Library Assistant Jobs in Columbia, MO (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview

Under the direct supervision of the Circulation Manager, with support from the Assistant Circulation Manager, this position functions as a member of the circulation team to process new library cards, circulate materials and answer questions about patron accounts. The position provides leadership and support to other departmental staff by troubleshooting the workflow as needed, responding to requests for policy interpretation, and assisting with training.

Schedule - 40 hours  Monday-Thursday 11am-8pm, Friday 9am-6pm, and 1 Saturday per month.

The following Core Competencies are essential and apply to all DBRL employees:

• Customer Service - customer service is of primary importance in the library.  Interactions with others require trust, respect and focus on the needs of the individual. Quality customer service is delivered to co-workers, as well as virtual users and users within the building.
• Communication - clear and effective communication is the basis for success in relations with co-workers, managers, users and all stakeholders.  Communication competency is integral to customer service.
• Learning and Personal Growth - embracing lifelong learning and continual improvement will demonstrate commitment to the job and enrich one’s life and professional path.
• Ethics and Values - the library plays a crucial role in society and the community.  All employees practice the ethics and values carefully formulated by the library to fulfill its commitment to the community.

The following competencies apply to this position based on designated responsibilities:

• Technology - Demonstrates proven computer literacy with adequate keyboarding skills. Understands basic email functions including opening and sending messages. Familiarity with internet and software terminology and functions.
• Technology Support - Demonstrates problem-solving, critical thinking and time management skills. Provide troubleshooting and issue resolution support.
• Accountability - Successful performance is measured by taking ownership for work, including following up on commitments and possessing a strong ability to stay focused on individual, department and library results.

Essential Duties:

• Assist the public by checking out library materials using the automated circulation system and other designated equipment, and being knowledgeable about circulation procedures.
• Assist the public in obtaining a library card by accepting the application, issuing the card, handing out new information brochures and responding knowledgeably according to procedures.
• Assist the public by responding to directional questions received at the circulation desk and over the phone and providing appropriate information and referrals.
• Operate cash register making change and taking money for copies, library card and/or material fees, and charges for supply items and library services as needed.
• Perform circulation functions and procedures and respond to questions about renewals, lost or damaged materials, blocked or delinquency status, and lost and found concerns.
• Work at all departmental workstations on a rotating basis as needed or scheduled.
• Sort, load and unload carts of checked in library materials.
• Shelve library materials as assigned.
• Assist with collection maintenance by appropriately identifying and referring materials not suitable for check out (i.e. damaged, mending, barcode, etc.) and checking computer reports.
• Assist in processing overdue, bill and collection notices and responds knowledgeably to patron questions.
• Access the safe in order to process refunds, deposit & retrieve valuable lost and found items, make change, and replenish postage supply.
• Departmental projects may be assigned such as assisting with holdshelf maintenance, the claims returned workflow, billing for damaged materials, lost and found maintenance, metro book drop retrieval, locker holds or branch delivery and cash drawer reconciliation as examples.
• Serves as a leader to other Library Assistants in demonstrating skills to deliver effective customer service.
• Identifies and makes recommendations regarding training needs of the department staff relative to department procedures and equipment usage. Actively participates in training other department staff. 
• Serves as a member of the department’s leadership team to participate in the analysis and planning process for the department.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Duties and responsibilities, as required by business necessity may be added, deleted or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing.  Scheduling and shift assignments and work location may be changed at any time, as required by business necessity.

Physical, Environmental, and Special Working Conditions:

• Position requires standing for extended periods of time, pushing bookcarts, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, and working on a computer.
• Moderately noisy work environment. Work will be required on evenings and weekends.
• All library employees may be called upon to assist other departments in a declared emergency situation.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Job Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent; one year of customer service or previous library experience; keyboarding skills required. 

Preferred Job Requirements:

Experience in handling money preferred.