Job Details

Substitute Circulation Assistant, Kingston Public Library (Kingston)

Hourly position under the Wage and Personnel Bylaw

Non Benefits Eligible
At least 2 hires

SCHEDULE: Flexibility is required. Shifts may consist of morning, afternoon, evening, or Saturday hours. Minimum of a four hour shift. Shifts may be on call or scheduled to cover regular staff’s absences.

Definition:
Performs paraprofessional library science and technology services relating to the daily and long-term operations of the Kingston Public Library; all other related work as required.

Supervision:
Works under the general supervision of the Library Director. Supervised by the Children’s Librarian or Circulation Supervisor when working in those departments.
Performs a variety of well-defined functions in accordance with established procedures, requiring judgment and initiative in completing department functions and in dealing with library patrons.

Job Environment:
Work is performed under typical library conditions; may be required to work evening and/or weekend hours.
Operates computers and other standard office and library equipment.
Makes constant contact with the general public, requiring knowledge of library services as well as courtesy and discretion in providing assistance.
Errors could result in financial losses, lower standards of library service, and adverse public relations.

Essential Functions:
(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

May do any of the following, depending on the needs of the Library:

Circulation functions
Charges and discharges books and materials at the circulation desk; registers new patrons; answers telephone; handles requests for reserves and interlibrary loans; prepares overdue notices; performs reader’s advisory services, refers patrons to other library staff and desks as appropriate.
Runs daily and monthly reports from the integrated library system. Completes tasks resulting from the reports: tasks involve maintenance of the collection or patron database and usually involve both physical and data processing tasks.
Checks and investigates overdue materials, sending notices, letters, bills and making phone calls as necessary; assigns fines; shelves library materials; reads shelves and maintains collection in proper order; uses photocopier, scanner, FAX, and other machines as needed for the job.

Technical service functions
Replaces library materials on shelves according to categories.
May assist with preparing library materials for circulation, as well as performing basic repairs.

Public service functions
Staffs public desks in the Circulation or Children’s/Youth Services departments.
Provides basic reference assistance to library patrons in person and by telephone and email. Requires ability to search the internet and use library databases, collection, and other resources.
Assists families, children and students with assignments and in finding materials.
Uses online library pass program.
Performs Reader’s Advisory services (using professional tools and techniques to assist readers). Works with local book groups to provide materials for their programs.
Makes recommendations for acquisitions; becomes familiar with new acquisitions and library collection.
Maintains library equipment and facility; assists with the security of the library; keeps department in order.
Assists with management of meeting rooms.

Technology development and support functions
With Old Colony Library Network staff, troubleshoots integrated library system. Evaluates and recommends acquisition of electronic resources, equipment and software.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree; coursework in library science preferred; two years of related responsible experience in a library, educational or office setting; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

Knowledge: Working knowledge of library procedures and operations. Knowledge of basic reference tools and techniques. Knowledge of basic computer troubleshooting. Willingness to learn book repair and processing techniques. Broad general knowledge.

Ability: Ability to create congenial atmosphere and work with a broad range of people. Ability to adapt to a wide range of responsibilities. Ability to learn new computer programs. Ability to learn integrated library system and automated data entry system. Ability to learn bookkeeping and accounting principles and software. Interest, ability and willingness to learn new technologies and digital tools. Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.

Skills: Strong written and oral communication skills; strong customer service orientation and skills. Good interpersonal skills essential. Willingness to keep skills updated essential. Web searching skills essential.

Physical Requirements:
Moderate physical effort generally required to perform functions under normal library conditions, including lifting boxes over 20 lbs, pushing book carts, standing on stools, shelving library materials. Intermittent standing, walking, bending, reaching, crouching, climbing and similar activity related to library work and minor custodial work. Position requires the ability to operate a keyboard. Position requires ability to travel to meetings within Massachusetts.
(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

Full/Part Time

Temporary

Education

BA/BS

Salary

$17.38  / hour

Closing Date

How to Apply

Application Procedure:
Qualified applicants should complete the Town of Kingston Employment Application found on the Town website under Human Resources and submit their résumé. Please include a cover letter with salary expectations. Application materials can be emailed to personnel@kingstonma.gov, mailed to the Town of Kingston Town House Attn: Human Resources or hand delivered. The Town of Kingston is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis, but may close at any time.

Posted

2023-08-09 |  Quick link to this job