Library Assistant II | Patron Services (Floating)

Nature of Work

This part-time position provides paraprofessional and customer service support to various areas of Grand Rapids Public Library with the overall goal of helping patrons access library resources.


The main priority of this position is direct public service and involves helping patrons access library resources in-person, over the phone, and via email. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Circulation Operations Supervisor.


This position is regularly scheduled at the Main Library:

Monday: 5:00 - 9:00 pm

Thursday: 5:00 - 9:00 pm

Friday: 2:00 - 6:00 pm

Saturday: 9:00 - 6:00 pm

Occasionally required- Sunday: 1:00 - 5:00 pm

Examples of work:

• Greets visitors; responds to inquiries and answers general questions related to library services and processes, and/or guides them to appropriate staff.
• Provides assistance to library patrons including basic account management, reference services, reader’s advisory, technology support, and library information; Assist in navigating internal and external technology resources, including but not limited to digital resources, basic email and word processing, internet access, and personal devices; responds to and/or direct inquiries to GRPL spaces and services.
• Communicates with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate service to the public.
• Effectively manage challenging patron interactions through de-escalation.
• Represents GRPL at community events and outreach opportunities.
• Assists with planning and implementation of programs and services.
• Assists other staff with special projects, research and idea generation; may write, proofread, or edit reports or other documents as needed.
• Performs general administrative duties in support of the location or department; may include cash handling, placing supply orders or service requests, and assisting with location equipment issues and maintenance.
• Collects, compiles, and reports statistics related to library resources and programs.
• Ensures the maintenance, presentation, and accessibility of GRPL's collection.
• Ensures patron privacy and abides by library procedures and state laws.
• Works in other library departments at all locations, as needed.
• Performs other tasks of a similar nature as assigned.

Minimum Training and Experience

Required:

• High school diploma or a GED
• 2 years of customer service experience, library experience, cash handling experience, office experience, or some equivalent combination.

Preferred:

• A college degree
• Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish

Other Necessary Qualifications

• Ability to:
  • Provide consistently friendly, accurate, and efficient service to GRPL patrons and staff; ability to make independent and reliable decisions related to patron experience.
  • Assist and instruct patrons around hardware and software issues as they relate to library resources and public workstations.
  • Establish and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers and the public; work collaboratively.
  • Manage emotions in the workplace and maintain professional composure and judgement.
  • Communicate effectively and professionally with diverse groups both verbally and in writing.
  • Add, subtract, and perform basic accounting calculations accurately and efficiently.
  • Set and meet priorities; adaptability and judgment to reprioritize as needed throughout the course of a shift.
  • Perform standardized processes accurately and consistently; follow procedures in processing forms and other communication.
  • Make independent and efficient decisions and work without close supervision.
  • Maintain an organized and effective work process; flexibility to adapt to changes and updates to processes.
  • Maintain library records and prepare reports.
  • Work 20-24 hours per week; work evenings and weekends.
  • Work at various desks and locations.
  • Learn GRPL’s patron experience standards and library policies to provide basic account management, reference services, reader’s advisory, technology support, and library information.
  • Apply patron privacy standards in a wide variety of circumstances with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Work with supervisor and process feedback regarding job performance.
• Understanding of:
  • General office procedures, processes, and equipment; ability to operate a variety of office equipment including computer workstations, typical electronic devices, cash register and POS systems, and software.

Other Information

Please note the following:

• 
  A cover letter is required
  • Please attach a cover letter in pdf format that describes your interest in the position, your interest in working at GRPL, and how these might tie in with personal or professional goals
• All communication regarding this position will be done via email; it is your responsibility to ensure that your email address is up-to-date on your account profile
• To be eligible for this position, you must apply through the City of Grand Rapids Job Opportunities page

Please visit the library's jobs page for a list of other open positions at Grand Rapids Public Library.


All inquiries related to this posting should be directed to:

Grand Rapids Public Library

111 Library St NE

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

616-988-5400 | [email protected]

GRPL proudly promotes diversity and inclusion in employment, and strives to maintain a workplace culture where respect and positive recognition of differences are cultivated.


Grand Rapids Public Library provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination of any type without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, height, weight, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. GRPL will make reasonable accommodations for employees and job applicants with disabilities.


This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, transfer, training, promotion, discipline, termination, leaves of absence, compensation, and benefits, as well as work-related events and activities.

GRPL | Part-time Employee Benefit Summary

• Employer sponsored HealthiestYou by teledoc Healthcare
• Paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • Floating holidays
  • Vacation
  • Sick leave
  • Personal time
  • Bereavement leave
  • Parental leave
  • Jury duty leave
• Retirement
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Plan