What are the responsibilities and job description for the Library Assistant - FT position at Hartford Public Library?
The Library Assistant performs customer service assistance in person, by phone, and via email, and provides
instruction on the use of library facilities, equipment, and technology. Duties include using electronic library
systems to perform clerical services, including circulation of library materials, updating records, and
communication with patrons and library staff; performing stacks and materials maintenance; and assisting
with other library projects. This position requires a great deal of public contact, excellent customer service
skills, demonstrated patience and empathy, and an ability to keep abreast of library events, services, and
procedures.
Greeting and Customer Service
- Greets and welcomes customers, in person and on the phone; answers customer inquiries via email
- Addresses inquiries and connect customers to the correct service or staff person
- Responds to questions and complaints related to library use and/or refers customers to supervisor for
- Uses traditional library resources including the library website, library catalogue, booklists, ready
reference resources, etc., to answer routine, quick reference, and straightforward customer inquiries
including, but not limited to:
o Basic readers’ advisory (ex. specific book titles, authors/titles in a specific genre, popular teen
books, etc.)
o General/ready reference (ex. telephone numbers, addresses/maps, definitions, general
information on a subject matter, community resources, etc.)
Technical Assistance
- Use electronic library systems to perform clerical services, including circulation of library materials,
- Assists customers in using the online catalog, Internet, library databases, website, and other electronic
- Assists customers in use of printers, fax/scan machines, and other commonly accessible technology
Processing of Customer Accounts and Circulation of Materials
- Assists customers in borrowing, renewal and returning books and other materials
- Processes library card applications; updates customer accounts
- Assists customers in applying for a library card
- Processes and routes deliveries of interlibrary loan materials
- Collects payment for services, damaged or lost books and materials, and applies payments according to
procedure
• Sorts and shelves books and other materials
- Inspects books and other materials for damage
- Prepares new library materials
- Helps maintain material displays
• Performs direct services to customers (Municipal ID, notary public, or passport services)
- Engages customers, with a focus on listening to and supporting their needs, anticipating and delivering
high quality services, ensuring their satisfaction and connecting them to the collection and library
services and programming
- Assists with ongoing or temporary projects (ILS records maintenance, stacks signage, security guard
Other duties as assigned.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrative of the various types of work that may be performed.
The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar
or a logical assignment to the position.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- One year of customer service experience
Preferred
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Experience working with diverse populations
What we offer employees:
Hartford Public Library offers robust benefits you won’t find at other nonprofit organizations through a unique
partnership with the City of Hartford. This includes:
- MERF Pension Plan with employer contribution
- Health Care, Dental, Pharmacy benefits
- Life Insurance
- Long Term Disability Insurance
- Mental health support through the Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Paid professional development, continuing education and staff engagement opportunities
- Commitment to, and active plan of, diversity, equity, and inclusion work including implementation of the staff-
led DEI Road Map
What we offer the community:
The Hartford Public Library is a national leader in redefining urban public libraries in the 21st century as innovative,
stimulating and engaging spaces where people can learn and discover, explore their passions and find a rich array of
resources that contribute to a full life. We are an integral part of the Hartford community and offer programs for all our
citizens. With 7 locations and robust outreach services, we are here for Hartford. Our programs include:
- The American Place, which offers a variety of free services to welcome immigrants and refugees including
- Digital Library Lab
- Hartford History Center
- HPL Studios
- YOUmedia teen spaces
- Baby Grand Jazz, a free series of Jazz performances open to everyone
- Summer Learning
- Leap into Learning
- Early Literacy
- Adult education classes and support
- Career Certification, GED
- Technology training and digital literacy
- Library of Things
- Robust print, electronic, audio and video collections · And so much more!
To Apply: Please email resume and cover letter to hpljobs@hplct.org and reference FT Library Assistant in the
subject line of your email.
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Hartford Public Library strongly recommend sand encourages
all newly hired employees to receive vaccinations. Vaccinations have proven to be an effective measure in
preventing the spread of the virus and protecting individuals from severe illness. We are committed to
safeguarding our workplace and community. While COVID-19 vaccinations are recommended, they are not
required at this time.
Appointment Rate: $40,757.60 annually
Hartford Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Salary : $40,758