Library Associate

Title: Library Associate

Status: Full-time salaried; non-exempt

Hiring Salary Range: $32,000-$38,000 (Based on Experience)

Summary of Position: Reporting to the Information Services Librarian, this position is responsible for Information Desk and Circulation Desk activities. Acts as a Person in Charge as needed.

Essential Duties:

Public Services Support:

• Provides a wide range of reference services and instruction in the use of information resources to the public.
• Using integrated library system (ILS), performs circulation desk activities, including checking materials in and out, renewing and reserving materials, patron registration, shelving, etc.
• Assists with library programming and outreach.
• Answers telephone.
• Assists in providing a professional and friendly environment to patrons.
• Maintains order and atmosphere conducive to positive library experiences for patrons.

Projects and Systems Support:

• Maintains information service skills and knowledge to meet system and state requirements.
• Explains and implements system policies and procedures.
• Performs other job-related duties and special projects as assigned.
• Participates in collection development activities, including withdrawing materials and creating library displays.

Supervision:

Supervises part-time hourly employees, shelvers, and volunteers.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Attainment of eligibility under Bylaw 1305.04.03 of the Maryland State Board of Education as Library Associate and complete Library Associate Training Institute within 24 months following appointment; and ability to maintain eligibility by completing 90 contact hours of training every 5 years.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4-year college.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills; ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to use relevant computer hardware and software, including ILS.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work varying shifts at all locations, including day, evening and weekend hours.
• Maryland Class "C" driver's license or equivalent from another state.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• Maryland Public Librarian's Certificate (or eligibility).
• Master's Degree in Information/Library Science from an ALA accredited school of Library Science.

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Regularly communicates with library patrons and staff in person, by phone, email and other networking media.
• Routinely uses computer keyboard.
• Frequently lifts and moves materials weighing up to 30 lbs., and pushing book trucks weighing 100+ lbs.
• Frequently positions library books and materials in appropriate place on shelf.
• Regularly moves about the library facility.
• Regularly uses telephone and other office equipment.

The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting and training rooms, and libraries, e.g., use of safe workplace practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations.

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of this job.

This and all library positions are eligible for system-wide transfer.

Talbot County Free Library staff work in a diverse environment and are expected to demonstrate respect for and relate to co-workers and patrons from many different backgrounds and cultures. The Talbot County Free Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Library's policy is to treat all applicants and employees equally without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.