Chatfield Public Library

Chatfield Public Library
Library Assistant – Young Adult Services
Job Description

Job Summary
The Library Assistant – Young Adult Services works in cooperation with staff to ensure that the Chatfield Public Library serves as a vibrant community center which meets the various and ever changing needs of all Chatfield area community members.  He/she provides specialized, individualized and relationship-focused services to provide high quality, positive experiences. The assistant provides a focus on the needs of young adults.  He/she is responsible for developing, preparing, and supervising all activities and promotions geared specifically toward youth aged 12 to 18.  Establishing and maintaining a positive customer service standard is his/her top priority in all duties. 

Qualifications:
• High school graduate or equivalent minimum; library experience preferred.
• Positive interpersonal skills, communication skills, and the ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Genuine respect for young adults and the ability to establish rapport with them.
• A willingness to investigate and learn the current reading, viewing, listening, and gaming interests of young adults.
• Considerable creativity in planning programs and promotions for young adults.
• Enthusiasm for exploring emerging technologies for potential use in young adult programming and services.
• Ability to:
     – Operate a variety of library and office equipment such as computers,   printers, and copier/fax/digital scanner.
     - Use office computer software such as Microsoft Office Suite to accomplish job-specific tasks.
     – Interact positively with patrons of all ages in a variety of situations.
     – Perform mathematical calculations with accuracy.
     – Understand and maintain current knowledge of library terminology, policies, and regulations.
     – Meet physical demands including bending and reaching; climbing on step-stool; pushing loaded book cart; occasionally lifting up to 30 lbs.

Responsibilities and Duties:
• Assumes responsibility of daily library operations in absence of director and oversees appropriate use of the facility.�
• Co-creates with the Library Director, goals and objectives for young adult services.
• Creates with library staff an environment that is inviting and comfortable for young adults.
• Designs, implements, publicizes and evaluates young adult programs and activities.
• Cooperates on projects with other community youth groups when appropriate.
• Coordinates and conducts community school visits when requested.
• Maintains the Teen section of the Library’s website.
• Performs full range of circulation desk duties such as issuing library cards, checking materials in and out, reserving books, collecting fines and fees, answering the phone, and explaining library policies and procedures.
• Assists patrons in the use of library materials, computers, and equipment.
• Responds to requests for information, referring inquires to the director or others when appropriate.
• Processes new materials by checking packing lists, labeling and covering or packaging items and entering data into the online catalog.
• Helps manage the library collection by reshelving, inspecting, cleaning, repairing, weeding, and maintaining organization of materials.
• Recommends purchases based on reviews, readers’ interests and requests.
• Performs all duties required for Interlibrary Loan service including ordering, sending, and receiving materials, maintaining required records, and notifying patrons.
• Assists with library programs, displays, and other public relations activities.
• Completes a total of 8 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
• Assists in supervision and training of volunteers.
• Provides reader’s advisory services to patrons of all ages.
• Performs special duties as assigned by the director.

In order to perform these duties effectively and in a manner consistent with the library’s commitment to high quality public service, the employee must possess, and will be expected to consistently exhibit, the qualities and capabilities included as General Performance Requirements. These requirements as well as the job responsibilities and duties are the basis of the employee annual review. 

General Performance Requirements:

• Competence: The ability to learn various job functions including computer competence and to perform job functions correctly and completely.
• Productivity: The ability to function efficiently and purposefully to produce the expected volume of useful work in a timely manner.
• Initiative: The capacity to view duties broadly rather than narrowly, to be a “self-starter,” to anticipate problems or needs and be resourceful in handling them, to step forward to address issues without being specifically directed to do so, and to take responsibility for thorough and effective follow-through.
• Commitment: Dedication and a sense of responsibility to your co-workers and the library as well as to the job. Consistently fulfill your work schedule, exhibit good work habits, meet deadlines, and give extra of yourself when necessary to meet the needs of the library.
• Judgment:  The ability to make appropriate decisions given both the situation at hand and your position at the library, to exercise discretion where needed, and to establish priorities correctly when performing your duties.
• Teamwork: The capacity to interact effectively with co-workers for the common good of the staff and the library. A cooperative, non-competitive spirit, supportive, courteous, with respect for the feelings, circumstances, and perspectives of others all contribute to teamwork and staff cohesiveness. An ability to adapt to change and a willingness to accept direction and constructive criticism from a supervisor.
• Effective Public Service and Interpersonal Contact: This requirement includes attitude, demeanor, and appearance as well as specific skills. Responsiveness, courtesy, helpfulness, the ability to speak and write clearly and grammatically, a neat personal appearance, and an orderly work space result in patron satisfaction and project a positive image of the library to the public.
• Leadership: The willingness and the ability to assume responsibility by exhibiting creative problem solving skills and the ability to grow and develop in times of change.

This job description is not, nor is it intended to be, a complete statement of all duties, functions and responsibilities which comprise this position.

Approved by Library Board of Trustees on July 21, 2011