The Montague Public Libraries are accepting applications for two Substitute Library Assistants. Work includes circulation desk activities; shelving materials, reference services and interlibrary loan services, providing information and assistance to patrons and the community; and responding to inquiries, requests and complaints. Library experience is strongly preferred and both customer service and computer skills are essential.

The Substitute Library Assistant fills in at the Carnegie Library, Millers Falls Branch, and/or Montague Center Branch when those libraries’ regular library assistants take vacation or sick time. While some shifts may be scheduled weeks or days in advance, the substitute library assistant will also be called to provide coverage day-of. This is a non-graded position and the pay is $14.25/hour. A completed Montague *employment application, resume, cover letter, and three reference names must be submitted by email to Library Director, Caitlin Kelley, at librarydirector@montague-ma.gov by Friday, April 15th at 12:00PM.

*The employment application is attached at the bottom of this post.

TOWN OF MONTAGUE JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE:

Substitute Library Assistant

DATE:

March 2022

DEPARTMENT:

Library

GRADE:

Non-Graded

REPORTS TO:

Library Director

FLSA:

Non-Exempt

Statement of Duties

The Substitute Library Assistant fills in to provide service at the Carnegie Library, Millers Falls Branch, and/or Montague Center Branch when those libraries’ regular library assistants take vacation or sick time. While some shifts may be scheduled weeks or days in advance, the substitute library assistant will also be called to provide coverage day-of. Work includes circulation desk activities; shelving materials, reference services and interlibrary loan services, providing information and assistance to patrons and the community; and responding to inquiries, requests and complaints.

Supervision/Guidance Received

Employee is familiar with the work routine and uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently without specific instruction. Employee is expected to refer unusual situations to the supervisor for advice and further instructions. Reviews and checks of the employee’s work are applied to an extent sufficient to keep the supervisor aware of progress, and to ensure that completed work and methods used are technically accurate and that instructions are being followed.

Job Environment

The work involves the interpretation of numerous standardized practices, procedures, or general instructions that govern the work. Judgment is needed to locate, select and apply the most pertinent practice, procedure, regulation or guideline. The sequence of work and/or the procedures followed vary according to the nature of the transaction and/or the information involved, or sought, in a particular situation.

The position has constant contact with the public to respond to inquiries, requests, or complaints, render services, and/or give or receive information.

Position Functions

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to, or extension of, the position.

Essential Functions

Lends and collects books, periodicals, DVD’s, and electronic and digital media; uses library software; conducts various patron transactions.

Inspects returned items for damage, checks due dates and collects fines.

Provides customer service, answers patrons’ questions, helps them to locate materials, answers telephone and responds to their questions.

Assists in organizing and maintaining library, shelves materials in proper place, replaces printer and copier paper as needed replaces toner, ribbons, and ink.

Registers new patrons, and issues borrower’s card.

Instructs patrons in library procedures, policies, use of materials, copier and computer and printer.

Assists patrons in researching and obtaining information from library collection, performs interview to try to pinpoint exactly what they need for resources.

Recommends reading to patrons as requested.

Opens doors at proper time, empties book drop, performs closing procedures.

Takes reservations for books and materials and contacts patron in a timely manner when material becomes available.

Maintains a safe and pleasant environment.

Oversees computer schedule to be sure people get right amount of time.

Recommended Minimal Qualifications

Education and Experience

Requires High school diploma/G.E.D; and 1 to 3 years’ experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

A candidate for this position should have knowledge of the following:

Library principles and procedures

Reference sources

Computers, Microsoft Office, smartphones, and tablets

Dewey Decimal system

Evergreen automated system

Library catalogs

Skill in:

Computer programs and applications

Organization and communication

Customer service

Public relations

And ability to:

Perform mutliple tasks simultaneously, despite frequent interruptions

Pay attention to details

Maintain confidentiality

Tools and Equipment Used

The employee operates standard office equipment (e.g., personal computer, telephone, copier)

Physical Requirements

The physical demands listed here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations are considered to ensure individuals with disabilities can perform essential functions.

Moderate physical effort is required to perform administrative and library duties. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, speak, hear, lift up to 10 pounds and use hands to operate the computer. The employee routinely kneels, crouches, and/or reaches with arms, and lifts or carries up to 30 pounds.

Vision requirements include the ability to read routine material and documents for analysis and general understanding, and to use a computer.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations are considered to ensure individuals with disabilities can perform essential functions.

Administrative work is performed under typical office conditions.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Visit our website montaguepubliclibraries.org and find our Job Vacancy post in "Latest News" for the Employment Application.