Library Assistant

The City of Port Townsend is recruiting for one Library Assistant to work fulltime at the Port Townsend Public Library.

Must be able to work weekend and evening hours.

Under general supervision, while providing excellent customer service, performs a wide range of circulation and customer service-related functions. Typical duties include staffing the circulation desk, checking out/in various library materials, issuing library cards, assessing or adjusting fines, maintaining patron accounts, preparing money transmittal reports, processing periodicals, processing of the courier and bookdrops, library courier, mending and processing library materials and providing direct assistance to patrons.

• Perform all activities associated with the circulation function of the City of Port Townsend Public Library (PTPL) including: all transactions pertaining to the Integrated Library System (ILS), money transmittal and circulation reporting, administering PTPL policies, procedures and services, providing excellent and welcoming customer service in person, online, and over the telephone, assessing and/or adjusting fines and fees for damages, late returns, lost materials and other issues.
• Respond to patron requests for information and direction, referring to other qualified staff as appropriate. Assist patrons with basic reference information. Assist patrons in accessing computer programs such as email and using the Internet. Assist with current and emerging library technology. Respectfully respond to patron complaints or concerns within established guidelines.
• Assist in promoting PTPL programs, information, services and materials.
• May plan, implement, and lead certain programs under a librarian's guidance.
• Assist with periodicals processing, design of displays and other library promotional and informational materials.
• Perform basic Paging responsibilities as needed, such as shelving, processing of the courier and bookdrop.
• Assist with library courier by transporting library materials between the Jefferson County Library, Port Townsend School District, City Hall, Northwest Maritime Center, library book returns and delivering library materials to homebound patrons through the Books on Wheels program.
• Assist with collection maintenance (under supervision), mending of books, periodicals, media and other materials, as needed.
• Provide oversight for library operations in the absence of the Library Managers.
• Prepare the library for opening and securing the library at closing.
• May on occasion assist with training, programming and scheduling of staff.
• Maintain a clean, welcoming and safe library environment.
• Support volunteers as needed.

• Communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with diverse groups of people.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, such as shifting priorities, unexpected challenges, or variations in the workload, while maintaining composure and effectiveness.
• Ability to maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with co-workers, peers, management, volunteers, elected officials, and patrons.
• Ability to effectively and efficiently communicate with team members, managers, the general public, and other departments, both verbally and in writing, using tact, patience and courtesy to convey instructions, provide feedback, receive feedback, and resolve issues.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to provide excellent, efficient customer service to all patrons, staff and volunteers, in a fast-paced public environment.
• Ability to work independently with limited direction or supervision.
• Ability to handle money, give correct change and prepare money transmittal reports required for the cash register.
• Ability to sort and file alphanumerically and to perform basic mathematical computations, including ability to navigate the Dewey Decimal System.
• Ability to perform financial procedures using the ILS system and cash register.
• Ability to access and utilize staff Intranet resources.
• Ability to follow detailed written or verbal procedural instructions accurately, with willingness to seek clarification.
• Ability to acquire and effectively implement knowledge of PTPL and the City of Port Townsend's policies and procedures and to use independent judgment to resolve circulation and patron problems within established guidelines.
• Ability to work a schedule that may change periodically, including evenings and weekends. Willingness…