Job Details

Library Associate

Under general supervision, the Library Associate in the Community Learning Department moderates and assists with programs, classes and events, promotes the library's collection and services through classes, events, and other programs and activities, and provides professional customer and information services through in-person, phone and virtual customer service in Suffolk's various library locations. Reports to a Community Learning Library Services Coordinator.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Essential Job Functions

Assists in planning, coordinating and facilitating classes, events, and other programs and special events for all ages in virtual and in-person environments. Examples include: assisting with programs for homeschool students, story times, and adult craft programs.

Prepares statistical and financial reports for levels of service in reference, public usage, program participation, financial fees for lost inventory and equipment use.

Instructs and assists users with the public computers and other library technology and equipment.

Instructs users in the use of the library online catalog, electronic resources, print and non-print materials and library equipment to enable them to use library resources independently.

Assists customers in finding and/or requesting materials that will meet their needs.

Ability to maintain cooperative and effective relationships with departmental personnel.

Registers customers for library cards.

Provide training to staff and volunteers to orient them to their tasks and responsibilities.

Refers customers to and/or directly contact, community, state and national agencies and organizations, if required, to satisfy the information needs of customers.

Conduct reference interviews and research, which requires a broad knowledge of print, non-print and electronic resources, to determine the most complete and efficient method or source in order to satisfy the information needs of customers; develop appropriate search strategies to respond to ambiguous and/or complex search requests; may respond to system-wide requests for assistance with difficult reference questions to satisfy the customer's information needs; and demonstrate an awareness of materials, current events, trends and popular authors to respond to the information needs of customers.

Demonstrates awareness of materials, current events, trends and popular authors

Interprets, explains and applies library policy and procedures to respond to customer concerns.

Processes requests and provides information to customers about their library account.

Searches and updates circulation system and check materials in and out. Develops and maintains the collection, processes items for rotation between facilities; reassigns, rotates, and shelves items; suggests purchases for the branch and system.

Monitors current and forthcoming reading and format trends to anticipate and meet patron needs.

Plans guidelines for tasks, organizes projects and performs duties in circulation, reference and public services.

Analyzes and assesses any risk factors associated with the facility and surrounding environment that may impact the safety of the public or staff due to weather conditions, power outages or unpredictable behavior from individuals and thieves.

Secures the facility, including making sure the building is clear of patrons, equipment is turned off and alarm is activated.

Performs related work as required.

Required Qualifications

A combination of higher education and/or experience equivalent to 5 years, 1 of which must have been in a library setting or closely related customer service field; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Requires a valid driver's license.