Position Overview:
On the grounds of The Society of the Four Arts sits the historic Gioconda and Joseph King Library. The Library provides adult and teen services and programs to members of the surrounding community. The King Library Associate (staff position) is responsible primarily for front desk coverage, patron and guest services and collection maintenance.
Describe the functions of this job:
· Perform all opening and closing procedures
· Check materials in and out to patrons
· Place holds, maintain holds list, and contact patrons as holds become available
· Assist patrons in locating materials and orient them to the physical arrangement of materials throughout the building, especially new or prospective members
· Maintain flyers, refill information/brochures/print materials/signage
· Inform patrons concerning membership renewal and contact patrons regarding overdue materials
· Answer phone and respond to online inquiries for information; provide ticketing support and provide reference/research referrals
· Collect membership and renewal fees and enter and update membership information and payments online
· Assist patrons with use of laptops, Wi-Fi, technology questions, ebook and e resources, web site and online library catalog
· Perform ongoing and project-based collection maintenance of all materials including shelving items, shelf reading, shifting collections, general tidying, and other collection related tasks (requires ability to lift up to 45 pounds and/or climb a ladder)
· Assure neat, orderly and user-friendly appearance of all patron-staff common areas
· Create and maintain displays; help conserve/repair books/book jackets
· Create/edit draft documents for marketing and or needed library signage
· Set up and break down equipment, chairs, tables, etc. for programs
· Maintain manuals, input data, updating and providing statistical information
· Assist cataloger in material processing and expediting reserves for patrons
· Support book group facilitators and the programming librarian
· Work book sales and any King Library events
· Cross train in all library tasks (in both the King and Children’s Libraries) to help maintain high level of service
· Other Library and administrative tasks as required
List any particular skills necessary to perform this job:
Public speaking abilities, with an emphasis on oral/written communication skills, including confidence with public speaking and social interaction with strangers
Enthusiasm and energy for initiating and participating in the work of the library
Patience and diplomacy in dealing with a range of ages and an ability to exhibit a service orientation for our staff and community
Familiarity with statistical/spreadsheet programs and integrated library systems
Attention to detail with organizational ability
Use of good judgment, consideration and reflective of the Society’s policies
A willingness to train and learn new library skills from colleagues
List any specialized knowledge an individual must possess to be selected for this job:
2 years prior customer service experience (library-related preferred)
Knowledge of literature and films, especially bestsellers and award-winners, and/or ability to research titles
An understanding of adult and teen literature, and the confidence to refer titles to patrons
Experience with researching the value of materials
Knowledge of the maintenance and organization of library collections
Identify supervisory/managerial duties that are required of this position:
Able to participate in a team or to work independently on project/programs
Good judgment and willingness to research issues with facts before offering recommendations
Able to suggest improvements/changes and to maintain consensus
Responsible for taking charge, when absences or emergencies arise
Identify authority an individual in this position will have to act on behalf of the company, including any spending limits or authorities:
May suggest titles for purchase and prepare invoice reconciliation in the absence of the acquisition senior associate.
Works under the supervision of the acquisition senior associate at the front desk; supports the programming and catalog librarians, as needed.
Hours required will include occasional evenings for support of book discussions/events (less than once a month) and sharing rotational Saturday work.
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other duties as assigned.
Bachelors degree or equivalent preferred
At least 2 years of customer service experience (library-related preferred)
Physical address where the job position is located.
Email rschipper@fourarts.org with a cover letter attached describing the applicant's knowledge, skills and experience based upon the job description; include a resume with at least 2 years of customer service experience (library-related preferred) and a listing of 3 professional references (name, title, employer, phone, email) who can discuss the applicant's qualifications.