Part-Time Genealogy Reference Associate II

Job Title: Genealogy Reference Associate II

Branch or Department: Midwest Genealogy Center

Salary/Wage: $17.70

Reports to: Midwest Genealogy Center Director

FLSA Status: Overtime Non-Exempt

Supervises: N/A

Benefits Classification: Part Time

Work Location: Midwest Genealogy Center

Job Grade: 2

Hours per Week: 8 hours minimum

Work Schedule: Will include evenings and weekends

Hour per year: 950 Max

Revision/Review Date: 3/6/2023

Anticipated Closing Date/Time: 11/26/2025, 10:00am

At Mid-Continent Public Library, we:

Imagine. We inspire innovation through curiosity and exploration.

Try new things. We empower what works and learn from the rest.

Lead the way. We connect people to information, ideas, and inspiration.

Welcome all. We embrace new perspectives and listen with humility.

Everything we do, we do together.

Culture Statement

Mid-Continent Public Library's mission and internal values are reflected everyday through our people. We strive to provide customers with the best possible library experience through our commitment to exceptional customer service. We uphold the values of intellectual freedom: we ensure the free flow of information and ideas. We are fair: we know that every customer and co-worker may not need an identical solution to meet their needs but rather all customers and co-workers have access to all resources that meet their individual needs. We have integrity: we work to meet our Library's mission with honesty and trust. It is both what we do and how we do it. We are diverse, equitable and inclusive: MCPL believes that a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization creates a more dynamic workplace and puts us in a place to better serve the community.

Position Overview

The Genealogy Reference Associate II is responsible for providing excellent customer service to all staff and customers which includes the provision of reference services to all customers of the Midwest Genealogy Center. The Genealogy Reference Associate II may be assigned other responsibilities to support the focus of the Midwest Genealogy Center.

Essential Functions

• Provides genealogy reference services for customers
• Serves as a guide for customers with use of the library and its resources
• Demonstrates use of technology and digital services to customers
• Assists in person customers with genealogy queries using print and electronic resources
• Assists customers with library card accounts, including the receiving and recording of payment
• Processes library materials for customer access

Non-essential Functions

• Assists with branch special programs or events
• Assists with digital projects as needed

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma/HiSet/GED completion required
• Customer Service experience required

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Job Knowledge, including Librarianship
• Intermediate knowledge of the Midwest Genealogy Collection and resources
• Basic knowledge of trends in the genealogical field and resources
• Technology including specific applications, hardware, and coding languages
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft office software and applications including Microsoft 365, Word, Outlook, Excel, OneNote and Teams
• Intermediate knowledge of genealogical databases accessed through the MCPL website
• Customer Service
• The ability to multitask and shift priorities while maintaining composure under pressure

All successful candidates at MCPL should demonstrate:

• Ability to use effective verbal, written, and discreet communication with management, co-workers, and the public.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Knowledge of department processes and procedures and critical thinking skills to make decisions pertaining to the position.
• Proficiency in providing friendly and solution-oriented customer service attitude and delivery with internal and external customers.
• Fundamental understanding of how DEI principles impact the workplace and library services.

Age Requirement:

• 18 years of age

MVR Requirement

• None.

Work Environment

• (Indoor) Works primarily indoors with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer, and must have a reasonable tolerance for dust, mold, scents, allergens, and communicable diseases which enables the employee to handle library materials, work in older buildings and interact with coworkers and the public.

Essential physical abilities to be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodation are:

Daily (greater than 50% of the time)

• Standing (up to 1 hour at a time)
• Walking (even ground)
• Walking (variable surfaces)
• Lifting 1-10 pounds
• Sitting
• Pushing/Pulling 1-10 pounds
• Bending Stooping
• Receiving Communication and Instructions (vision, reading, hearing)
• Conveying Communication and Instructions (Speaking, writing)
• Using computer data entry tools - keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, scanner

Frequently (up to 50% of the time)

• Kneeling
• Reaching above the shoulder
• Climbing stepstools

Occasionally (approximately 1-2 times per month)

• Lifting 11-25 pounds
• Pushing/Pulling 11-25 pounds
• Pushing/Pulling 26-40 pounds

Rarely (1-5 times per year)

• Lifting 26-40 pounds
• Lifting 40+ pounds
• Pushing/pulling 40+ pounds
• Climbing ladders

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected class in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Any applicant requiring accommodation should contact the Mid-Continent Public Library Human Resources Department at

Applicants will be considered for employment opportunities on the merits of their skills and experience related to the position sought. Employment offers are conditional upon submitting a criminal records check, identity verification, and national sex offender registry check. Applicants will not be denied employment solely or in part because of a prior conviction, unless MCPL determines the conviction is job-related. If a background check yields information that is of concern to MCPL, the applicant will be given an opportunity to review the background check findings and present information regarding inaccuracy, mitigating circumstances, and rehabilitation.