Reference Assistant

JOB POSTING

REFERENCE ASSISTANT

HOURS:          Part time

                        Non-Exempt, 20 hours per week

Mondays 3pm-9pm Wednesdays 9am-1pm Thursdays 5pm-9pm Sundays 11am-5pm

STARTING       $17.31 - $18.31/hour

WAGE AND     Pro-rated vacation and sick time, holiday pay when holiday falls on scheduled day

BENEFITS:       Continuing education opportunities

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

We are seeking an enthusiastic Reference Assistant to provide reference and readers advisory service to patrons of all ages. The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to public service.

OUR LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY:        

Plymouth District Library is located in busy downtown Plymouth, MI, midway between Detroit and Ann Arbor. We serve the Plymouth Community which is comprised of 36,650 residents living in the City of Plymouth and the Charter Township of Plymouth, as well as the patrons of 75 Detroit-area libraries through a reciprocal borrowing agreement facilitated by The Library Network.

The library serves as a significant community hub and maintains strong partnerships with local and regional community groups, governments, schools, businesses, and cultural organizations. Plymouth’s rich history has included the library for nearly 100 years. Strong community support has resulted in a dedicated perpetual millage, a robust Friends organization, and more than 100 adult volunteers. Pre- pandemic, over a 1,000 visitors a day used the library to participate in programs, use our meeting and study rooms, borrow materials, use technology, and connect with others.

The library contributes significantly to the high quality of life available in the Plymouth community. Our sense of community is created by beautiful neighborhoods, spacious parks, robust sport, education system, cultural and arts organizations, and dedicated community service organizations. Our vibrant, walkable downtown is full of unique shops, restaurants, entertainment and recreational options, all surrounding Kellogg Park as the centerpiece and host of year-round events. The library is just steps from all of this in our central downtown location and plays an active role in community events.

Plymouth District Library is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to represent and reflect our community in all that we do. Plymouth District Library does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status.

JOB DESCRIPTION

REFERENCE ASSISTANT

JOB SUMMARY:

Reference Assistants provide service to the public at the youth, readers advisory, and reference desks. They may also carry out ongoing or special projects to support collection management and programs. Schedules include evening and weekend hours, including Sundays.

JOB DUTIES:

• Provides all library users with assistance in reference, readers advisory, and information literacy
• Technology skills on a variety of information delivery platforms, such as chat, text, email, phone, fax, mobile devices, social media, content management systems, audio, and video
• Assist patrons using online library catalog, e-resources such as e-book and streaming platforms and research databases, public access computers, copiers, and print management system
• Strong online searching and information evaluation skills
• May assist librarians in special projects in collection management or promotion, such as creating displays
• Participate in programs and special events as assigned
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and committees

• Demonstrate respect and support of diversity and inclusion of cultural values, and continually develop cultural awareness and understanding of self and others

• Performs other tasks as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Combination of education and experience, including Bachelor’s degree or two or more years of related experience/training
• One to two years’ experience providing direct customer service
• General computer skills such as word processing and Internet searching
• Ability to communicate effectively by phone, computer, and in person
• Familiarity with library services and resources preferred
• Enthusiasm for learning and adapting to new ideas and technologies
• Interpersonal and judgmental skills necessary to work effectively with library staff and patrons in a busy environment

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from patrons, managers, and coworkers

• Must work effectively with adults, teens, and youth, and be enthusiastic about library services for all ages
• Flexibility in scheduling required; this position requires evenings and weekends throughout the year, including Sundays.

Applications are accepted until position is filled.

Salary : $17 - $18