Library Assistant (Part- Time)

DEPARTMENT: Mercer County Library System

SALARY: $18.51 - $24.85 per hour

SCHEDULE: This is a 19 hour per week position, with the following current schedule: Monday through Thursday evenings and every other Saturday.

LOCATION: Hightstown, NJ

POSITION(S) AVAILABLE: 1

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Mercer County Library System is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented part-time candidate for the Circulation Team of the Hightstown Memorial Library Branch. The branch is a small, but vibrant community hub, located overlooking downtown and Peddie Lake. People often walk to the library to attend programs, learn new skills, find books, study, and connect with neighbors. As a staff, the mission is to connect people with resources, information, career preparation, notaries, social services, technology skills, and to community.

This position involves providing friendly, professional service to a diverse public. Candidates should be self-motivated, interested in participating in a team environment, and be able to follow policies and procedures to complete a variety of tasks in accordance with library standards. Participation in a respectful team environment, while exhibiting flexibility and positivity, and possessing a keen understanding that as public service space sometimes needs and priorities temporarily change, is a must.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs direct patron service at community outreach events and at an MCLS Circulation Desk.
• General duties, which include, but are not limited to assisting patrons with the circulation of library materials and their patron accounts.
• Collects fines and fees, and makes change.
• Processes daily and monthly reports.
• Empties the book drop.
• Assists patrons with directional questions, performing title and subject searches, readers' advisory, and placing items on reserve. May assist patrons with simple informational reference questions.
• Processes materials for inclusion in the collection.
• Assists patrons in using the copier and other library machinery.
• Files, shelves, shelf reads and other projects and assignments related to patron accounts and/or the collection.
• Pulls and processes holds, including notifying patrons of their holds.
• Provides support to adult or youth services programming, as needed to encourage library usage and support the goals of MCLS, community needs and changes and trends in technology and libraries
• Assists in decorating the branch for various holidays and themes, including book displays.
• Keeps the circulation area neat and organized.
• May assist in the repair of library materials, as assigned.
• Participates in MCLS social media opportunities and the Library's blog.
• Required to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording, software and information systems used by the library system.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Appointee will be required to possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Prior experience working with the public is desirable.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Computer proficiency, including a working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Knowledge or previous experience with Sirsi Workflows library software and Library Aware desirable.
• Reading materials and providing verbal assistance to library users in the English language.
• Manual dexterity to handle books, software, and a variety of other media formats.
• Intermittent sitting, standing, and walking; occasional bending, reaching, and stooping; lifting and carrying items weighing up to 35 lbs.; pushing or pulling objects (book carts) weighing up to 100 lbs.
• Vision sufficient to view computer screens and spine labels under a variety of light conditions.
• Provide service to library patrons with friendly professionalism.
• An awareness of the library's physical and digital resources, including how to assist patrons with general information about the library's app and other electronic services is necessary.

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH MERCER COUNTY:

Mercer County is committed to supporting the well-being and growth of all employees, including part-time staff. While benefits may vary based on hours worked and union affiliation, part-time employees may be eligible for:

• Access to select health and wellness programs
• Participation in the Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP), where applicable
• Opportunities for training and professional development
Access to employee support services and participation in county-sponsored initiatives

Mercer County EEO/ Civil Service Statement & Residency Requirements:

Mercer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, familial status, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, disability, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.

As a Civil Service employer under the State of New Jersey, all candidates must comply with New Jersey Civil Service Commission regulations and guidelines. Mercer County residency is required. Non-residents must establish residency within one (1) year of employment.

Mercer County is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws, specifically in accordance with the New Jersey State Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace .