Library Assistant Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

The Library Assistant is responsible for supporting the mission of the Library Media Program & increasing access to library media resources by providing clerical, technical, and instructional assistance to the Library Media Specialist(s) and/or Library Teacher and assistance to teachers, students, parents, and other library patrons. The Library Assistant supports the school librarian in managing the daily operations of the library. This role involves assisting students and teachers in finding and utilizing library resources, maintaining an organized and welcoming environment, and fostering a love for reading and learning among young students. This role may include managing classroom behavior, and building strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues. UCC School staff are dedicated, compassionate, highly effective, reflective, collaborative, culturally responsive, and committed to the academic and social-emotional development of all students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Customer Service:

• Assist students and staff in locating and using materials in the library media center by answering questions, gathering materials, demonstrating use of technology and equipment.
• Provide guidance on the use of library resources, including catalogs, databases, and digital tools.
• Encourage and help students select appropriate reading materials based on their interests and reading levels.
• Assist students with instructional tasks during library classes.
• Assist students and staff with book selection and location and use of library materials.
• Assists in monitoring student use of technology and student activities for the purpose of maintaining a safe environment conducive to learning.

• Library Operations:
• Shelve returned books and ensure they are organized correctly.
• Assist in maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of the library.
• Repair and mend damaged books or materials as needed.
• Circulates library materials; includes checking materials in and out, sending overdue announcements and maintaining overdue records; assists in scheduling the use and delivery of technology and equipment.
• Maintains the library collection; includes shelving books, ensuring shelves are in Dewey Decimal order, maintain and organize periodicals (magazines), adding and withdrawing items, mending and repairing items, and assisting with inventory.
• Assists in the maintenance of the library catalog and digital resources collection.
• Support library staff with management of students and student behaviors when needed.
• Cover library classes and circulation in the absence of library staff when needed.

Program Support:

• Assist with the planning and execution of library programs and events and activities, including, but not limited to:
  • Book fairs
  • Public library card drives
  • Reading Is Fundamental
  • UCC volunteer activities/events
  • Reading challenges
  • Author visits
• Help create displays and bulletin boards to promote library resources and activities.
• Support classroom teachers with library-based instructional materials.

Administrative Tasks:

• Maintain accurate records of library inventory and circulation statistics.
• Assist in cataloging and processing new library acquisitions.
• Help manage overdue book notices and follow up with students and parents.
• Staff and maintain the circulation desk.
• Receive telephone calls and walk-in patrons; provide written or verbal information and assistance, or direct to appropriate staff members in English and/or Spanish.
• Assist with the ordering and processing of materials and equipment.
• Maintains office/supply inventory and assists in the preparation of office/supply orders.
• Maintains a clean, orderly, and attractive environment; assists in the preparation of displays.
• Maintains the computer catalog, shelf list, and other library media files; includes data entry for automated circulation and catalog systems. Includes, but is not limited to:
  • Holds
  • Overdue notices
  • Lost book notices
  • Processing of library materials
  • Student IDs and passwords

• Classroom Management:
• Supports a safe, inclusive, and respectful library and school climate in which students are encouraged to be actively engaged in the learning process.
• Maintains a positive library environment conducive to learning with clear expectations, routines, and procedures for student behavior.
• Effectively monitor and supervise students at all times.
• Maintains order of students and class in the classroom, cafeteria, hallways, playground, and across the school environment.
• Manage student behavior proactively and respectfully using positive behavior supports across the school environment.
• Maintain a well-organized, structured, inviting, and culturally responsive physical library space.

• Professional Development:
• Participate in staff meetings, workshops, and training sessions to enhance teaching skills and contribute to the school community.
• Participates in all required training and meetings, as well as school and UCC training and meetings.
• Reflect on teaching practices and seek opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Engage in professional learning communities and schoolwide initiatives.
• Uphold ethical practices and professional conduct.
• Collaborate with colleagues, support staff, and administration to support student success.
• Contribute to a positive school culture and shared leadership.

• Collaboration and Teamwork:
• Collaborate with library staff, colleagues, administrators, and support staff to create and enhance a cohesive and supportive educational environment and to promote a positive school culture and an effective library environment.
• Meets professional obligations through efficient work habits such as meeting deadlines, honoring schedules, collaborating with other staff, etc.

• Records and Documentation:
• Uphold school, district, and state policies regarding child safety, mandated reporting, and confidentiality.

INTENDED OUTCOMES AND SUCCESS MEASURES:

• Efficient library operations - library materials are well organized and easy to access.
• Daily library routines are completed accurately and on time.
• Students and staff receive help in finding and using library resources.
• Students are supervised during library visits with clear expectations for behavior.
• The library is a safe, quiet, and inclusive environment for all.
• Library inventory is maintained and updated regularly.
• Lost or damaged materials are tracked and followed up on.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by their supervisor to support students, colleagues, or the school community.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrates Basic computer knowledge, basic knowledge of email, Excel, word, Google Forms, and other Google applications.
• Handle sensitive information in a confidential manner'
• Demonstrates enthusiasm towards students, parents and staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrate the ability to adapt to any situation inside and outside the library environment.
• Demonstrates organizational skills for the library and school environment.
• Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills with students, families, school staff, and administration.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively enter data within database system (as well as pull reports)
• The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations)
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services; This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of student, parent and staff satisfaction.
• Demonstrates phone etiquette.
• Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
• Reply to email, telephone, face to face, or other communications and enquiries from all stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates the ability to multitask and prioritize work.
• Demonstrates the ability to self- reflect, and seek feedback to improve practices.
• Demonstrates a growth mindset committed to continuous learning, growth, and development.
• Demonstrates the ability to work as a team as well as independently.
• Demonstrates respect towards the students, parents, colleagues, and administrators.
• Demonstrates knowledge to work with students' special needs and parents.
• Demonstrate the ability to listen to others and remain receptive to new ideas.
• Demonstrate the ability to address criticism in an appropriate manner and develop constructive outcomes.
• Demonstrate sustained effort and enthusiasm in the quality and quantity of work.
• Demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with staff, students, and the community.
• Demonstrate effective time management, organizational skills, and prioritization of work to meet the needs of the users.
• Demonstrate motivation, initiative, flexibility, and the ability to work independently.
• Demonstrate excellent human relations and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrates honesty, dependability, and the ability to meet deadlines and other professional expectations.