The Cranford Public Library is accepting applications for the title of Desk Assistant to work in the Circulation Department, a part-time position. Under general supervision of the Head of Access Services, the Desk Assistant provides a variety of library services to patrons, primarily at the Circulation Desk and first floor collections, assists with maintaining and updating the collection, and performs related work as required. The work week is an average of 12 hours, including daytime, evening and weekend hours. The library is located in Union County and is a member of the Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium, Libraries of Union County Consortium and MURAL (Middlesex Union Reciprocal Agreement Libraries). Two positions are currently available.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
These are examples of work required:
- Greets patrons at the Circulation Desk.
- Answers the phone and refers calls to the appropriate extension.
- Checks materials in and out.
- Collects fines and fees.
- Places requests for materials.
- Pulls daily list of requested materials.
- Registers patrons and assists with online registration.
- Answers basic questions and refers other inquiries to appropriate departments.
- Collects payment for lost items, postage stamps, used books, Friends of the Cranford Public Library membership.
- Checks shelves for items.
- Prepares interlibrary loan items for shipping.
- Shelves materials and reads shelves (puts materials in correct call number and alphabetical order).
- Rearranges collections as requested to make room for new materials.
- Assists with acquisition and maintenance of the collections.
- Assists with updates to new item records.
- Performs additional related tasks as requested by the supervisor or administrative staff.
REQUIREMENTS:
EXPERIENCE
At least one year of experience working in a public library environment, including circulation and customer service responsibilities, preferred.
EDUCATION
A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Some college preferred.
SKILLS
- Ability to interact with library patrons successfully, and to foster positive interactions.
- Familiarity with books and audio-visual materials.
- Ability to participate in consultative or in-service training programs.
- Ability to organize library materials in alphabetical order, as well as by the library’s classification system (Dewey Decimal).
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers, to demonstrate teamwork skills and work both independently and as part of a larger group.
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
- Strong customer service and technology skills, creativity, flexibility, and a sense of humor.
- Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the individual requests a reasonable accommodation, but none can be granted without imposing an undue hardship on the Library, such persons may be deemed not qualified for the position.
- Must maintain consistent, regular attendance.
TO APPLY
The starting hourly wage is $13.00. This is a part-time position which includes a generous paid time off package.
Please send a resume, cover letter, and three references to Head of Access Services Jessica Osolin by email (josolin [at] lmxac.org) with “Desk Assistant” in the subject line. This position will remain open until filled. The Cranford Public Library is an ADA compliant/EOE employer.