What are the responsibilities and job description for the Story Center Associate position at Mid-Continent Public Library?
At Mid-Continent Public Library, we:
Imagine. We inspire innovation through curiosity and exploration.
Try new things. We empower what works and learn from the rest.
Lead the way. We connect people to information, ideas, and inspiration.
Welcome all. We embrace new perspectives and listen with humility.
Everything we do, we do together.
Schedule: Some evenings and weekends required.
Position Overview
The Story Center Associate helps to deliver core Story Center services and resources by hosting public programs, printing publications on the Espresso Book Machine, and orienting customers to Story Center resources, including the special collection, among other duties. The person is passionate about providing excellent service to all customers and about The Story Center's mission to empower library customers to create stories, share those stories, and connect with the stories of others.
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Essential Functions
- Supports operations and functions of Story Center by staffing the main desk in historic Woodneath home, reserving rooms, leading tours, and opening and closing the building
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Implements core Story Center services, including public programs and printing
- Hosts virtual, in-person, and hybrid Story Center programs
- Communicates with presenter and registrants; prepares program space
- Monitors and regulates program environment
- Distributes, collects, and records program evaluations and attendance
- Operates Espresso Book Machine
- Recommends and orients internal and external customers to and promotes Story Center resources, including programs, publications, special collection, and digital resources
- Provides support for the Director, Publication Manager, and Program Manager
Non-Essential Functions
- None
Education and Experience
- High School Diploma/HiSet/GED completion required
- Customer Service experience required
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
All successful team members at MCPL should demonstrate:
- Ability to use effective verbal, written, and discreet communication with management, co-workers, and the public.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Knowledge of department processes and procedures and critical thinking skills to make decisions pertaining to the position.
- Proficiency in providing friendly and solution-oriented customer service attitude and delivery with internal and external customers.
- Fundamental understanding of their own contribution to a welcoming and respectful workplace and library for all.
- Sufficient understanding of the MCPL value of intellectual freedom in order to uphold those values while performing their job duties.
- Strong ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team.
- Reliable, punctual, and flexible with scheduling.
- Good communication skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing needs.
Age Requirement
- Must be at least 18 years of age
MVR Requirement
- None
Work Environment
- (Indoor) Works primarily indoors with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer, and must have a reasonable tolerance for dust, mold, scents, allergens, and communicable diseases which enables the employee to handle library materials, work in older buildings and interact with coworkers and the public.
Essential physical abilities to be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodation are:
Daily (greater than 50% of the time)
- Walking (even ground)
- Lifting 1-10 pounds
- Sitting
- Bending/Stooping
- Kneeling
- Receiving Communication and Instructions (vision, reading, hearing)
- Conveying Communication and Instructions (Speaking, writing)
- Using computer data entry tools - keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, scanner
Frequently (up to 50% of the time)
- Reaching above the shoulder
Occasionally (approximately 1-2 times per month)
- Standing (up to 1 hour at a time)
- Walking (variable surfaces)
- Lifting 11-25 pounds
- Pushing/Pulling 1-10 pounds
- Pushing/Pulling 11-25 pounds
Rarely (1-5 times per year)
- Standing (more than 1 hour at a time)
- Lifting 26-40 pounds
- Pushing/Pulling 26-40 pounds
- Climbing stepstools
- Climbing ladders
"This is a Bargaining Unit Position with CWA 6360"
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
All applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected class in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Any applicant requiring an accommodation should contact the Mid-Continent Public Library Human Resources Department at 816.836.5200.
Applicants will be considered for employment opportunities on the merits of their skills and experience related to the position sought. Employment offers are conditional upon submitting a criminal records check, identity verification, and national sex offender registry check. Applicants will not be denied employment solely or in part because of a prior conviction, unless MCPL determines the conviction is job-related. If a background check yields information that is of concern to MCPL, the applicant will be given an opportunity to review the background check findings and present information regarding inaccuracy, mitigating circumstances, and rehabilitation.