Materials Handler - Intern - Friends of the Library

Materials Handler (*Lilian Jackson Braun and Earl Bettinger Library Internship)

General Statement of Duties
Materials Handlers return materials to shelves, keep items in order in the library and check-in materials using the automated library system. Employees in this classification have contact with the public in the process of shelving materials and are expected to answer directional questions and help patrons locate library materials. 

This position works an average of eight hours per week consisting of four, two-hour shifts in the afternoon and evening hours from Wednesday to Friday and within open hours (9am-4pm) on Saturday. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of a librarian or library associate. Performance is evaluated for customer service effectiveness, time management and accuracy of work activities, as well as demonstrated knowledge and implementation of Polk County and Polk County Public Libraries policies and procedures.
 
 *The Lilian Jackson Braun and Earl Bettinger Library Internship is a yearlong position funded by the Friends of Polk County Public Libraries, Inc. to provide a Polk County, NC student with the opportunity to gain work experience in the public library environment with the goal of sparking interest in a library or public service career. The position will be appointed each fiscal year running from July 1 to June 30 and is established, administered, and supervised by Polk County in accordance with applicable County personnel policies and procedures.

Selection priority will be given to a Polk County, NC high school or college student in good standing who shows an interest in the work of public libraries or public service. The position will work as a Materials Handler at the Columbus Library primarily during the afternoon, evening, and Saturday hours for an average of 10 hours per week. In the event that a qualified student cannot be hired, the library may fill the position with any satisfactory candidate.Representative Duties and Tasks

• Sorts books and other library materials, loads book trucks, returns materials to proper locations, and keeps items in order on the shelves.
• Merchandizes materials based on current best practices.
• Tidies library by returning materials left on tables and desks to their proper locations.
• Straightens shelves and files alphabetically and numerically.
• Assesses materials for damage and missing parts.
• Pulls patron requested items to fulfill holds.
• Assists library patrons in the library with basic questions and makes appropriate referrals to other staff.
• Abides by, enforces and participates in the implementation and ongoing oversight of Polk County Government safety standards and regulations.

Additional Job Duties

• Attends and participates in staff meetings.
• Packs and ships library materials to consortium libraries.
• Participates in relevant continuing education opportunities.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of:

• basic computer technologies, including email and Microsoft operating systems

Skill in:

• interpersonal relationships
• attention to detail and orderliness
• cognitive reasoning
• oral communication

Ability to:

• understand and carry out oral and written directions
• learn basic check-in procedures using an automated library system
• file materials alphabetically and numerically in an accurate manner
• bend, stretch, reach, lift and carry and shelve library materials safely
• learn library procedures and methods of operation, including organizational schemes such as the Dewey Decimal System
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, co-workers, and library patrons
• acknowledge and accept differences in a diverse work environment
• remain flexible and positive in an environment of continuous change
• communicate effectively, respectfully, patiently and courteously with coworkers, patrons and other community members
• model PCPL core values

Desirable Education and Experience
To be considered for this position, an applicant must have an interest in library services and programs and be at least 16 years of age. Customer service experience is preferred.   
Must have the means to travel to any PCPL location on short notice; working in any Polk County Public Library location may be necessary depending on assignments and needs of the Library.

The physical requirements for this position include the ability to read 6pt font, orally communicate efficiently and effectively, perceive and understand information provided verbally at typical decibels by phone and in person, prepare and analyze written and computer data, operate office machinery and observe general surroundings and activities.

The physical activities for this position are:  Stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, lifting, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, talking, writing and hearing. This work requires the frequent exertion of up 10-30 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force.