Children Library Assistant Jobs in Springfield, MA

The position is responsible for assisting with planning and implementing programming for children and families. Additionally, the Library Services Assistant assists with outreach to build knowledge and understanding of the breadth and scope of Library offerings, as well as to expand the use of the Library. The Library Services Assistant performs circulation and customer service duties as needed.

This position is scheduled for eight to sixteen hours per week including one evening a week and two weekends a month (both Saturday & Sunday). There are two openings for this position.

Essential Duties:

• Assists with the design and implementation of programs and activities, including Library tours, both in the Library and in the community, for families and children
• Helps maintain an environment that is attractive, inviting and safe for families
• Assists with the preparation and distribution of promotional material, including but not limited to press releases, bibliographies, signage and displays to encourage the use of the Library
• Uses a variety of tools, including social media, to further the reach of the Children's Department and Library
• Assists in the contribution of relevant material to the Library's web presence
• Collaborates with all departments in order to provide the best possible service to the community
• Educates and assists users in the use of the Library and its resources
• Assists users in locating appropriate material and engages in recommending items
• Assists users of all ages in the use of the catalog, electronic resources and equipment
• Assists with the development and maintenance of materials which promote the use of the Library
• Assists with periodic weeding of the collection
• Keeps abreast of new materials and trends in Children's Services and literature
• Selects, evaluates, maintains and discards material based on professional standards, preferences of patrons and acknowledged review sources
• Assists the Head of Children's Services with the purchasing of materials
• Respects the facility and work environment by keeping work area neat, handling cleanups and reporting maintenance issues promptly and appropriately
• Performs circulation duties as needed
• Assures the confidentiality of library use and library patron accounts
• Identifies, collects, interprets and presents statistics as needed
• Performs opening and closing procedures in the Children's Department
• Keeps informed of current consortium policies, procedures and practices and interprets them to the public in a pleasant and effective manner
• Keeps informed of current Library policies, procedures and practices and interprets them to the public in a pleasant and effective manner
• Performs other duties as assigned

Additional Duties:

• Assists with the processing, data entry, organizing and maintenance of Library material, especially children's collections
• Assists in grant applications, administration and reporting
• Provides guidance to Pages and volunteers
• Assists in other departments as needed
• May attend professional meetings, workshops and continuing education opportunities
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Positive and enthusiastic approach to customer service, in person and on the phone
• Ability to work with patrons of varied backgrounds, ages and abilities, in person and by phone
• Knowledge of child development, children's literature and the available materials and services for children, families, caregivers and educators
• Strong technology skills, including effective communication through social media
• Ability to plan and organize both long and short term programs
• Ability to incorporate new trends into programming
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to work and interact effectively with staff, administrators and volunteers, as well as work as part of a cohesive team
• Ability to interpret and follow a variety of instructions in oral and written format
• Ability to maintain a calm atmosphere, assure safety and respond to emergencies
• Demonstrates solid decision making, organizational and problem solving skills
• Exhibits flexibility and the willingness to work in a dynamic, busy and changing environment
Conditions and Qualifications

Required Physical and Mental Effort and Environmental Conditions:

• Ability to lift books and other materials, weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds, from shelves ranging from 6" to 8' from the floor and return them to their proper place(s)
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time; move throughout the Library; bend, reach and crouch to shelve and retrieve materials; push and pull carts loaded with materials
• Ability to represent the Library in the community and at public gatherings and speak to public groups
• Ability to use a PC terminal, laptop or tablet for extended periods of time
• Ability to carry supplies and equipment in excess of twenty-five (25) pounds
• Ability to move throughout the Library and other Town sites
• Ability to read fine print materials
• Ability to work in office and public settings subject to continuous interruptions and background noises
• Ability to be flexible and adapt in a fast paced, complex and changing environment
• Ability to maintain a calm atmosphere, assure safety and respond to emergencies
• Ability to work evenings and weekends

Required Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma/GED required; college degree preferred. Proficiency with current technology and applications. A genuine respect and consideration for children and the ability to establish a positive rapport with the public are essential, as are strong overall customer service skills. Public library experience is desirable.

License or Certificate: Motor Vehicle Operator's License

EEOC Statement: It is the policy of the Town of Simsbury to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Town of Simsbury will provide reasonable accommodations, that do not present an undue hardship, for qualified individuals with disabilities.