Library Assistant

Summary

*The start date for this position will not be until September 2026*

The Part-Time Library Assistant at the John W. Jacobs Technology Center (JTC) provides direct customer service at the main JTC and the Makerspace desks. Key duties at the JTC main desk include assisting the public and library staff in the use of computers, scanners, and printers. Key duties at the Makerspace desk include offering Makerspace equipment training, assisting customers with their maker projects, conducting Makerspace and/or STEM related workshops, and programs.

Additionally, the person in this position ensures that JTC computers, scanners, printers, and Makerspace equipment are in good working order, sets up the laptops and projector for public/library classes and programs, assists the usage of the projector and laptops, schedules library programs and workshops, proctors online exams, checks STEM Kits in and out of the library and performs other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

This position requires excellent organizational and oral communications skills, flexibility, a genuine enjoyment of working with the public, a commitment to public service, and the ability to handle stressful situations. This position also requires the ability to demonstrate current PC proficiency including internet, email, and Microsoft Office skills. The person in this position must possess a strong computer troubleshooting skill set. High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED), some college required. Previous customer service experience preferred.

All library positions require the following criminal background and child abuse clearances:
Report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP); Child Abuse History
Clearance from the Department of Human Services (Child Abuse); and Fingerprint based
federal criminal history submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent
(FBI).

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).

Essential Duties

• Staff the public service desk in the JTC/DMLM.
• Respond to library customers’ problems with computers and computer software including: printing, scanning, saving and sending documents, completing and submitting online forms and applications, and internet search.
• Provide basic instructions to users on equipment operation and general software use.
• Troubleshoot and handle minor repairs of scanners and printers.
• Operate equipment in the DMLM and fulfill library customers’ requests. Equipment includes but is not limited to 3d printer, inkjet printer, virtual/augmentedreality equipment, , VHS and cassette digitizing equipment, etc.
• Assist in public computer workshops.
• Set up equipment such as laptops and projectors.
• Answer patron inquiries when possible, referlibrary customers to appropriate personnel for additional assistance when necessary.
• Monitor and maintain printer supplies and maintain inventory of hardware.
• Attend seminars, conferences, workshops, classes or lectures to enhance and maintain knowledge of trends and developments in technology services.
• Perform duties and provide service in compliance with County and Library policies and procedures.
• Maintain John W. Jacobs Technology Center and Digital Media Lab and Makerspace in a neat and orderly fashion.
• Perform duties and provide service in compliance with County and library policies and procedures.
• Check-in and check-out circulating STEM Kits.
• Participate in community outreach initiatives and fulfill continuing education requirements.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• Basic office skills (typing, filing, answering phones, etc.).
• Enjoys working with the public.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team to complete objectives
• Creative, accurate and detail-oriented.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Problem-solving skills.
• Interest in learning new technologies.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds
• Considerable organizational and time management skills.
• Criminal background check.
• Child abuse clearance.
• FBI clearance.

• Completion of a two- or four-year program from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, elementary education, or children’s literature.
• Experience working in a library with computerized systems.
• General knowledge of library operations or the principles and practices of public library service.
• Knowledge of Chester County Library policies, procedures, services and programs.

Additional Information

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 to Intermediate OutLook skills (Email and Calendar)
• Proficiency with Library’s online catalog
• Basic knowledge of Cloud technology.
• Basic knowledge of Makerspace technologies.

• Close vision.
• Color vision.

• The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet.

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