Library Assistant (Union/AFSCME)

SALARY RANGE: $26.002-33.038/HOUR *Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for range.

NATURE OF WORK: The Evanston Public Library is seeking a full-time Library Assistant to provide responsive and high quality service at the Robert Crown Branch Library. The ideal candidate will reflect the diversity of our community and be enthusiastic, dedicated to excellent customer service, team-oriented, and passionate about working with all members of the community. This position is responsible for helping to create innovative programming and activities, assisting patrons with the public computers, printers and application software, answering questions, providing directions, helping with readers advisory for our collection, and developing relationships with community members who use the Robert Crown Branch Library.

Schedule 37.5 Hours/Week; includes some evenings, weekends, and holidays.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops relationships with library patrons using an equity and trauma informed lens

• Plans, presents, and evaluates innovative programming for library patrons, primarily those aged 18 and older.

• Works on the public service desk. Interviews patrons carefully to determine what information is required and provides clear, accurate and timely answers to all patron inquiries.

• Provides exceptional customer service both in-person and by phone.

• Conducts informational searches using print and electronic resources. 

• Maintains current knowledge of the Library’s collections and electronic resources, keeping abreast of industry trends and innovations. Reads, listens to, and views a wide variety of literature and media.

• Develops and maintains recommended resource guides to books, movies, music and electronic resources.

• Assists library users with the use of library materials, services, equipment and facilities, including help in accessing online resources and downloading library media.

• Answers general information and directional questions.

• Assists patrons as needed with the borrowing of library materials, including checking materials in and out, renewing items, accepting fines and fees, initiating interlibrary loan requests, registering new borrowers, and renewing borrower cards

• Assists in maintaining the collection, including ensuring that materials are accurately shelved.

• Completes training as assigned, including but not limited to racial equity training, implicit bias, trauma-informed care, serving homeless populations, and applies the concepts learned in these trainings to their work at the Library.

• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

• Must possess a high school diploma, GED or higher.
• Must possess one (1) or more years of work experience in a customer service setting.
• Proficiency in a foreign language is highly desirable (preferably Spanish)
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:

  • Ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and establish and maintain relationships with library patrons who may need assistance or support.

  • Considerable knowledge of popular literature, culture, authors, films, music and media.

  • Fluency with current and trending technologies and the ability to learn and adapt quickly to changing technologies, equipment and procedures.

  • Ability to clearly explain and demonstrate computer procedures to inexperienced users.

  • Proficiency with Internet browsers and search engines, word processing software, email, and Windows operating systems.

  • Ability to project a helpful and approachable demeanor, and to remain patient, calm and focused in a busy and occasionally stressful work environment.

  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of customers and staff throughout the Library, as well as the general public within the organization.

  • Ability to multitask many variable duties, requests and responsibilities.

  • Ability to exercise independent judgment.

  • Ability to read, understand and interpret manuals, policies and procedures, rules, regulations, journals, blogs, social media,  memos, letters, and reports. 

  • Ability to perform mathematical calculations with the use of a calculator and/or cash register.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK: The ability to work in a primarily sedentary position, with the ability to occasionally use force to exert up to 30 pounds. The ability to lift, carry or otherwise move objects, books, materials, etc. using up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. The employee is subject to inside environmental conditions: protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from indoor temperature changes. There are no environmental hazards associated with this classification.

SUPERVISION: Work is performed under the supervision of the Robert Crown Branch Manager. The individual has contact with other library agencies and staff at all levels, and uses the necessary resources to meet and achieve goals and/or objectives.  Work is assigned through specific projects and customer/clientele requests.  The employee is responsible for prioritizing work tasks, and for identifying and utilizing the appropriate resources to resolve a problem or situation.  Work performance is reviewed through observation, completion of projects, status reports, conferences and meetings.  Guidance is provided through the City Code, departmental policies, City operating practices and procedures, and other resources as applicable to specific projects assigned.  Work is evaluated at least annually, with respect to customer service, problem-solving ability and performance in accordance with this classification standard.

PUBLIC CONTACT: The employee has regular and frequent contact with the general public.

SELECTION METHOD          TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST
Structured Oral Interview                       Category Group                                                            Qualifications Assessment

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To apply for this position, please apply online at www.cityofevanston.org on or before the closing date.

Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check. The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity.  The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities.  Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact Human Resources at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-866-5095 (TTY).