Library Associate Jobs in Norfolk, VA (NOW HIRING)

Description Under general supervision, the Library Associate in the Community Learning Department moderates and assists with programs, classes and events, promotes the library's collection and services through classes, events, and other programs and activities, and provides professional customer and information services through in-person, phone and virtual customer service in Suffolk's various library locations. Reports to Community Learning leadership. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description. Essential Job Functions Assists in planning, coordinating and facilitating classes, events, and other programs and special events for all ages in virtual and in-person environments.

Examples include: assisting with programs for homeschool students, story times, and adult craft programs. Conduct reference interviews and research, which requires a broad knowledge of print, non-print and electronic resources, to determine the most complete and efficient method or source in order to satisfy the information needs of customers; develop appropriate search strategies to respond to ambiguous and/or complex search requests; may respond to system-wide requests for assistance with difficult reference questions to satisfy the customer's information needs; and demonstrate an awareness of materials, current events, trends and popular authors to respond to the information needs of customers. Prepares statistical and financial reports for levels of service in reference, public usage, program participation, financial fees for lost inventory and equipment use.

Instructs and assists users with the public computers and other library technology and equipment. Instruct users in the use of the library online catalog, electronic resources, print and non-print materials and library equipment to enable them to use library resources independently. Assists customers in finding and/or requesting materials that will meet their needs.

Ability to maintain cooperative and effective relationships with departmental personnel. Registers customers for library cards. Provide training to staff and volunteers to orient them to their tasks and responsibilities.

Refers customers to and/or directly contact, community, state and national agencies and organizations, if required, to satisfy the information needs of customers. Demonstrates awareness of materials, current events, trends and popular authors Interprets, explains and applies library policy and procedures to respond to customer concerns. Processes requests and provides information to customers about their library account.

Searches and updates the circulation system and check materials in and out. Develops and maintains the collection, processes items for rotation between facilities; reassigns, rotates, and shelves items; suggests purchases for the branch and system. Monitors current and forthcoming reading and format trends to anticipate and meet patron needs.

Plans guidelines for tasks, organizes projects and performs duties in circulation, reference and public services. Analyzes and assesses any risk factors associated with the facility and surrounding environment that may impact the safety of the public or staff due to weather conditions, power outages or unpredictable behavior from individuals and thieves. Secures the facility, including making sure the building is clear of patrons, equipment is turned off and alarm is activated.

Performs related work as required. Required Qualifications A combination of higher education and/or experience equivalent to 5 years, 1 of which must have been in a library setting or closely related customer service field; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Requires a valid driver's license.

Supplemental Information Knowledge of library routine and procedures. Knowledge of OPAC, the library's filing system and various types of informational materials in the library. Knowledge of bookkeeping and/or accounting/clerical practices and procedures.

Knowledge of literature for juveniles, young adults and adult patrons. Skilled in data entry, typing and operating general office equipment. Ability to use standard library methods and principles in bibliography, circulation and reference services.

Ability to use a variety of office machines. Is able to follow established procedures and to perform work requiring some detail. Ability to instruct patrons in the use of various office machines, computer programs and library reference materials.

Ability to express ideas effectively orally and in writing. Ability to maintain statistical records and prepare clear reports from them. Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with library patrons and the general public.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments. Knowledge of books, magazines, and related materials available to the public. Ability to follow established procedures and perform work requiring some detail.

Is able to exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with City employees, City officials, professionals, and the general public. Ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things. Ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information.

Includes receiving assignments and/or directions from supervisors. Ability to read a variety of informational and legal documents, City and state codes, law books, etc. Requires the ability to prepare correspondence, memorandum, opinions, contracts, notices, petitions, etc.

Must be able to speak with poise, voice control and confidence, and to articulate information to others. Ability to plan work and develop procedures; to learn and/or evaluate complex information in order to make judgments and decisions. Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions.

Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including legal and municipal terminology. Ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; multiply and divide; utilize decimals and percentages. Ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.

Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with (persons acting under stress) (emergency situations).