Library Assistant II; PT Public Services; Hancock Branch

Library Assistant II (PT) – Public Services (Hancock Branch)

About the Position

The Washington County Free Library (WCFL) seeks a part-time Library Assistant II with a strong public services commitment to provide front-line support to patrons from diverse backgrounds and to assist with daily public service operations in a welcoming, team-oriented library environment. This position will be based at the Hancock Branch and will perform a variety of patron-facing clerical duties, including answering phones, greeting and directing patrons, checking materials in and out, registering new patrons for library cards, and shelving materials.

About WCFL

Located in Western Maryland, in the tri-state area where Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania meet, WCFL is a rapidly developing library system dedicated to building a strong and vibrant community. By facilitating the public’s freedom to explore, learn, and transform, WCFL connects people to ideas and resources and to each other, helping to foster individual and community growth.

Location: Hancock Branch (Hancock, MD) of the Washington County Free Library; home location is Hancock Branch, with required coverage at other WCFL locations as scheduling needs arise.

Hours: Part-time, 15 hours per week (non-exempt); varied schedule during WCFL’s regular operating hours, including evenings and weekends.

Salary: Anticipated hiring rate will be $17.64/hour; prorated benefits provided.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

This list is representative and does not include all the duties this position entails:

• Carries out and explains circulation policies and procedures to patrons; resolves questions, problems, and concerns in a positive manner, which promotes and reflects exceptional customer service practices.
• Provides library service coverage at other WCFL branch locations as assigned.
• Answers the phone and proactively greets and welcomes patrons to the library, while maintaining a positive, friendly, and cooperative attitude.
• Checks materials in and out, registers new patrons for library cards, and accurately enters and updates patron records.
• Shelves materials, participates in inventory and shelf reading as assigned, keeps shelves in order, and empties book drops.
• Assists patrons with basic computer questions, photocopying, faxing, printing, and self-checkout machines.
• Works independently on assigned shifts, including opening and closing the branch as scheduled and performing duties without direct supervision.
• Maintains continuity of public service when working independently by assisting patrons with routine informational and basic reference questions and referring more complex inquiries to appropriate staff.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong customer service skills and demonstrated commitment to public service, including the ability to resolve routine issues in a positive and professional manner.
• General clerical skills and a working knowledge of public library practices and procedures, particularly those related to the circulation of materials.
• Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with patrons from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• Ability to operate relevant technology and computer systems, including hardware, software applications, and office machines, to perform assigned job duties.
• Ability to accurately handle cash and cash receipts, operate a cash register or equivalent technology, and accurately make change.
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with others, and remain flexible and patient when working with patrons and staff.
• Ability to answer routine informational and basic reference questions and to refer more complex inquiries to appropriate staff.
• Ability to…