Library Assistant II | Patron Services

Paraprofessional And Customer Service Support

This part-time, 20-24 hour per week position provides paraprofessional and customer service support to various areas of Grand Rapids Public Library with the overall goal of helping patrons access library resources. The main priority of this position is direct public service and involves helping patrons access library resources in-person, over the phone, and via email. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Circulation Operations Supervisor.

This position is regularly scheduled at the Main Library:
Monday: 1:30 - 5:30 pm Tuesday: 1:30 - 5:30 pm Wednesday: 1:30 - 5:30 pm Thursday: 1:30 - 5:30 pm Alternating Friday/Saturday: 9:00 am - 1:30 pm Sunday:
Occasionally required between Labor Day and Memorial Day 1:00 - 5:00 pm

Core competencies:

Customer Service & Community Engagement Greets visitors and provides assistance to library patrons including basic account management, reference services, reader's advisory, technology support, and library information. Responds to inquiries and answers general questions related to library services and processes, and/or guides them to appropriate staff. Responds to and/or directs inquiries to GRPL spaces and services. Represents GRPL at community events and outreach opportunities.

Assists with planning and implementation of programs and services. Technology Support & Digital Literacy Assists in navigating internal and external technology resources including but not limited to digital resources, basic email and word processing, internet access, and personal devices. Communication Communicates with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate service to the public. Assists other staff with special projects, research and idea generation;

may write, proofread, or edit reports or other documents as needed. Operational Support Performs general administrative duties in support of the location or department including cash handling, placing supply orders or service requests, and assisting with location equipment issues and maintenance. Provides support systemically at all public service desks; works in other library departments at all locations as needed. Collects, compiles, and reports statistics related to library resources and programs.

Ensures the maintenance, presentation, and accessibility of GRPL's collection. Safety & Compliance Ensures a safe and welcoming environment for staff and patrons by managing patron expectations and behavior in public spaces through de-escalation. Ensures patron privacy and abides by library procedures and state laws.

Minimum Training and Experience

Required:

High school diploma or a GED 2 years of customer service experience, library experience, cash handling experience, office experience, or some equivalent combination. Preferred: A college degree Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish Other Necessary Qualifications Ability to:
Provide consistently friendly, accurate, and efficient service to GRPL patrons and staff; ability to make independent and reliable decisions related to patron experience. Demonstrate strong de-escalation skills to effectively manage challenging patron interactions. Assist and instruct patrons around hardware and software issues as they relate to library resources and public workstations. Learn, effectively use, and adapt to ongoing changes in technology including library-specific and office software Solve research problems and provide reader's advisory service;

knowledge of community, books, and authors; knowledge of digital resources, reading devices and platforms; ability to learn and apply modern library methods and techniques and to acquire familiarity with the GRPL system and services offered Establish and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers and the public; work collaboratively. Manage emotions in the workplace and maintain professional composure and judgement. Communicate effectively and professionally with diverse groups both verbally and in writing.

Add, subtract, and perform basic accounting calculations accurately and efficiently. Set and meet priorities; adaptability and judgment to reprioritize as needed…