Library Associate

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Title of the position:

Library Associate

Department:

Youth Services

Status:

Part-time Non-Exempt – 19 hours per week

Schedule:

Day, evening, and weekend hours. Schedules will be adjusted in response to changing operational needs

Benefits:

Not Eligible

Salary: $16.22

Reports to:

Youth Services Manager

Supervisory Responsibility:

None

Position Summary:

The Library Associate assists patrons with routine service including locating materials, processing material requests, and assisting with computer usage. The Library Associate also creates bibliographies, leads programming, and maintains assigned collection area.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements are typical of an office environment and include sitting, standing, bending, walking, reaching, pushing/ pulling carts weighing over 100 lbs., lifting items weighing up to 25 lbs. and looking at a computer screen for long periods.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree or an Associate’s Degree combined with two years of relevant experience; or a combination of education and experience equivalent to these requirements
• A valid driver’s license

Competencies:

The individual must understand the Library’s mission, goals and objectives; follow the Library’s policies and procedures. In order to perform the job successfully, an individual in this position must demonstrate the following competencies.

1. Accurate/Efficient work performance: The individual performs job functions in an accurate and efficient manner; produces an appropriate quantity of work; follows detailed procedures and ensures accuracy in data and documentation; has a strong attention to details, (without getting bogged down in unnecessary detail); makes sound judgments and timely decisions; is able to manage multiple projects; demonstrates strong ability to plan work and carry out tasks with minimal instructions; demonstrates ability to determine project urgency in a practical way; gathers information and bases decisions on fact rather than emotion; communicates openly and appropriately with immediate supervisor and chain-of-command.

2. Good communication skills: The individual writes and speaks clearly and effectively; demonstrates openness and honesty; listens well during meetings and feedback sessions; states own opinions clearly and concisely; is willing to listen to the opinions and feedback of others; asks questions to ensure understanding; uses consideration and tact when offering opinions; informs supervisor/chain-of-command of problems in a timely manner.

3. Reliability and Dependability: The individual can be counted on to complete work in a timely and consistent manner; keeps commitments; is regularly present and punctual; arrives prepared for work; is committed to doing the best job possible; follows policies and procedures.

4. Cooperation and Teamwork: The individual treats all people with kindness and respect; values diverse perspectives; works harmoniously with others; responds positively to instructions; works well with management, co-workers, and patrons of the Library; is open minded and is willing to change his/her opinions on the basis of new information; refrains from activity that disrupts the workplace, affects productivity, disparages others, or harms the reputation of others or the Library.

5. Committed to Safety: The individual takes personal responsibility for safety; understands, encourages and carries out safety measures at all times; uses equipment and materials properly; maintains a neat and orderly work environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

It is the responsibility of every employee of the Tuscaloosa Public Library (TPL) to perform duties that are necessary to ensure that the Library operates in a professional, efficient, and effective manner at all times. The list below is an outline of the primary duties to be performed in this position; however, the list is not all-inclusive and should not be perceived as such. Employees are expected to perform all duties as assigned by their supervisor or chain-of-command (or his/her designee).

Primary Duties:

• Assists patrons with routine service including selecting and locating materials, processing material requests, and creating bibliographies
• Assists in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs
• Creates and maintains displays
• Assist patrons with computer usage, reader’s advisory, and catalog searches
• Maintains assigned area of collection including shelving, shelf reading, shifting, and weeding
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrates strong customer service skills in interactions with patrons and coworkers
• Communicates professionally, courteously, and effectively
• Operates library equipment such as computers, copiers, bar code scanner, book carts, and postage processing equipment, vehicles, and telephone in an appropriate, respectful, efficient manner
• Works on special projects as assigned