LIBRARY ASSISTANT - YOUTH

JOB TITLE: Library Assistant

JOB CLASS NUMBER: PRF034

PAY GRADE: 3

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

BUSINESS UNIT NAME: Library

REPORTS TO: Librarian II, Librarian III, or Director of Library Services

SUPERVISORY WORK: None

STARTING RATE – $15.09 per hour

Youth Library Assistants encourage reading and the use of the library by young people and their families through storytimes and other literacy-based activities. They develop and implement special services, programs, and outreach under the direction and guidance of the Youth Services Coordinator. Youth Library Assistants help young patrons find books, films, and other information. They also instruct and assist patrons regarding the operation of computers and other technologies. Lastly, they assist the Youth Services Coordinator with maintenance of library collections.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Successful candidates will be able to serve the public using the knowledge, skills, and abilities that follow:

• Customer Service: Assist patrons, youth and adult, in locating books, films, and information by using reference interviews to ascertain their needs. Reserve items and complete interlibrary loan requests as required.
• Educational and Developmental Psychology: Display an understanding of various developmental stages and learning styles of children to effectively tailor programs and services.
• Communication: Explain library policies and procedures to the public. Select appropriate modes of communication to engage effectively with children and adults.
• Reader’s Advisory: Demonstrate knowledge of both current and classic children’s literature as well as films to better assist young patrons with finding materials they will enjoy.
• Program Development: Create youth programs appropriate to the needs and interests of the library’s patrons. Perform reading aloud, skits, book talks, storytelling, and other programs, some of which take place offsite.
• Collection Maintenance: Work with youth fiction, nonfiction, audiovisual, and periodicals collections.  Make recommendations for collection development to the Youth Services Coordinator.
• Marketing: Promote library programs and services to the community. Create displays for young patrons and their families that emphasize the library’s services. Assist with outreach activities, and conduct library tours.
• Recordkeeping: Record daily activity statistics and prepare program reports. Maintain accurate patron records.
• Collaboration: Assist the circulation desk as needed. Shelve youth materials when shelvers are absent. Work with other branches and departments to serve the public, and complete other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

At least ninety semester hours of undergraduate work at a recognized college or university are required. Must have knowledge of basic computer applications. Patience, courtesy, and a helpful attitude are required. Completion of a bachelor’s degree at a recognized college or university is preferred. Previous library experience is also preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position requires evening and some weekend work (one night per week, alternating Fridays and Saturdays, and one Sunday every four weeks).  Candidates must be eager to serve the public courteously and be able to work tactfully and harmoniously with others. Full performance of duties requires physical stamina. Youth Library Assistants must walk briskly, stand for considerable periods of time, lift and carry stacks of books weighing up to 20 pounds, and push loaded book trucks for short distances – all of which requires agility in stooping, lifting, and bending. 

The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.

The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case by case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 806-378-4294.