Part-Time Library Assistant 1 (Sundays) - Bala Cynwyd Library (2 Positions)

Position 1: Circulation Department – Every Sunday, September through June, 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Position 2: Junior Room - One Sunday a month, September through June: 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

This is responsible library clerical work involving circulation duties, public assistance and program presentations.

Work involves responsibility for providing services to library patrons at the circulation and/or children’s departments. Duties include circulation, reference, reader’s advisory services, general programming, presenting weekly story times and accurately completing tasks and projects as assigned by department heads. This position requires considerable knowledge of library services and actively promotes and educates the public on available services. The work requires that the employee have good knowledge, skill and ability to work with the public.  

Works under the general supervision of the Head of Circulation, Children’s Librarian, and/or Head Librarian.

Assists in the operation of the circulation and children’s departments.  Uses library computer system to register and update borrower information, checks materials in and out, process overdue materials and reserves, and collects fines involving cash handling.

Answers telephone inquiries.

Provides information and direction to patrons, assists patrons in locating books and other materials. Demonstrates the use of the computerized catalog, electronic databases available on the Lower Merion Library System (LMLS) website and reader’s advisory. Assists with use of copiers, computers, and with e-materials available to patrons through streaming and downloading on various devices.

Shelves books and audio visual materials.

Promotes use of online resources as well as technology services offered in the library such as use of Chromebooks, chargers and wireless printing.  Assists with technology troubleshooting and demonstration.

Maintains library technology equipment.

Assists with checking professional journals for holdings.

Conducts outreach for the library.

Assists with public relations such as social media (e.g., Facebook, LibCal, Canva), newsletters, creating flyers and other tasks as assigned.

Processes new and donated materials as well as repair of materials as needed including entering information in the library database.

Assists in developing and presenting programs, story time and classes.

Assists with opening and closing the building.

Supervises student workers and/or pages.

Assists with processing new materials, unloading and sorting interlibrary deliveries and emptying book and audiovisual return drops.

Works in other library departments as needed.

Performs various projects and other tasks assigned by supervisor/Head Librarian.

High school graduate or equivalent, some college desired.

Library experience desired.

Knowledge of adult, young adult, and children’s literature desired.

Experience in computer operation including Apple products, Chromebooks, and Microsoft Office particularly Word and Excel required.

Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.

Customer service experience desired.

Ability to assist both adults and children courteously and efficiently.

Experience with and interest in programming and community engagement desired.

Experience with and interest in public relations, graphic design and creative use of social media and Constant Contact desired.

Ability to perform basic arithmetic computations.

Ability to successfully pass and maintain the following background checks: (1) Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check, (2) Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Certification, and (3) FBI Criminal Background Check through the Department of Human Services.

Ability to view a computer screen for up to 80% of workday.

Ability to sit for a minimum of up to 2 hours and must be mobile for a minimum of 2 to 4 hours a workday. 

Ability to bend, stoop, squat, reach above shoulder level, kneel, lift, push and pull up to 35% of the workday for shelving books and other library procedures.

Ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds up to 68% of the workday for shelving books and for moving library materials. 

Ability to use both the right and left hand for firm grasping, repetitive actions and fine manipulation.

Salary : $28