Under the direction of the Youth Services Manager provides support to develop, implement and evaluate library collections, services, programs and outreach activities. A Library Assistant performs library tasks that include reference, readers advisory, programming and assisting customers in the use of technology. This position contributes to the efficient and responsive daily operations of the Youth Services Division. A Library Assistant will typically have a primary focus to serve a specific demographic group.
Examples of Essential Job Functions:
•Provides direct public service in the Youth Services area;
•Creates a welcoming, safe, environment by assuming responsibility for building safety and security, responding to emergencies, and interpreting policies and procedures for the staff and public;
•Advocates for customers, defining their needs and promoting their rights to receive quality and respectful library service and identifies individuals and groups presently not served;
•Maintains expertise in library principles and best practices in serving specific demographics;
•Creates an environment that is attractive, inviting, enjoyable and convenient to use;
•Displays and markets materials effectively;
•Participates in strategic planning;
•Identifies, interprets and accesses a variety of information sources appropriate to customer needs and abilities;
•Provides accurate and comprehensive information in response to customer requests;
•Connects customers with appropriate resources that encourage reading;
•Remains current on reading, viewing and listening interests and technology needs of library customers;
•Demonstrates a knowledge and appreciation of literature, periodicals, audiovisual materials, web sites, electronic media, and other materials that constitute a diverse, current and relevant collection;
•Presents programs, both within the library and through outreach, commensurate with community needs and library’s mission;
•Participates in special projects;
•Teaches information literacy skills through classes, tutorials, programs and individual instruction;
•Assists customers in use of library technology;
•Promotes activities that build and strengthen information literacy skills and lifelong learning;
•Pursues continuing education opportunities;
•Continually updates knowledge of available resources and best practices;
•Represents library in the community;
•Performs other duties as assigned.
Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement, inspiring creativity and innovation, being customer driven, making data-driven decisions, championing employee involvement, striving for excellence, having fiscal stewardship, acting with honesty and integrity, exhibiting leadership, choosing a positive attitude, respecting one another, promoting safety and wellness, and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience: High School diploma required. Preference may be given to applicants with Bachelor’s degree. Library experience preferred.
Knowledge of: philosophy, principles and practices of public library services; the principles of intellectual freedom, privacy and library patron rights; computer applications; integrated library systems; emerging technologies, trends and resources relevant to public library services; principles of public relations and promotion.
Skill in: customer service; written and oral communication; training staff and volunteers; using print and electronic resources; principles and practices of continuous improvement; critical thinking and decision making; creative problem solving.
Ability to: work independently and in a team environment; work with a sense of urgency, tact and a sense of humor; evaluate effectiveness of current practices and recommend improvements; initiate, implement and evaluate services and programs; be proactive in problem-solving and trouble-shooting; assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects and deadlines; tolerate ambiguity; develop and teach curriculum; handle challenging situations and people; motivate change; develop effective working relationships in the library, City of Ames, community and profession; demonstrate professionalism and positive attitude.
Supplemental Information:
A cover letter, three professional references, answer to the supplemental question, and a completed City of Ames application must be submitted in order to be considered for this position.
Selection Process:
The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience, an interview, and completion of a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.
E-Verify Process:
The City of Ames participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position with the City of Ames must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity prior to starting employment. Please be prepared to provide required documents as soon as possible after the job offer has been made. For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at 515-239-5199 or go to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at: http://www.uscis.gov.
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