The Florham Park Public Library is seeking an enthusiastic and tech-savvy self-starter to join our circulation team! The Circulation Assistant works evening and weekend hours, providing excellent customer service, tech help, and information to the people of Florham Park. This role includes checking materials in and out, assisting patrons with their accounts, and ensuring that library materials are properly shelved and organized. The Circulation Assistant is a key point of contact for patrons and plays a vital role in creating a welcoming and efficient library environment. Curious about what it’s like to work at a public library? This role is a great opportunity for an individual seeking to gain insight and entry-level experience in a fulfilling profession.
The Florham Park Public Library is a vibrant and forward-thinking community hub dedicated to providing access to a wealth of knowledge, resources, and services. We are a diverse team of committed and resourceful community helpers who share the goal of fostering a love of reading, lifelong learning, and social engagement. The Florham Park Public Library is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
This is an hourly position at $17.00 per hour.
Schedule
Wednesday 4:00-9:00pm
Thursday 4:00-9:00pm
Saturday 12:00-4:00pm
Essential Functions of the Job
- Circulation Desk Operations
- Check library materials in and out, ensuring accurate and timely processing of transactions.
- Issue new library cards, update patron accounts, and handle account inquiries and renewals.
- Process holds and interlibrary loan requests.
- Collect fines and fees, and manage cash transactions in accordance with library policies.
- Customer Service
- Greet patrons warmly and assist with their inquiries, providing information about library services, policies, and programs.
- Offer basic reader’s advisory services, helping patrons locate materials and providing recommendations.
- Assist patrons with the use of library equipment, including computers, printers, scanners, and photocopiers.
- Address and resolve basic patron issues or complaints, referring complex situations to the Circulation Supervisor.
- Collection Maintenance
- Shelve returned materials promptly and accurately, so that items are placed in the correct order.
- Assist with shelf-reading and maintaining the organization of library collections, identifying and correcting any misplaced items.
- Help prepare library materials for circulation, including labeling, covering, and processing new items.
- Participate in weeding and inventory projects as directed by the Circulation Supervisor or other library staff.
- Clerical Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate records of circulation activities, including statistics on checkouts, returns, and patron visits.
- Assist with clerical tasks such as filing, photocopying, and data entry as needed.
- Troubleshoot minor technical issues and report any persistent problems to the appropriate library staff.
- Attend and participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and other professional development opportunities.
- Provide backup support for other library functions as needed, including assisting in other departments during busy periods or staff shortages.
Qualifications
- High school diploma (some college preferred)
- Familiarity with computers and internet
- Ability to patiently troubleshoot technical issues
- Attention to detail and organizational skills
- Proactive customer service orientation, ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the general public, and ability to maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with other members of the library staff
- Enthusiasm for libraries and an ability to stimulate interest and encourage participation in reading and other library activities
- Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret library policies and procedures
- Willingness to develop skills and library knowledge through on-the-job training, classes, or online tutorials
- Able to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 pounds
How to Apply
Email a cover letter and resume to Nancy Shah, Library Director, nancyashah [at] flo.mainlib.org with “Circulation Assistant” in the subject line.