Library Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The Children’s and Outreach Librarian plans, develops, and delivers comprehensive library services for children and families, with particular emphasis on early childhood literacy and multi-sensory programming. The position extends library services throughout Chesterfield Township through bookmobile operations, outreach activities, and partnerships with schools, community organizations, families, and other stakeholders.

Essential Job Functions:

The following statements are intended to describe the major responsibilities and requirements for this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed:

• Work cooperatively with library professional staff and other department personnel to support departmental goals, coordinate services, share resources, and ensure consistent, high-quality service to patrons.
• Participate in all youth service department areas, including imaginative and innovative approaches to public library service to children, collection management, effective programming, and outreach to the schools and community.
• Participate in regular information desk activities to provide excellent in-person service
• Assist with the development of the department budget;
• Assist in collection development for youth services, select materials.
• Assist in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of comprehensive and relevant programs for children from infancy through high school, with special emphasis on a particular age group.
• Assist with the identification, evaluation, and implementation of appropriate service enhancements to continually improve the effective and efficient delivery of services to children and young adults.
• Participate in community and professional activities directly related to youth services; Promote awareness of the scope and activities of Youth Services.
• Recommend new policies, methods, and forms; Develop written procedures and maintain knowledge for all areas of the department.
• Maintain the physical appearance of the library by picking up library materials left on tables, chairs, counters, etc.
• Participate in professional development opportunities through meetings, seminars, workshops, and literature; Keep current with trends and employ best practices.
• Stay current with changes to procedures and policies affecting department and/or library operations.
• Perform related work as required and other duties as assigned to support effective library services to the public.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position:

• Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited institution with a strong background in children’s services.
• Three (3) years of successful, practical public library professional youth services with heavy outreach responsibilities are highly desirable.
• State of Michigan Level I or II Librarian Certificate or ability to obtain same.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Demonstrated leadership abilities to ensure continual evaluation and improvement of effective youth services and resources.
• Excellent interpersonal and public relations skills, including good, independent judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness to work effectively with staff, volunteers, and library users in a team environment; Ability to maintain tact and self-control in difficult situations.
• Knowledge of automated systems, basic office equipment, and various computer software programs, including word processing and spreadsheets, databases, desktop publishing, social media, and the Internet.
• Pleasant and courteous telephone skills.
• Prompt and dependable with a strong work ethic.
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate and present ideas verbally and in writing.
• Ability to prioritize workload and work independently.
• Ability to work under stress, and be flexible and adaptable to changes in work priorities.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands and fingers to handle books, materials, equipment, and technology; reach with hands and arms; bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and move to or from floor level as needed to conduct children’s programs, retrieve or shelve materials, arrange program spaces, and assist patrons. The position requires lifting and carrying books, program materials, supplies, and equipment, typically weighing up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. The position also requires pushing, pulling, and maneuvering loaded book carts, bins, outreach materials, and related equipment, which may exceed 60 pounds when fully loaded, with or without reasonable accommodation. Work requires the ability, with or without reasonable accommodation, to perform visual tasks necessary to read and interpret printed and digital materials; identify books, labels, signage, equipment, and program materials; use computers and other library technology; assist patrons; and safely perform duties in library, outreach, and bookmobile settings. Operation of the bookmobile or other Library vehicle, if assigned, requires compliance with applicable driver licensing and safety requirements.

The employee might occasionally be required to travel to other locations.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a public service setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This is an at-will position. The Chesterfield Township Library is an equal opportunity employer. All decisions affecting employment shall be made without regard to an individual’s race, color, religion, marital status, familial status, family responsibilities, veteran status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, height, weight, national origin, disability, or other classification protected under federal, state, or local law.