Library Associate - General POS#117000074

Position Overview

The Cumberland County Public Library is dedicated to serving the residents of Cumberland County and surrounding communities by providing access to informational and recreational resources in a variety of formats, along with innovative programs and services that enrich the community. As a Library Associate, you will play a key role in delivering exceptional customer service by assisting patrons at multiple service points and helping them locate materials, access resources, and utilize library services. This position requires strong communication skills, sound independent judgment, and a commitment to creating a welcoming and engaging environment for all library visitors. Depending on the location, the Library Associate may also serve as a Team Lead, providing guidance and support to staff while helping ensure efficient daily operations.

Examples of Duties

• Provide exceptional customer service by assisting library patrons in person, by telephone, and through digital communication channels
• Staff public service desks and respond to patron inquiries by providing accurate information and connecting customers with appropriate library resources
• Assist patrons in locating library materials, conducting research, and navigating print and digital collections
• Provide instruction and support on the use of library technology, including desktop computers, laptops, printers, scanners, fax machines, e-readers, and software applications
• Assists customers with self-services checkout and account information at Circulation desk to include cash, check, and assisting others with online credit card transactions
• Perform basic troubleshooting of library equipment and technology, escalating complex technical issues as appropriate
• May go to the bank to pick up change for the change machine and/or cash register
• Participate in collection maintenance by evaluating, weeding, and discarding materials in accordance with library policies and collection development standards
• Compile, maintain, and report library usage statistics and other operational data to support service evaluation and planning
• Collaborate with library staff to ensure efficient daily operations while fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and customer-focused environment for all patrons

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of library procedures, circulation practices, collection management principles, integrated library systems, and public library services
• Knowledge of readers' advisory techniques and resources to assist patrons in selecting materials that meet their informational and recreational needs
• Knowledge of library card registration requirements, policies, and procedures
• Skill in providing exceptional customer service and delivering library information services to patrons with professionalism and courtesy
• Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with customers, coworkers, and community partners
• Skill in using computers and library technology, including online public access catalogs (OPACs), library databases, internet resources, and standard office software
• Ability to instruct patrons in the use of library equipment and technology, including photocopiers, printers, scanners, fax machines, payment systems, public computer reservation software, self-checkout stations, and other library technologies
• Ability to operate audiovisual equipment and utilize electronic resources to locate, retrieve, and provide accurate information
• Ability to perform basic troubleshooting on computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, and other library equipment to ensure uninterrupted customer service
• Ability to organize work, coordinate multiple tasks, exercise sound judgment, and interact tactfully and courteously with patrons and staff in a fast-paced public service environment

Conditions of Employment:

A formal transcript will be required. College transcripts may be submitted on-line via the attachment feature or mailed to Cumberland County Human Resources, 117 Dick St. Fayetteville, NC 28301.

In accordance with Session Law 2025-16, candidates selected for positions involving work with children in any capacity will be required to undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history check conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).

Successful candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment with Cumberland County must pass pre-employment screenings, including criminal history checks and drug screenings, as required by Cumberland County Policies and Procedures, prior to beginning work or receiving a final offer of employment. Refusal to submit to testing or testing positive for prohibited substances will result in the withdrawal of the conditional employment offer.

Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Cumberland County are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other status protected by applicable laws and regulations. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.