PT Access Services Assistant (10 hours/week)

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Access Services Manager, provides the highest level possible of professional, friendly, and responsive customer service to persons borrowing materials from, and using other services of, the Library Department. Responsibilities include maintaining confidential customer records, performing circulation transactions, handling monetary transactions, providing assistance and information to customers about Library materials, services and programs, and assisting librarian staff in a wide variety of tasks.

Examples of Duties

1. Provides excellent customer service while performing all Access Services functions in an automated environment, including circulation transactions and maintenance of confidential customer records. Must be able to handle confidential records in accordance with the Library Department policies and State regulations regarding confidentiality of library records.

2. Communicates effectively, courteously, and tactfully in English with customers, staff, and volunteers in person, in writing, via email, by phone, and over the PA system; explains Library Department policies to customers; takes accurate messages and routes calls to appropriate staff. Ability to remain professional and courteous while dealing with stressful situations and irate individuals.

3. Assists in training Access Services volunteers and on-call temps in coordination with Access Services Manager; supervises Access Services volunteers and on-call temps in the absence of Access Services Manager.

4. Responds to customer inquiries, including performing basic reference transactions, referring to appropriate Librarian staff or City staff as necessary; assists customers in the use of the Library’s online catalog, self-check, and other digital resources.

5. Evaluates returned materials for damage; notifies patrons of reserved, delinquent, and damaged materials; sorts materials alphabetically and numerically for shelving; assists in shelving of materials as needed.

6. Handles monetary transactions and reconciles accounting software and cash register; operates cash register, credit card machine, and point-of-service apps; maintains financial reports according to records retention schedules.

7. Maintains statistical records; produces reports and searches collection to verify material status and, under the direction of the Access Services Manager, performs annual collection inventory.

8. Handles acquisition, storage, and distribution of donated and withdrawn items; evaluates, prepares, and stocks items for ongoing book sale and Little Free Libraries; acts as liaison to book consignment vendors.

9. Under the direction of the Reference Services Librarian, processes interlibrary loan (ILL) materials, requests ILL renewals, and prepares ILL materials for shipment.

10. Performs clerical tasks, such as photocopying, filing, and data entry; operates computer, office, and specialized Library equipment; troubleshoots equipment and software for other Library staff as necessary.

11. Provides support to other service areas in the Library Department, including repair and processing of materials, performing basic copy cataloging and final inspection, and assisting in planning, publicizing, and conducting programs, community outreach, and fundraising activities. Prepares marketing materials for Library collections and displays; participates in creating content for the Library’s online presence, including social media and the Library website.

12. Sits or stands, working at computer for extended periods of time. Uses mouse and keyboard. Reads computer screens. Requires repetitive lifting/movement of library materials. Retrieves books and materials from shelves up to 7 ft. high with the aid of step stools. Lifts and carries materials and equipment up to 50 pounds. Pushes and pulls book carts that can weigh over 150 pounds when fully loaded. Must be able to kneel, stand, bend, stoop, stretch, climb, and work in confined spaces. Some exposure to dust, odors, and mechanical and electrical hazards.

13. Works flexible hours, including weekends and evenings.

14. May be required to perform other Library Department duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

General knowledge of public library operations. Customer service skills. Ability to accurately keyboard 35 words per minute; to operate a computer and other specialized equipment; to work accurately with an automated library system; to follow written procedures; to interpret and enforce policies and procedures with tact and diplomacy; to read and match numbers, to alphabetize, and to learn to work with the Dewey Decimal Classification System; to work with others effectively as a team and to work independently without direct supervision; to deal with a high volume of work in a short period of time; and to maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees.

Education and Experience

High School diploma or GED required. Customer service experience. Familiarity working with computers, word processing, and spreadsheet applications. Must possess a valid Texas Drivers’ license, with a satisfactory driving record, or ability to obtain one. Preferred: public library experience; supervisory experience; ability to speak Spanish; ability to communicate using American Sign Language.

This position is not eligible for benefits.