Library Associate Jobs in Blacksburg, VA (NOW HIRING)

A Library Assistant connects people and ideas by providing welcoming, knowledgeable library services to the community. They enjoy varied activities, from public-facing engagement (customer service, instruction, promotion) to behind-the-scenes efficiency and production (processing, event management, troubleshooting, creating). Whether in the library, at an outreach location or in a virtual setting, they greet everyone with a smile and proactively offer to assist, share information and collaborate with others in pursuit of library goals. They embrace learning, change, technology, and innovation eagerly, and they are passionate about fueling a well-informed and engaged community.
Key Responsibilities/Essential Functions:
Strives to do the right thing, exercises good judgment and demonstrates high ethical standards
Promotes the vision and values of the County and Library
Actively pursues and maintains respectful and effective working relationships with coworkers, citizens and community partners
Embraces constant learning and actively pursues professional development opportunities
Provides a proactive, friendly, welcoming experience to all patrons in person or by phone, text, email, video or chat
Enthusiastically promotes the library's resources, services, and events
Enforces the Patron Behavior Policy to facilitate a welcoming experience for all patrons
Provides prompt, detailed, and accurate circulation services
Helps patrons use the online catalog to full advantage
Uses the integrated library system to manage patron and item records and transactions
Empties bookdrops and delivers materials curbside
Ensures expedited and accurate placement of library materials
Continually verifies and resolves condition of materials
Helps patrons submit purchase requests and alerts appropriate staff to collection needs
Fills, refills, and/or plans engaging materials displays
Helps patrons access and use the library's digital resources on personal and library devices
Assists patrons using technology and equipment, including email, printing, copying, faxing, internet searches, Office software, online forms, mobile devices, and more
Maintains accurate and transparent records of financial transactions
Processes?meeting space reservation requests?and proctors tests
Offers personalized suggestions for books, movies, music, and more in all formats
Provides basic research assistance?and instructs patrons in information literacy skills, including finding and evaluating reliable, relevant and timely information
Makes knowledgeable and relevant referrals to community resources
Participates in outreach activities at various community locations
Participates in programming for all ages, including supporting, planning and/or presenting in both in-person and virtual formats, as required
Takes on one or more significant responsibilities at a systemwide or multi-branch level, such as processing materials, leading a systemwide team, managing specific technology or programs, implementing or overseeing projects or initiatives, etc., as required
Maintains tidy appearance of library facility and materials, including cleaning as required
Fills shifts at other branches, as required
Opens/closes branch facility, as required
Attends workshops or training as required
Serves on community boards or library/consortium committees as assigned
Performs other related duties as assigned
Job Requirements:
High school diploma or GED required. Any combination of education, training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree (for full-time position) or Associate's degree (for part-time position) from an accredited college or university, or ALA Library Support Staff Certification highly preferred
Two (2) years working in a customer service or teaching position
Experience working in a library, bookstore or educational institution preferred
Experience working in retail or other hectic, public-focused customer service environments preferred
Demonstrated ability to actively and positively engage with people of all demographics, backgrounds and walks of life
Demonstrated superior customer service skills
Demonstrated history of continuous learning, improvement and innovation
Able to resolve problems, complaints and conflicts tactfully and professionally
Able to function well in a noisy, chaotic environment as well as in a quiet environment
Adaptable to performing both creative and routine tasks as needed
Demonstrated history of working effectively with others in a team
Able to learn new skills and concepts quickly and to resolve problems independently
Demonstrated intermediate technology skills, including devices, software, and online resources
Has working knowledge of Windows operating system and Microsoft Office365 suite
Demonstrated history of learning new technology quickly and independently
Able to learn and develop proficiency using library software and digital resources
Able to follow detailed directions and instructions given verbally or in writing
Has excellent written and verbal communication skills
Able to maintain a high level of speed and accuracy with all tasks and records
Demonstrated history of attention to detail and of strong organizational skills
Demonstrated ability to maintain calm demeanor in stressful situations
Demonstrated record of reliable work attendance and punctuality
Demonstrated good driving record
Able to read maps and follow written and verbal geographic directions
Able to work independently with little or no supervision
Able to evaluate weather conditions and recommend delivery service cancelation or rescheduling as needed
Bilingual (English and Spanish) skills preferred
Touch typing skills preferred
Physical Demands/Special Work Environment:
Sit and/or stand for long periods of time
Focus for long periods of time, including at computer terminals
Speak clearly and distinctly
Hear and comprehend audible notifications and verbal communication
Visual acuity to perform activities such as: driving; reading road signs; writing; preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading
Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
Exerting up to?50 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body
Push book carts weighing over 100 pounds and lift boxes weighing up to 50 pounds.
Bend, stoop and kneel to access low shelves and raise arms, lift or stand on stools or ladders to access high shelves.
Able to move with energy to interact with and accompany library staff and patrons and to handle emergencies anywhere on library grounds.
Able to carry, shift, access, move, and otherwise handle large numbers of library materials, including heavy books, for extended periods of time.
Able to move about inside the office to attend meetings; access files, library materials and office machines; and to interact with library patrons both inside and outside the building.
Reports to: Branch Manager
Supervisory Responsibility: None
Botetourt County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.