Library Senior Assistant - Substitute

Overview

The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library, is seeking to fill the substitute position of Library Senior Assistant. The Senior Assistant will assist patrons in person, by telephone, and through email in locating and using library materials. They will staff departmental service desks without supervision, assisting and instructing patrons in the use of materials and equipment, including specialized computer systems, scanners, printers, and microfilm readers.

In addition, the Senior Assistant will complete shelving, filing, and other duties and/or special projects as assigned. This position involves intermittent hours working as a substitute at a public service desk in the Local History department, with possible cross-training in other departments. Hours are available immediately. The Library foresees a six-week training period of regular shifts. Subsequently, there will be opportunities for substitute hours, covering absences due to employee leave, as well as working in the evening and Saturday staffing rotations.

These intermittent hours may fluctuate from zero to nineteen hours per week, but have been estimated at up to forty hours each month, with a minimum of one shift per month and opportunities for additional substitute hours.

• Performs specific tasks assigned by the supervisor, usually one-time projects, but may be trained for specific functions involving ongoing duties, including special research, database creation/maintenance, and preservation activities.
• Performs clerical duties.
• Applies problem solving abilities to appropriate circumstances and routinely addresses complaints and resolves problems.
• Performs Internet and other computer searches.
• Provides public desk coverage as applicable, including assisting library users in answering reference questions of moderate to higher complexity, assisting patrons locating and using department materials and equipment, and maintaining public discipline and decorum.
• Assists with program planning and execution, including scheduling of special events and promotion.
• Assists in the training of subordinate staff.
• Uses the department's audio-visual, office, and computer equipment and resources and routinely offers training to staff and/or public in its use.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including shelving tasks as needed.

• Bachelor's degree or two years of college or technical school with related coursework or one year of related experience and/or training or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interact with the public at all ages and levels of research experience, including an ability to maintain the proper discipline and decorum of library visitors.
• Comfortable learning about and using new and changing library technology.
• Computer experience and aptitude, including keyboard skills.
• Ability to work efficiently with minimum supervision.