McPherson Public Library

Job Description – Library Assistant

The purpose of this position is to provide service to a diverse community of library users. As a member of the service desk staff, the person in this front-line position is instrumental in forming our patrons’ first impressions of the library.

Hours: Part Time (approximately 20 hours per week)

Reports to: Head of Adult Services

Responsibilities include:
   – Works effectively as part of the circulation desk team.
   – Checks out and checks in library materials.
   – Shelves books, magazines, and other library materials.
   – Processes new and renewal patron registrations.
   – Provides reference assistance, including reader’s advisory assistance and assisting
        patrons with local history or genealogy research.
   – Assists patrons with reserve and interlibrary loan requests.
   – Assists patrons in using the public access catalog and other library technology.
   – Supervises library pages and assists with training new library pages on the shift.
   – Checks and straightens an assigned section of the collection.
   – Opens and closes the building according to schedule.
   – Other duties and projects as assigned.

Education Requirements:
A high School diploma or G.E.D.

Physical Ability Requirements:
This position requires the physical ability to:
1) Push a loaded book cart weighing up to 250 pounds.
2) Reach, bend, or stoop to reach library materials on shelves.
3) Use manually operated office tools and supplies (scissors, stapler, etc.).
4) Communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing
5) File and sort items in accordance with established procedures based
on alphabetic or numeric coding.
6) Use computer keyboards and read video display terminal screens.
7) Perform repetitive tasks with speed and accuracy.