The Town of Dedham seeks highly qualified candidates for the position of Library Assistant to provide support services and direct services to patrons. The purpose of this position is to assist patrons in a variety of ways, and to handle Library materials as they circulate in and out of the Library.

Salary/Benefits

According to the AFSCME bargaining unit contract – Library Assistant pay scale.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience in a library environment desirable
• Must receive an acceptable CORI/SORI report

Knowledge, Ability, and Skill

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office, Canva, Google Drive, Sierra Library Service Platform, and willingness to learn new software programs as needed
• Ability to work well with a large staff and diverse patrons and be committed to fostering a positive, collaborative work environment
• Ability to thrive in an ever-changing, fast-paced collaborative environment
• Possess a thorough knowledge of and familiarity with modern office equipment, technology, electronic equipment, and software applications and operations
• Possesses a high degree of organization and time management skills and has the ability to prioritize, multi-task, and handle diverse tasks
• Ability to understand written procedures and understand complex, multi-step, written and oral instructions
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team required
• Ability to take initiative, exercise sound judgment and make decisions within scope of their authority
• High level of professionalism and the ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to relate and communicate in a positive manner and deal tactfully and appropriately with the general public and town departments. Ability to recognize those areas for which inquiries should be referred to a superior.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Bilingual or with functional knowledge of another language preferred
• Available to work a schedule consisting of 37.5 hours per week, including evening shifts and a weekend rotation

Essential Functions of the Job

• Acts as a first point of contact for all patrons; assists patrons with general questions about the Library and in the use of materials, greets visitors of Library; answers telephones and directs calls; answers patrons’ inquiries regarding their accounts or reserving museum passes; helps patrons locate Library materials
• Charges, discharges and inspects Library books, materials and equipment
• Sends notices to patrons when necessary
• Collects fees from patrons when necessary
• Provides input in the evaluation, selection, purchase, and cataloging of material
• Inputs data into computer and processes periodicals
• Troubleshoots and instructs patrons on use of Library technology and equipment
• Assists in maintaining Library collections by shelving and straightening Library material, emptying book drops, and shelf reading
• Assists in carrying out special programs or activities through scheduling, refreshments, reservations, and set-up functions
• Assists in creating book displays, posters, and flyers to promote the collection and publicize Library events and services
• Promotes an environment that encourages input and collaboration of all staff members
• Maintains open communication with all staff and the Library Director
• Responsible for maintaining a welcoming, inviting, safe, and clean public and staff spaces
• Responds to patron concerns and enforces guidelines and policies
• Performs other similar or related duties as required, or as situation dictates
• Responsibilities include assignments at both Library locations as needed

Note: The essential functions of duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, a logical assignment to the position or part of the position’s function as a part of an overall municipal team to ensure effective and efficient municipal operations.

Physical Demands

Minimal physical effort is usually required to perform duties under typical office conditions. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk, sit, speak and hear, use hands to operate equipment, and reach with hands and arms; occasionally required to lift items weighing up to 30 pounds. Vision requirements include the ability to read routine and complex documents and use a computer.

Work is performed under busy office and library conditions, with frequent interruptions to respond to requests for service by telephone and in person. The employee operates standard office equipment.

The employee has contact with other town departments, employees, the public, and vendors. Contact is by email, telephone, fax, mail, and in person.

The employee has access to department-related confidential information, including patron records.

Errors could result in delay and loss of service.