POSITION TITLE: Library Assistant I

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is seeking an Library Assistant I to join the Downtown Huntsville Public Library's Information and Business Center. The selected candidate will be responsible for assisting library patrons to utilize the library's resources and services. The ideal candidate will be well-organized, experienced in customer service, and passionate about libraries and creating an engaging and welcoming space for members of the community to create their own future, explore the universe of ideas, and connect with our community and the world.

LIBRARY LOCATION:

Downtown Huntsville Branch Library

Information & Business Center

915 Monroe Street

Huntsville, AL 35801

Open to the Public:

Monday - Thursday 9 AM to 8 PM

Friday - Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM

Sunday 1 PM to 5 PM

HOURS AND COMPENSATION: This is a part-time, 20 hour a week position with a rate of pay of $14.75 an hour. Schedule will include two nights a week and two weekends a month (Saturday and Sunday hours). Scheduling flexibility is required.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Responsible for assisting other staff members and patrons with basic circulation tasks, answering questions, and providing information to patrons. Responsible for supervising operations and personnel of a branch or department in the absence of a manager. This position is classified as Non-exempt for the purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Work involves responsibility for routine circulation tasks, shelf maintenance, and clerical functions using the Library’s library management software system. Duties include checking books in and out on behalf of patrons, performing basic patron record maintenance, shelving library materials, and answering general patron inquiries. May be responsible for providing direction and oversight to other staff members. May be designated manager on duty for a branch or department in the absence of a branch or department manager.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the direction of the branch or department manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: May be responsible for issuing instructions to department or location staff. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Acts as a team member in fulfilling the Library’s Mission Statement: “This is the public’s library. We empower individuals to create their own futures, explore the universe of ideas, and connect with our community and the world.”

Answers informational and directional questions from patrons both in-person and by telephone; refers questions and inquiries to the appropriate staff member or department as needed.

Use automated library systems for transaction relating to library materials, managing patron accounts including recording fines paid, locating materials, and performing additional procedures as needed.

Assist with planning, scheduling, promotion, and implementation of programming for patrons of all ages on a regular or seasonal basis as assigned.

Responsible for shelving materials, shelf reading, weeding projects, and regular inventory as assigned.

Operates a variety of standard office and library equipment.

Regularly empties materials drop boxes as assigned; assists in the delivery of materials to patrons utilizing curbside services as assigned.

Handles complaints in line with library policies and procedures; refers complex complaints to management and/or other departments as needed.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Requires standing, walking, reaching, climbing, stooping, and lifting/carrying items generally not exceeding 40 pounds. Must possess the vision required to read printed materials and a computer screen. Must possess the ability to hear and speak both in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Generally involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of office environments. Involves regular contact with the general public. May interact with upset staff and/or members of the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of basic computer skills; knowledge of basic math skills; ability to operate computer and library systems including telephone, tablets, and various devices; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions including posted schedules; ability to work both independently and as a member of a team; ability to analyze and solve major problems; competence in oral and written communications; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, associates, corporate representatives, officials of other agencies, and the general public; ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

High school diploma from a school accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or GED certificate issued by the appropriate state agency plus one (1) or more years additional experience in a library or customer service based role; or any combination of education, training, and experience which provides a demonstrated potential for performing the above listed duties of the position is required.

This job description is not nor is it intended to be a complete state of all duties, functions, and responsibilities that comprise this position. Employees may be expected to perform additional duties that may not be reflected in this description.

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.