Part-Time, Temporary Library Public Services Assistant

This part-time, temporary position assists with daily operations within the circulation area, including assigned circulation functions and patron assistance. Responsibilities include responding to patron needs both in-person and through chat and/or email; ensuring adherence to the department and university’s policies and guidelines; working set scheduled hours and covering additional hours as requested; assisting with projects in the access services department and elsewhere in the library; and assisting with the supervision of student workers during assigned shifts. 

This position works evening shifts (Sunday - Thursday 9:00PM - 1:00AM) and/or weekend shifts (Saturday 11:00AM - 7:00PM; Sunday 2:00PM - 10:00PM). Hours may vary during finals and summer schedules. 

• Serve as the main point-of-contact during evening and/or weekend hours; 
• Maintain excellent customer service with students, faculty, staff, and the general public;
• Maintain communication with supervisor and other staff;
• Maintain familiarity with the library website and databases in order to assist patrons;
• Contact the appropriate parties when integrated library system or campus network is down;
• Work closely with the entire library staff, students, faculty, and administrative staff to ensure smooth and cooperative working relationships between the library and the entire campus;
• Perform all other duties as assigned. 

ADDITIONAL DUTIES:

• Work with librarians and staff on various projects including as requested;
• Serve on departmental committees as requested;  
• Assist with maintaining collections in an orderly fashion.

• High school diploma/equivalent, required; 
• Some college education, preferred; 
• Customer service experience, preferred; 
• Knowledge of library technology, such as Integrated Library Systems (ILS), electronic information resources, etc., preferred. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to operate a PC and standard office equipment;
• Ability to utilize current software applications;
• Ability to utilize Microsoft applications including 365;
• Ability to adapt and work in a rapidly-changing and service-oriented environment;
• Ability to quickly learn new software and library applications (library system, electronic information resources, etc);
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to engage constantly in both verbal and written communications;
• Experience with and a positive attitude toward public service work;
• Reliable and detail-oriented;
• Flexibility with work environment as duties, assignments, and skills are subject to ongoing immediate change; 
• Ability to multitask;
• Flexibility with schedule as hours are subject to change; (library is open overnight during finals week twice per year and this position is required to work during that time);
• Ability to interact effectively with a varied array of students, faculty, staff, administrators, parents, visitors, vendors, and the general public;
• Ability to assist with books on high/low shelves and assist with PC/printer problems that may require bending or standing for extended periods of time;
• Ability to sit at a service point for extended periods and/or stand for extended periods while assisting users;
• Ability to navigate the floors of the library (in case of emergency or need to assist users); 
• Ability to work with near constant interruptions.

Applicants must upload a cover letter and resume at the time of application as well as provide contact information for at least three professional references (including email addresses).  For questions, please email [email protected] or call 256.765.4291 and select option #2.  Selecting an option other than #2 will result in a delayed response.