Polk County Library Cooperative Outreach Services Assistant

This is a highly responsible paraprofessional support position involving remote operations and outreach services, along with some clerical office work and general library services. This position assists the Outreach Services Librarian and Outreach Services Specialist with developing and implementing programs to extend library services and resources to the community.

The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic individual that takes initiative, manages change well, thrives in a team environment, has excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and is passionate about serving their community.

This position reports to the Outreach Services Librarian and assists the Outreach Services Specialist and other PCLC staff in providing library services to residents of Polk County through programs, policies, and practices.

• General Cooperative Outreach duties including pop-up libraries, community events, library card sign-ups, programs for all ages, driving PCLC vehicles, setting up and taking down portable displays, attending meetings and events.
• General Cooperative Outreach and Circulation duties, including support of mobile library services:
  Homebound, Books-by-Mail, Kiosk/Vending machines, Library Lockers, remote library sites, and Deposit Collections.
• General Cooperative office duties, including clerical work. Distributes materials as needed to member libraries. Assists with deliveries as needed. Maintains statistics for reports.
• General library duties such as renewing books, issuing library cards, placing items on hold, adding attached holdings, placing interlibrary loans, processing materials, updating library event calendars, compiling statistics, sorting and distributing delivery tags, planning and presenting programs, and other library tasks as needed.
• Assists patrons with title selection and reader’s advisory services via telephone or email. Keeps records of homebound patron’s reading preferences and interests.
• Load and unload library materials and equipment onto vehicles, then set up and take down Pop-up libraries.
• Assist in gathering and preparing all items needed for program, taking program on the road, and performing program for audiences of all ages.
• Attend meetings and training seminars as required.
• Assist borrowers with circulation issues when appropriate.
• Assist with all PCLC services when needed.
• Work with Polk County Fleet Management concerning routine service and repairs to Outreach vehicles.
• Follow all PCLC and BoCC policies and procedures for operating county vehicles.
• Perform other job‑related duties as required.

• Must possess strong customer service skills that include communicating with patrons to provide information and resolve inquiries, in person, on the phone, email, and text messaging.
• Prefer previous experience with presenting library programming for all ages.
• Must have the ability to set up and take down equipment and accessories as it relates to Pop‑up libraries, events, and programs.
• Must have the ability to adapt to constantly changing circumstances, including unpredictable audiences, changing technologies, diverse age groups and needs of patrons, and changing outreach service models.
• Should possess working knowledge of business English, general record‑keeping practices, standard office practices, procedures and equipment, computer software office products, and computer skills and knowledge.
• Should possess knowledge of different genres of books, films, audio‑visual and other popular formats. Knowledge of popular authors and current titles is required to provide excellent customer service and reader’s advisory services.
• Must possess working knowledge of general library operations, library automation software, library databases, library classification systems, and library e‑resources (e‑books, e‑audio books, etc.).
• The ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in written, with diverse audiences is crucial for this role. This includes strong oral communications for presentations and reference assistance.
• Acquired knowledge of the Polk County Library Cooperative member network, services and staff is required.
• Must possess the ability to understand and…