Library Associate Jobs in Downingtown, PA (NOW HIRING)

This part-time position is responsible for assisting patrons in the Youth Services Department and for shelving children's and young adult materials. The Page helps keep the children's and young adult areas attractive and orderly and assisting, as needed, with programs for children of all ages. This position helps to maintain the availability of library materials by shelving books and other materials, reading the shelves, and organizing materials into their proper sequence. This work requires a general understanding of how a library is organized. This position requires desire and ability to work with the public, especially children, teens, and their families. This position requires a high energy level, the ability to learn the use of an automated computer system, some familiarity with children's materials, accuracy, and good organizational and oral communication skills. Library experience and/or experience with children is preferred. All employees of the Chester County Library are considered a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse under the Child Protective Services Law (Title 23 Pa. C.S.A. Chapter 63).

• Sort returned materials according to classification code and need for repair, and return items to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
• Sort and shelve new materials.
• Inspect returned materials for damage.
• Answer inquiries of a non-professional nature and refer persons requiring professional assistance to librarians.
• Assist patrons in locating library materials.
• Assist patrons in using the library catalog.
• Answer phones.
• Complete training modules as assigned.
• Participate in department, committee, and library-wide staff meetings.
• Perform other duties, tasks, and special projects, as required.

• High School education (often in progress).
• Eligible to work in PA.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Must be able to courteously refer clients to the appropriate service desk.
• Must be able to shelve materials within the appropriate classification scheme.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to compare alphabetical and numerical material for accuracy.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to develop a working knowledge about the Chester County Library services and programs.
• Ability to learn circulation and care of library materials procedures.
• Ability to work alone and as part of team.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English in order to perform the duties of the position.
• PA criminal background check.
• PA child abuse clearance.
• FBI fingerprint-based criminal background check.
• Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:
• Associates degree or specific job-related post-secondary coursework.
• Experience working in a library with computerized systems.
• Knowledge of Chester County Library policies, procedures, services and programs.

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy. Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Basic to Intermediate Office Suite Skills, (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Explorer)
• Basic OutLook skills (Email and Calendar)
• Proficiency with Library's online catalog

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to handle, lift, move, shift library materials weighing up to 25 lbs; to wheel book carts weighing up to 75 lbs; to operate a keyboard; to stand, sit, kneel, walk, stoop, reach repeatedly throughout the workday. Occasionally, the employee will need to climb stairs; climb or work on ladders; and lift, push and carry items. On occasion, the employee will need to work with a moderate level of noise. This position includes some physically challenging work such as locating and obtaining information and materials throughout the library consisting of a wide variety of sizes and shapes. May be required to walk and stand for extended periods and carry a reasonable selection of materials between places where they are stored and places where they are used. The specific vision requirements for this position are as follows:

• Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)
• Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
• Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus)

Work Environment: The noise level in the work environment is generally moderate.

Other: Ability to work extended hours and weekends on rotation, as necessary. Library is open seven days a week (total of 65 hours).