Library Assistant-Youth Services

General Information

The City of Ames, Ames Public Library has an exciting opportunity for a Library Assistant to join our Youth Services team!

This position works 30 hours per week with a schedule that includes 1-2 weekend shifts per month and 1-2 night shifts per week.

Under the direction of the Youth Services Manager, Library Assistants provide support to develop, implement and evaluate library collections, services, programs and outreach activities. The Library Assistants perform library tasks that include reference, reader's advisory, programming and assisting customers in the use of technology. These positions contribute to the efficient and responsive daily operations of the Youth Services Division.

Library Assistants will typically have a primary focus to service a specific demographic group. Library Assistants also provide direct customer service, promote excellent customer relations, and project a positive image if the library.

Ames Public Library is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive space that honors the inherent dignity of customers, staff and the community as a whole. Ames Public Library works to reduce barriers to access for the public, provide a welcoming environment for community members, and to foster a supportive workplace. As such, all employees are expected to create a culture of inclusivity, respect and equality for staff and customers. 

Our comprehensive benefits package can be viewed at: City of Ames Benefits

Applications submitted for this position by the application deadline may be considered for other openings within this classification; for up to 12 months.

In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must submit their online application by the deadline listed on this posting. Your application includes complete responses to the supplemental questions. Please keep in mind that submission of a resume in lieu of work history on your application or answering the supplemental questions is not sufficient. Candidates are required to complete supplemental questions to be considered for this position. 

Career Resources can be found at the library’s online resources page.
(https://tinyurl.com/4t95uxn9) 

Examples of Essential Job Functions

Examples of Duties: Provides direct public service in the Youth Services area; presents programs, both within the library and through outreach, commensurate with community needs and library's mission; teaches information literacy skills through classes, tutorials, programs and individual instruction; performs other job duties as assigned.

Other Job Functions Creates a welcoming, safe environment by assuming responsibility for building safety and security, responding to emergencies, and interpreting policies and procedures for the staff and public; advocates for customers, defining their needs and promoting their rights to receive quality and respectful library service and identifies individuals and groups presently not served; maintains expertise in library principles and best practices in serving specific demographics; creates an environment that is attractive, inviting, enjoyable and convenient to use; displays and markets materials effectively; participates in strategic planning; participate in special projects; assists customer in use of library technology; promotes activities that build and strengthen information literacy skills and lifelong learning, works cooperatively with other library workgroups and staff members; participate in strategic planning; identify, interpret and access a variety of information sources appropriate to customer needs and abilities; provide accurate and comprehensive information in response to customer requests; connects customers with appropriate resources that encourage reading; remains current on reading, viewing and listening interests and technology needs of library customers; demonstrate a knowledge and appreciation of literature, periodicals, audiovisual materials, web sites, electronic media, and other materials that constitute a diverse, current and relevant collection; pursue continuing education opportunities; continually update knowledge of available resources and best practices; represents library in the community.

Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven decisions; committing to diversity, equity and inclusion; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respecting one another; promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment. 

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree and at least 1 year of library or related experience is required.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: Knowledge of philosophy; principles and practices of public library services; the principles of librarianship including intellectual freedom issues, privacy and library patron rights; the theories of infant, child, and adolescent learning and development and their implications for library service; children's literature; computer applications; integrated library systems; emerging technologies, trends and resources relevant to public library services; employee recruitment and retention principles; principles of public relations and promotions.

Skills customer service; written and oral communication; training staff and volunteers; storytelling and programming for children; using print and electronic resources; collaborative leadership; principles and practice of continuous improvement; critical thinking and decision making; creative problem solving.

Considerable ability to work independently and in a team environment; work with a sense of urgency, tact and a sense of humor; evaluate effectiveness of current practices and recommend improvements; initiate, implement and evaluate services and programs; be proactive in problem-solving and trouble-shooting; assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects and deadlines; tolerate ambiguity; develop and teach curriculum; handle challenging situations and people; motivate change; develop effective working relationships in the library, City of Ames, community and profession; demonstrate professionalism and positive attitude.

Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum.

Supplemental Information

Physical and Environmental Characteristics
Required Physical Activities: Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, repetitive motion.

Physical Characteristics of Work: The work involves sitting 40 percent of the time; sitting and using arm/leg controls 5 percent of the time; standing (but not walking) 30 percent of the time; standing and walking (including climbing stairs), twenty five percent of the time; routinely lifting objects under 10 pounds; occasionally lifting objects from 10 to 25 pounds, occasionally lifting objects from 25 to 50 pounds; infrequently lifting objects over 50 pounds, frequently pushing and pulling of carts from 25 to 50 pounds.

Vision Requirements: Minimum standards for use with those whose work deals largely with preparing and analyzing data, extensive reading, and the use of computer controls.

Environmental Conditions: The employee ordinarily works in an office environment. The employee may be exposed to weather conditions of snow or ice or to household chemicals. The employee works with the public and is expected to attend to hygiene and health emergencies.

Selection Process: The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience, review of supplemental questionnaire, a phone interview (depending on the number of candidates), an on-site interview including a panel interview, storytime exercise, and tour, and the successful completion of a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.

Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum.

Applications submitted for this position by the application deadline may be considered for other openings within this classification; for up to 12 months.

Depending on the number of qualified candidates, the City may forego phone interviews.

NOTE: Applicants with disabilities may submit requests for ADA testing or interview accommodations to the Human Resources Department prior to the test or interview.

The City of Ames is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Human Resources Department at 515-239-5199.

Compensation Philosophy:
The City of Ames has a compensation philosophy that the starting pay for our merit salary ranges establishes the salary for employees who meet minimum requirements of a position. The median of any merit salary range is for an employee who can reasonably meet all expectations of the position responsibilities without initial extensive training. In order for employees to have an opportunity to grow within their position, we consider a candidate's education, experience, and skills above the minimum requirements when looking at a salary closer to or slightly above the median. The median for this position is $31.51 per hour.

E-Verify Process:
The City of Ames participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position with the City of Ames must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity on their first day of employment. Please be prepared to provide required documents on your first day of employment. For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at 515-239-5199 or go to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at: http://www.uscis.gov.