internet searching, scanning, and printing.
• Support daily library operations by organizing and re-shelving materials, straightening book shelves and reading room areas, creating signs and department decorations, and performing general office duties.
• Provides access to the library’s manuscript materials and institutional archives.
• Upholds all library policies, including the Code of Ethics as stated in the Personnel Policy.
• Meets System expectation to participate in at least two approved off-site outreach programs each year.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of genealogy sources, including books, indexes, microforms, databases, original records, websites, and serials.
• Knowledge of digitization and scanning technologies and ability to use digital scanning equipment.
• Knowledge of library technology services and ability to learn new technologies in a timely manner.
• Knowledge of PINES library catalog and library subscription databases, especially related to genealogy.
• Knowledge of customer service principles and skill in providing excellent customer service to patrons and co-workers.
• Public relations skills to ensure that all patron transactions are conducted in an efficient, positive, and professional manner, with every effort made to satisfy requests while upholding library policies.
• Knowledge of all normal and emergency library building procedures.
• Ability to answer questions and explain procedures and policies.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and make independent and critical decisions using established practices and procedures.
• Ability to suggest, use, and demonstrate library subscription databases and other online services to patrons.
• Ability to use, understand, and assist patrons with computer applications.
• Ability to work with people with tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Personal computer proficiency with Office computer software.
• Ability to maintain regular, predictable, and punctual attendance.
• Physical demand requirements are at levels of Medium Work.

Athens Regional Library System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the library may provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees to discuss potential necessary accommodations. The library is a drug-free workplace and may require drug testing according to established policy. Hiring is contingent upon verification of identity; United States employment eligibility authorization through E-Verify will be required. Georgia is an open records state. Due to the volume of applications, applicants may not receive a reply from the library unless the applicant is selected for an interview.

Submit completed online ARLS job application including a resume and cover letter describing your qualifications for this position.