Part-Time Library Assistant Penn Wynne Library

Job Overview

This position is responsible for library clerical work involving circulation duties, public assistance, and program presentations.

Work involves responsibility for providing services to library patrons. Duties include circulation, reader’s advisory services, processing library materials, promoting library programs, accurately completing tasks and projects as assigned by the Head Librian, and actively promoting and educating the public on available services.

• Use the library computer system to register and update borrower information, check materials in and out, process overdue materials and reserves, and collect fines (cash handling).
• Answer telephone inquiries.
• Provide information and direction to patrons, assist patrons in locating books and other materials, and demonstrate the use of the computerized catalog, electronic databases available on the Lower Merion Library System (LMLS) website, and reader’s advisory.
• Assist with use of copiers, computers, and e-materials available to patrons through streaming and downloading on various devices.
• Shelve books and audiovisual materials.
• Promote use of online resources and technology services offered in the library such as public computers, Chromebooks, chargers and printing; assist with technology troubleshooting and demonstration.
• Maintain library technology equipment.
• Assist with checking professional journals for holdings.
• Conduct outreach for the library.
• Assist with public relations such as social media (e.g., Facebook, Lib Cal, Canva), newsletters, creating flyers and other tasks as assigned.
• Process new and donated materials as well as repair materials needed, including entering information in the library database.
• Assist in developing and presenting programs, story time, and classes.
• Assist with opening and closing the building.
• Supervise student workers and/or pages.
• Assist with processing new materials, unloading and sorting interlibrary deliveries, and emptying book and audiovisual return drops.
• Work in other library departments as needed.
• Perform various projects and other tasks assigned by supervisor/Head Librarian.

• High school graduate or equivalent; some college desired.
• Library experience desired.
• Experience in computer operation including Apple products, Chromebooks, and Microsoft Office (particularly Word and Excel) required.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Customer service experience desired.
• Ability to assist both adults and children courteously and efficiently.
• Experience with and interest in programming and community engagement strongly desired.
• Experience with and interest in public relations, graphic design and creative use of social media (and Constant Contact) desired.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic computations.
• Ability to successfully pass and maintain the following background checks: (1) Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check, (2) Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Certification, and (3) FBI Criminal Background Check through the Department of Human Services.

• Ability to view a computer screen for up to 80% of the workday.
• Ability to sit for a minimum of up to 2 hours and must be mobile for a minimum of 2 to 4 hours a day.
• Ability to bend, stoop, squat, reach above shoulder level, kneel, lift, push and pull up to 35% of the day for shelving books and other library procedures.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds up to 68% of the day for shelving books and for moving library materials.
• Ability to use both hands for firm grasping, repetitive actions and fine manipulation.