Library Associate

About the Department

Siouxland Libraries seeks an outward-focused team member with a heart for serving others. This position is available at the Downtown Library and performs extensive public service to a diverse population with a focus on hospitality, along with programming and support tasks as assigned. Along with public service, this position is responsible for programming with an emphasis on Early Learning. If you take ownership of your work and want to make a difference, please apply. 

Additional skills you will need:

• Positivity
• Energy
• Adaptability
• Strong character
• Learning mindset

Position Duties

1. Perform extensive public service work, assisting a diverse population of customers to effectively use library services. Perform tasks as assigned, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Provide excellent service by greeting customers and demonstrate a hospitable attitude at services desks and on the library floor. Appropriately respond to customer questions, problems, and/or complaints.

• Check library materials in and out, maintain patron accounts in the collection of fines and fees, place and pull holds, and register and issue patron cards.

• Communicate with customers to determine information needs and assist in selection of reading, viewing, and listening material.

• Assist customers in use of the Internet, electronic devices, and other library and electronic resources.

• May be assigned responsibilities at various branch libraries or bookmobile.

• Review, evaluate, and/or recommend library materials for purchase or elimination.

• Create and conduct library programs such as tours, storytelling, book talks, reading clubs, author visits, etc., to provide community learning opportunities. Organize related program and promotional materials.

• Perform monetary functions, including deposits and credit card charges, following prescribed procedures.

• Generate complex reports utilizing library automation software or other software required to generate the data.

• Coordinate library volunteer programs, including, but not limited to, screening, interviewing, orientation, and review of participants and activities.

• Interpret, enforce, and implement library policies, procedures, and library goals.

• May be assigned to serve as person in charge in the absence of senior leadership at assigned library facility.

2. Maintain orderliness of library collections including shelving, reading shelves, and merchandising.

3. Proactively promote library materials and programs using a variety of methods.

4. Perform system support task including acquisition, cataloging, selection, and inter-library loan as assigned, including, but not limited to, the following tasks:

• Add records to the library catalog. Prepare materials for library shelves, including labeling, jacketing, and casing.

• Coordinate borrowing and lending materials from other libraries (interlibrary loan) including processing incoming and outgoing materials.

• Order and process delivery of new books, office supplies, periodicals, and other acquisitions, maintaining related inventory records.

5. Order supplies maintaining necessary records and files to support purchase order and purchase card expenditures.

6. Train full-time and part-time staff on specific library functions.

7. May be assigned to drive a large vehicle such as a bookmobile or courier truck.

8. Perform other such duties and functions as are necessary or incidental to the proper performance of this position.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with course work in library science and a minimum of two (2) years’ library experience; or any such combination of education, experience, and training as may be acceptable to the hiring authority.

Must be willing to work evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays as required.

Positions requiring driving must possess or be able to obtain prior to hire a valid driver’s license.

Other Qualifications

• Knowledge of library collections and formats, including print, electronic, and nonprint resources.

• Knowledge of general customer reading, viewing, and listening interests and popular materials for all ages.

• Knowledge of the tools and resources to connect customers to library materials.

• Knowledge of the Internet and how to search the library catalog and database resources.

• Knowledge of and experience with basic computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Working knowledge and skill in using technology and related software systems.

• Ability and skill to actively listen to determine the needs of a diverse customer base.

• Ability to make accurate mathematical computations.

• Ability to accurately and efficiently utilize keyboarding skills.

• Ability to perform detailed work.

• Ability to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of Siouxland Libraries.

• Ability to perform activities in accordance with library priorities and in support of overall library functions.

• Ability to interact with customers and provide excellent and timely service.

• Ability to communicate effectively with staff and public, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and promote a good public image.

• Ability to maintain a calm manner under stressful conditions.

• Ability to make decisions independently when required by circumstance in accordance with library policies and procedures.

• Ability to operate a large vehicle in a safe manner and to withstand variable weather conditions if assigned this task.