Library Associate; Part-time

Library Associate

Arlington County's Public Library is seeking an energetic and customer service focused Library Associate to join the Public Services team. This position will be responsible for assisting customers and performing a variety of tasks to ensure the successful operation of a public library with a diverse population, including people with limited English skills.

Specific duties include:

• Providing customer service assistance to patrons in general reference, readers' advisory, and circulation in person at a service desk, by telephone, email, and other virtual environments;
• Managing and resolving complaints and issues and proactively assisting patrons who may have issues navigating Library resources and/or policies;
• Assisting, instructing, training, and monitoring patrons in the use of library resources and specialized equipment;
• Providing circulation and account maintenance support;
• Assisting patrons with basic troubleshooting of common software products, operating systems, browsers and other technologies associated with library services including handheld devices, e-readers, laptops, and tablets;
• Maintaining and ensuring physical access to library collections, and maintaining strong familiarity with materials and their subject matters;
• Providing leadership and assistance to Library Assistants, Library Pages, and volunteers;
• Assisting in maintaining insightful data at service points and during programs;
• Providing programming support to ensure successful delivery of meaningful programs; and
• Serving as back-up as needed assisting with administrative activities and reports and helping oversee staffing and security needs.

The ideal candidate will have the following:

• A strong desire to provide exceptional customer service;
• Ability to quickly troubleshoot and problem solve issues;
• Ability to thrive in a teamwork-oriented environment;
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills; and/or
• A desire to create a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Possession of a Bachelor's degree; plus
• Some experience in library procedures.

Substitution: Additional qualifying related experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis. A Master's degree in Library Science or Library and Information Science may substitute some experience in library procedures. Desirable: Preference may be given to applicants with experience in one or more of the following in a library setting:

• Performing circulatory and patron account support services;
• Providing programming assistance and promotion;
• A strong familiarity with library collections;
• Providing customer service to diverse populations, including circulation of materials and reader's advisory;
• Providing technical assistance to patrons with varying abilities; and/or
• Managing patron complaints and issues.

Work Hours: Part-time, 30 hours per week including a regular Saturday and Sunday rotation and evening hours. Actual work schedule will be determined upon appointment, based on the needs of the library. Work assignment may change over time. The current part-time vacancy is at the Glencarlyn Library, 300 S. Kensington St, Arlington VA, 22204

Physical Requirements: Must be able to push and pull full book carts and lift items weighing up to 35 lbs.

• Interpersonal Skills
• Mathematics
• Problem Solving
• Reading and Writing