Fiction/AV/Teen Assistant

Do you enjoy connecting patrons with the books, movies, and TV they love? Does the idea of helping a patron discover a brand-new author interest you? 

The Fiction/AV/Teen Department at Mount Prospect Public Library is looking for a service-oriented individual with a passion for popular culture to join our collaborative team serving readers, listeners, and viewers of all interests. Our Assistants spend most of their time directly helping patrons on the desk, where you'll see a variety of questions. In a typical shift, you will often search for items in our own and other libraries' collections, provide readers advisory to help teens and adults find their next great read, work with patrons as they navigate the library's popular reading programs, and perform hands-on tasks with items in our collections.

SCHEDULE: (approximate average of 20 hours per week)

• Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 10am to 2pm
• Thursday 5pm to 9pm
• Friday 10am to 2pm; approximately every 13 weeks, 3pm to 7pm
• Participation in the weekend rotation approximately every 7 weekends: Saturday 9am to 5pm & Sunday 11am to 5pm

SALARY: $18.63 per hour

BENEFITS

• Paid time off (vacation, sick, holiday, and birthday)
• Dental, life, and pet insurance 
• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) participation
• 457 retirement savings plan

PURPOSE

Under the direct supervision of the Fiction/AV/Teen Assistant Department Head, the Fiction/AV/Teen Assistant is responsible for providing popular library services to adults and young adults in the Fiction/AV/Teen Department. The primary responsibility of this position is staffing the public service desk. Additional duties include support tasks as assigned which may include compiling reader aids, assembling materials displays, maintaining files, changing the status of collection materials, and assisting with programs.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

This position comprises of the following essential duties:

1. Public service (approx. 95%)

Other non-essential job duties may include various departmental support tasks and committee work.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Public Service

• Assists patrons at the public desk, on the telephone, and online
• Applies MPPL-values-based customer service
• Monitors the behavior and conduct of Library patrons to ensure an atmosphere conducive to the use of the department and library resources for all patrons
• Provides appropriate reference and readers advisory services
• Executes basic/in-depth electronic bibliographic and informational searches using online and in-house database sources
• Assists patrons at the public service desk in locating materials in physical and electronic formats
• Provides bibliographic instruction and tours, as needed
• Prepares reports and complies statistics as assigned

Department Support Tasks

• Assembles displays as assigned
• Assists with public programs as assigned
• Changes collection codes as assigned
• Maintains public desk supplies and resources as assigned

Other

• Attends appropriate meetings, workshops and seminars
• Serves on committees as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent education and work experience) required.
• Library or Public service experience desired.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITY

Knowledge & Ability

1. Ability to access, input and retrieve data from the computer
2. Ability to reach, bend, push, pull, grasp, lift, kneel, crouch, stoop, and carry
3. Ability to carry library materials weighing up to 10 lbs
4. Ability to use the English language correctly both verbally and in writing
5. Ability to operate a two-way radio and telephone
6. Ability to read library material spines and labels in order to comprehend and put in correct order
7. Ability to perform light/medium/heavy work 
8. Ability to speak publicly
9. Knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office applications
10. Knowledge of interactive web applications and email
11. Knowledge of popular materials
12. Knowledge in the use of the Integrated Library System
13. Knowledge/skill in the use of readers advisory tools
14. Knowledge of service interview techniques 
15. Knowledge of library policies and procedures

Behavioral Skills

1. Attention to Detail. Able to follow detailed procedures and ensure accuracy in documentation and data; concentrate on routine work details and organize and maintain a system of records.
2. Communication. Able to clearly present information through the spoken or written word; read and interpret complex information; talk with customers or clients; listen well.
3. Customer Focus. Able to demonstrate a high level of service delivery; do what is necessary to ensure internal and external customer satisfaction; deal with service failures and prioritize customer needs.
4. Flexibility. Able to remain open-minded and change opinions on the basis of new information; perform a wide variety of tasks and change focus quickly as demands change; manage transitions effectively from task to task; adapt to varying customer needs.
5. Policies, Process, & Procedures. Able to act in accordance with established guidelines; follow standard procedures in crisis situations; communicate and enforce organizational policies and procedures; recognize and constructively conform to unwritten rules or practices.
6. Supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Able to adapt behavior to others' styles; interact effectively with people who have different values, cultures, or backgrounds; optimize the benefits of having a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce .
7. Teamwork. Able to share due credit with coworkers; display enthusiasm and promote a friendly group working environment; work closely with other departments as necessary; support group decisions and solicit opinions from coworkers; display team spirit.