Library Associate Jobs in Columbia, MO (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview

Under the general supervision of the Callaway County Public Library Services Manager and in consultation with the librarians, has primary responsibility for providing reader’s advisory, information, circulation and programming services to the public. This position is expected to work routinely at any one of Callaway County Public Library service desks and participate in programming services.

Position Schedule

20 Hours: Monday 9 AM-6 PM, Tuesday 9 AM-3 PM, Wednesday 12-6 PM; Every other Saturday 9 AM-3 PM (off Wednesday for Saturday)

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:

• 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.
• Technology - Demonstrate proven computer literacy with adequate keyboarding skills. Understand basic email functions including opening, creating and sending messages. Familiar with internet searching, social media and blogs. Proficiency with library automation system/online catalog and reference databases.

Essential Duties:

• Assist library patrons in locating and using library services, materials and equipment. This includes library users at all service desks as assigned with all equipment available for public use.
• Provide a continuum of library service to the user by consulting with other staff to pool knowledge for the benefit of the user and by assisting other staff in providing services and programs to patrons.
• Perform collection maintenance routines, such as weeding damaged materials, shelf reading, checking lists againsts holdings in the computer and filing.
• Develop competence in usage of the system computer terminals in accessing library collections.
• Perform specific duties when working at any of the CCPL service desks.
• Provide clerical assistance as needed.
• Assist in work of other departments as assigned by Library Manager.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with public and other staff.
• Develop skills necessary to provide reader’s advisory services (i.e. recognizing popular titles and authors).
• May prepare statistical reports concerning patron contacts at each service desk, monthly computer usage in all computers, compile monthly circulation statistics for CCPL.
• Train and assist patrons in the use of the library’s automated and electronic software applications and computer hardware.
• Train and assist patrons in the use of copiers and microfilm readers/printers.
• Assist professional staff with selection procedures as needed.
• May be asked to do the following:
  • Maintain records of periodical collection, order missing copies, coordinate with other staff members needed additions and deletions from periodical list with Reference Librarian assistance.
  • Monthly weeding of newspapers.
  • Assist with filing and organization of Local History file.
  • Assist with processing Genealogy ILL requests.
  • Assist the librarians with programming and tours as needed.
  • Help with Story time planning and presentation.
  • Assist with the clerical aspects of the Children's Department, including correspondence, programming, statistics, and writing information for the program guide.
  • Provide technical assistance throughout the library as needed.
  • Maintain public bulletin boards, keeping information appropriate, orderly, and timely.
  • Provide backup for pick list and update lists for requests for patrons.
  • Report monthly statistics to CCPL Manager; holds processed, ILL’s processed, notices sent to patrons.
  • Process Interlibrary Loan items, contact patrons, follow-up.
  • Assist making Picklist items missing in the computer.

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 quiet 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.

Preferred Job Requirements:

Previous library experience preferred. 48 hours minimum college credit, and one-year customer service experience preferred. Experience can be substituted for college credit.