Circulation Assistant
Description

Do you like to ask your friends and relatives what they are watching or reading? Do you like to keep things neat and orderly? We have the job for you at the library! We are currently looking to fill an open position in our Circulation department. The Circulation Assistant’s main duties are to issue library cards, check items out to patrons in a courteous and efficient manner, check items in with an eye for detail, and make sure items get back out to the shelves quickly and accurately. The 4-hour desk shifts require frequent lifting and barcode scanning of materials, bending and stooping to retrieve items from the drops, and pushing carts full of materials. Use of a computer is also required, so a basic comfort level with internet applications is a must.


Part-Time: $16 per hour with some paid time off and sick time included.


Hours: Average of 16 hours per week over the course of a month. May include afternoon, evening and weekend shifts.


Detailed Duties:

  • Accurately checks materials in and out and inspects materials for damage or missing parts.
  • Issues patron library cards, contacts home libraries when entering reciprocal cards into database, and maintains patron records in the computer.
  • Maintains a level of confidentiality in regards to patron accounts, following the department’s procedures when accessing or relaying information to patrons or other staff.
  • Distributes and maintains the holds shelf (items on hold for patrons for pick-up at the desk or through the drive-up window.)
  • Accurately conveys any account issues to patrons; processes payments for fees applied to a patrons account for lost or damaged items or for other library uses.
  • Engages in a friendly and professional manner with patrons of all ages.
  • Routes materials to the proper department or library.
  • Empties book bins, which can require bending more than 45 degrees to retrieve items from the bottom of the bin.
  • Inspects and cleans print and audiovisual materials, counts kits and other multi-piece items to ensure the return is complete.
  • Refers damaged or incomplete items to the Circulation Associates.
  • Answers phone or chat in a courteous manner and directs calls appropriately.
  • Accurately shelves library materials as assigned.
  • Assists Circulation Manager in projects and duties as assigned.
  • Regularly attends department meetings.
  • Works in cooperation with other staff in providing positive patron experiences.


Organizational Relationships:

  • Reports to the Circulation Manager and Circulation Associate who is acting as Person in Charge.
  • Works closely with other Circulation Assistants
  • Responds to direction from other library managers and/or the Key librarian.



Requirements
  • Display an outgoing, friendly personality and ability to communicate well with patrons and co-workers.
  • Possess an eye for detail and be able to consistently follow directions with multiple steps.
  • Have at least a high school degree or equivalent.
  • Be comfortable using a computer and barcode scanner, including the ability to use library software and specific internet programs required for the job.
  • Be able to easily interrupt one task with another in order to accommodate patrons during busy and slow times.
  • Have a positive attitude and be willing to learn.


Physical Requirements:

All following duties are repetitive and may continue for as long as 1 hour at a time during a regular 4-hour shift:

  • Standing, bending, stooping and twisting to retrieve and place objects from place to place.
  • Grasping using the entire hand and arm strength to carry & place objects.
  • Reaching above shoulder to place, shift, and retrieve materials on high shelves.
  • Light lifting and carrying: raising and/or moving objects between 5-25 pounds.
  • Pushing/pulling a cart on wheels weighing as much as 100 pounds.
  • Repetitive motion of hands, arms, legs, and torso.
  • Fingering: picking, pinching, grasping, typing or otherwise working with fingers in addition to the whole hand – throughout the entire 4-hour shift.
  • Visual requirement: able to detect color coding of materials and read a computer screen.
  • Communication requirement: Fluent in English, both written and oral. Able to speak and be heard and hear the speech of various patrons and co-workers in person and over the phone.


Salary Description
$16 per hour