Library Assistant II | North Region

Nature of Work

This part-time position provides paraprofessional and customer service support to various areas of Grand Rapids Public Library with the overall goal of helping patrons access library resources.

This particular position has an emphasis on working at multiple locations throughout the system to provide direct public service to patrons; including basic account management, reference services, reader's advisory, technology support, and library information.

This position will assist with projects that support the organizational needs of the library which may not be tied to a specific department. This position may be scheduled up to 3 locations within an 8 hr shift and will require travel between locations. Reliable transportation is required.

This position provides coverage as needed and will be regularly scheduled to work at various branches in the North Region (Van Belkum, West Leonard, West Side, and Yankee Clipper branches). Occasional scheduling at other locations and at outreach events is also anticipated.

This position will be hired for the following initial schedule:

Monday: 4:00 pm

• 8:00 pm

Tuesday: 4:00 pm

• 8:00 pm

Wednesday: 11:00 am

• 4:00 pm

Saturday: 9:00 am

• 6:00 pm

After August 15 the schedule will change to:

Monday: 4:00 pm

• 8:00 pm

Tuesday: 4:00 pm

• 8:00 pm

Wednesday: 4:00 pm

• 8:00 pm

Saturday: 9:00 am

• 6:00 pm

Occasionally required- Sunday: 1:00 pm

• 5:00 pm

Examples of work:

• Greets visitors; responds to inquiries and answers general questions related to library services and processes, and/or guides them to appropriate staff.

• Provides assistance to library patrons including basic account management, reference services, reader's advisory, technology support, and library information.

• Communicates with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate service to the public.

• Receives training to provide support systemically at all public service desks; works in other library departments at all locations as needed.

• Assists other staff with special projects, research and idea generation; may write, proofread, or edit reports or other documents as needed.

• Performs general administrative duties in support of the location or department; may include cash handling, placing supply orders or service requests, and assisting with location equipment issues and maintenance.

• Collects, compiles, and reports statistics related to library resources and programs.

• Ensures the maintenance, presentation, and accessibility of GRPL's collection.

• Respond to and/or direct inquiries to GRPL spaces and services.

• Manage patron expectations and behavior in public spaces; ensures a safe and welcoming environment for staff and patrons.

• Assist in navigating internal and external technology resources, including but not limited to digital resources, basic email and word processing, internet access, and personal devices.

• Ensures patron privacy and abides by library procedures and state laws.

• Performs other tasks of a similar nature as assigned.

Minimum Training and Experience

• High school diploma or a GED is required; a college degree is preferred.

• 2 years of customer service experience, library experience, cash handling experience, office experience, or some equivalent combination.

• Previous public library experience is preferred.

• Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish is preferred.

Other Necessary Qualifications

• Ability to:

• Provide consistently friendly, accurate, and efficient service to GRPL patrons and staff; ability to make independent and reliable decisions related to patron experience.

• Assist and instruct patrons around hardware and software issues as they relate to library resources and public workstations.

• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers and the public; work collaboratively.

• Manage emotions in the workplace and maintain professional composure and judgement.

• Communicate effectively and professionally with diverse groups both verbally and in writing.

• Add, subtract, and perform basic accounting calculations accurately and efficiently.

• Set and meet priorities; adaptability and judgment to reprioritize as needed throughout the course of a shift.

• Perform standardized processes accurately and consistently; follow procedures in processing forms and other communication.

• Make independent and efficient decisions and work without close supervision.

• Maintain an organized and effective work process; flexibility to adapt to changes and updates to processes.

• Maintain library records and prepare reports.

• Work 20-24 hours per week; work evenings and weekends.

• Work at various desks and locations.

• Learn GRPL's patron experience standards and library policies to provide basic account management, reference services, reader's advisory, technology support, and library information.

• Apply patron privacy standards in a wide variety of circumstances with internal and external stakeholders.

• Work with supervisor and process feedback regarding job performance.

• Sit or stand for extended periods of time in the performance of the duties associated with this position.

Lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance.

Understanding of:

• General office procedures, processes, and equipment; ability to operate a variety of office equipment including computer workstations, typical electronic devices, cash register and POS systems, and software.

Other Information

Please note the following:

• A cover letter is required

• Applicants should attach a cover letter in PDF format that describes their interest in the position, their interest in working at GRPL, and how these interests connect with personal or professional goals.

• All communication regarding this position will be done via email. Please ensure that your email address is up-to-date on your account profile.

Visit the library's jobs page for more information about Grand Rapids Public Library or to view other openings.

All inquiries related to this posting should be directed to:

Grand Rapids Public Library

111 Library St NE

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

616-988-5400 | jobs@grpl.org

GRPL proudly promotes diversity and inclusion in employment, and strives to maintain a workplace culture where respect and positive recognition of differences are cultivated.

Grand Rapids Public Library provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination of any type without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, height, weight, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. GRPL will make reasonable accommodations for employees and job applicants with disabilities.

This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, transfer, training, promotion, discipline, termination, leaves of absence, compensation, and benefits, as well as work-related events and activities.