What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Branch Librarian position at Kent District Library?
Under the general direction of branch management, performs a variety of services in support of patron service. Specific duties will vary in variety and volume depending on location. Key Responsibilities:
- Serves the public by checking in and out library materials, collecting money for lost and damaged materials, issues new/replacement library cards, registers new patrons and processes name and address changes.
- Responsible for collection maintenance duties: sorts and shelves library materials; empties book-drop(s); shelf-reading; shifts materials; cleans, dusts, and inspects library materials for damage; discards and repairs library materials.
- Ensures circulation policies and procedures are followed for the proper handling of customer and material records for an accurate library database. This includes data entry of late, lost, damaged, and claims returned items, and patron information including necessary notes.
- Sorts, packs, unpacks, and inspects library materials received from or being delivered to other libraries.
- Provides reference and information services to library patrons. Duties include, but are not limited to: receiving and answering of questions regarding collections, library services and policies; interpreting patron needs.
- Assists patrons in their search for library materials; provides materials advisory and reference interview services as needed by utilizing ILS, print sources, KDL electronic databases and online tools with proficiency.
- Effectively facilitates access to KDL's digital collection by providing demonstrations of and assistance with multiple format eReader devises and applications.
- Delivers directional information to the public. Refers advance reference requests to Branch Librarians.
- Provides information to customers regarding the Library's circulation policies, procedures and refers issues.
- Counts, balances, and records monies received through the point of sale. Forwards reconciled funds and paperwork to the Finance Department.
- Provides assistance to patrons and staff in the use of library equipment and machines (e.g., copier, printer, on-line catalog, word processing, etc.); performs routine maintenance and corrects minor malfunctions of library equipment, such as refilling paper and toner and assisting with paper jams.
- Performs other clerical tasks upon request, including materials order entry, supply ordering, word processing, filing, checking in new periodicals, etc.
- Sorts and distributes U.S. and inter-office mail.
- Provides training and guidance to less experienced staff and may serve as a team leader on group assignments.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Previous work experience in a library or retail setting preferred.
- Basic clerical skills including computer and telephone skills.
- Knowledge of popular culture and various genres of material in the library collection.
- Basic mathematical skills necessary for routine calculations.
- Working knowledge and understanding of KDL policies and procedures.
- Ability to work with general supervision and adhere to established policies and procedures.
- Interpersonal and communication skills for interaction with staff and customers in a highly effective and courteous manner. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
- Skills necessary to effectively provide leadership and guidance to less experienced circulation staff.
- Visual acuity necessary to retrieve library materials from shelves or storage areas.
- Physical ability to push/pull fully loaded book carts, retrieve or place materials above shoulder or below knee level, and lift/carry materials weighing up to 40 pounds.
- Hearing ability to answer telephone and customer inquiries.
- Manual dexterity, visual acuity and sufficient keyboarding/PC skills to effectively access information on the computer.
- Ability to operate a variety of equipment including computer, cash register, fax and copy machine.
- Ability to travel between work locations and related places of business as needed.
- Generally will work within a normal office environment, with minimal discomfort due to extreme temperatures, dust, and noise.
- Requires occasional travel between KDL locations, and may include out of county travel for meetings and conferences.
- The schedule associated with this role is: Mondays 8:45 am to 2:45 pm; Tuesdays 2:15 pm to 8:15 pm; Wednesdays 2:15 pm - 8:15 pm; Thursdays 8:45 am - 2:45 pm. The person in this position works every 3rd Saturday with Monday 8:45 am to 12:45 pm and Thursday off for Saturday hours.
- Frequent sitting/standing in one position for extended periods of time.
