Library Assistant - Technology Focus (Union-Afscme)

Salary Range: $25.2447-$32.0757/hour

• Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for range.

Full-time 37.5 hours per week, including evening, weekend, and holiday hours.

Schedule: Varies

NATURE OF WORK:

The Evanston Public Library Innovation and Digital Learning team is seeking a full-time Library Assistant focused on technology and teaching patrons about technologies. The ideal candidate will be innovative, tech-savvy, creative, dedicated to excellent customer service, team-oriented, passionate about working with all members of the community and committed to exploring the frontiers of what equitable access to resources means to Evanston. This position is responsible for planning and executing innovative programs, including technology and STEM/maker programs for emerging adults (ages 18-24) and other audiences. This position is also responsible for providing responsive and high-quality service at the Technology desk by assisting patrons with the public computers, printers, and application software, answering questions, and providing directions. The schedule is 37.5 hours per week and may include evenings, weekends, and some holidays.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):

• Assists the Data & Technology Librarian with maintaining technology used by library staff and the public, including public computers and meeting room hardware.

• Plans, presents and evaluates innovative hands-on programming for emerging adults (ages 18 - 24) and other audiences. Programming will relate to technology, STEM, making, and more.

• Assist patrons and colleagues with maker equipment, including 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl machines, sewing machines, and other technology as it is acquired.

• Works with the IDL staff to develop policies and procedures for patrons' use of maker equipment.

• Works with colleagues to analyze existing programs, services, and community trends, to identify the needs and interests of diverse communities.

• Occasionally assists with school and community outreach/engagement for teens.

• Assists library users with the use of library materials, services, equipment and facilities, including help in accessing online resources and downloading library media.

• Assists patrons at the Technology and Teen Loft desks with public equipment including, but not limited to: public computers, printers, wireless network, scanners, photocopiers, and fax machines.

• Assists patrons with public computer software, including, but not limited to: browsing the internet, sending and receiving email, filling out online forms, and creating, editing, saving, and retrieving documents.

• Troubleshoots issues with equipment and software.

• Handles incoming phone calls with a high level of customer service.

• Provide library assistance in the area of filing and shelving on an as-needed basis.

• Answers general information and directional questions.

• Completes training as assigned, including but not limited to racial equity training, implicit bias, trauma-informed care, and serving homeless populations. Applies the concepts learned in this training to their work at the Library.

• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

• Must possess a high school diploma, GED or higher.

• Must possess two (2) or more years of demonstrated work experience with technology.

• Proven experience in learning, implementing, and teaching new technologies.

• Willingness and courage to explore new ideas and emerging technologies, create, and innovate.

• Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:

• Conversant with social media and personal technologies currently in use by teens and emerging adults.

• Experience with creating videos, video editing, graphic design, electronic music, video gaming, video game design, Cricut equipment, coding, or creative writing is strongly desired.

• Considerable knowledge of and ability to use Internet search engines, word processing software, email, online computer catalogs, and Windows operating systems.

• Ability to communicate effectively and comfortably in public.

• Spanish language proficiency is highly desirable.

• Ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and establish and maintain relationships with library patrons who may need assistance or support.

• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form, while dealing with several abstract and concrete variables.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of customers and staff throughout the Library, as well as outside the organization.

• Ability to multitask many variable duties, requests, and responsibilities.

• Ability to prepare business letters, expositions, summaries, and reports, using a prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, dictation, and style.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

The ability to work in a primarily sedentary position, with the ability to occasionally use force to exert up to 40 pounds. The ability to lift, carry, or otherwise move objects, books, materials, etc. using up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects..

The employee is subject to inside environmental conditions: protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from indoor temperature changes.

There are no environmental hazards associated with this classification.

SUPERVISION:

Under the supervision of the Innovation and Digital Literacy Manager, work is performed with the guidance of managerial staff. The individual has contact with other Library institutions, partners, and staff at all levels and uses the necessary resources to meet and achieve goals and/or objectives. Work is assigned through specific projects and customer/clientele requests. The employee is responsible for prioritizing work tasks and for identifying and utilizing the appropriate resources to resolve a problem or situation and/or research and analyze specific requests. Work performance is assessed through observation, project completion, status reports, conferences, and meetings. Evaluations focus on leadership, competence, public service, innovation, and morale. Assessments occur annually and emphasize customer service, problem-solving, and adherence to classification standards. The City Code, departmental policies, City operating practices, and relevant resources provide guidance.

PUBLIC CONTACT:

The employee has regular and frequent contact with the general public.

SELECTION METHOD TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST Qualifications Assessment Structured Oral Interview

Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.

The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact Human Resources at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-866-5095 (TTY).