The Porter County Public Library System is seeking a customer service and hospitality focused candidate to fill a Library Assistant (G4 or G5) position within our five branch system. The ideal candidate enjoys working with the public, is comfortable with technology, and has great attention to detail. The primary focus of this position will be marketing and outreach efforts throughout the community.

Location:

Valparaiso, with regular travel among the branches and to events throughout Porter County.

The library assistant (G4) must satisfy all the following responsibilities:

• Participate in and represent the library at community engagement events.
• Conduct programming under supervision, or conduct pre-planned programs.
• Assist with team member training.
• Resolve standard or escalated support requests or information services queries.
• Promote library services, while observing brand and style guidelines, through any appropriate and assigned channels, such as press releases, social media, or more advanced displays such as booth or float design, etc.

The library assistant (G5) must satisfy all the above and the following responsibilities:

• Plan and coordinate in-house or off-site library programs that are audience-appropriate and meet service goals.
• Liaise with vendors, partners, & third parties as directed or assigned by a supervisor.

Basic Responsibilities

• Greet patrons as they arrive and depart from the library.
• Assist patrons and answer general questions with professionalism.
• Assist in maintaining discipline and good order in the library.
• Assist with the physical security of the library and its equipment.
• Perform basic tasks in custodial maintenance of all facilities and grounds as necessary.
• Manage the inventory, stock, and organization of equipment and supplies.
• Carry out administrative duties such as filing, typing, copying, scanning, sorting, etc.
• Learn and use software & technology to effectively carry out job functions.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Basic Library Functions

• Perform collection maintenance such as shelving, shifting, shelf reading, and merchandising.
• Use the integrated library system (ILS) proficiently to perform all patron-facing and circulation functions.
• Assist patrons, answer information requests, and help locate materials.
• Assist patrons in using and accessing library technology services.
• Provide information services through reference, reader's advisory, or by resolving routine or simple tickets or support requests.
• Promote library services, while observing brand and style guidelines, through any appropriate and assigned channels, such as visual merchandising, displays, word-of-mouth promotion, graphics, etc.

Title: Library Assistant

Supervisor: Programming Coordinator

Hours: PT

OT Exempt: Non-Exempt

Grade: 1

PERF: None

Certification: LC5 may be required

Education: High school or equivalent

Experience: Customer service preferred

Physical Tasks & Work Environment

• Lift and move up to 20 lbs and push or pull at least 100 lbs on wheels.
• Engage in extensive bending, stooping, pulling, reaching, kneeling, and crouching.
• Stand on a stool to shelve books overhead.
• Communicate effectively.
• Operate technology equipment.
• Use hands and fingers to handle books, paper, and technology with manual dexterity.
• Engage in repetitive tasks.
• Tolerate exposure to dust, dirt, adhesives, toner, and chemicals.
• Complete work onsite at any of our branch locations as needed.
• Willing and able to work evenings and weekends

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Indiana Public Librarian Certification, or the ability to obtain it, is required only for staff members designated by the administration as professional library staff.
• Able to work with people of all ages.
• Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail.
• Willing and able to learn computer skills, applications, and devices relevant to the position.