Library Assistant II | Adult Services Department Job at City of Grand Rapids, MI

Salary: $23.71 - $25.64 Hourly

Location : Grand Rapids, MI

Job Type: Part-time

Job Number: 937-1124

Department: Library

Opening Date: 11/19/2024

Closing Date: 12/1/2024 11:59 PM Eastern

Nature of Work

This part-time position supports the Adult Services Department by providing reference information, guidance, and assistance to GRPL patrons. The main function of this position is direct public service, and involves helping patrons access library resources in-person, over the phone, and via email.

This particular position has an emphasis on working in a variety of processes related to providing reference information and public services programming.

We are currently hiring for 2 open positions. These positions are regularly scheduled to work at the with the following schedules:

Position 1
Monday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Tuesday: Off
Wednesday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Alternating Friday/Saturday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Position 2
Monday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Tuesday: 5:00 - 9:00 pm
Wednesday: 5:00 - 9:00 pm

Thursday: Off
Alternating Friday/Saturday: 12:00 - 6:00 pm

Occasionally required- Sunday: 1:00 - 5:00 pm

Examples of work:

• Provides engaging, professional public service to library patrons in-person, over the phone, and via email; assists with public workstation and printer use; assists patrons with periodical, book, and database searches and other reference sources; assists with reader's advisory; assists with interlibrary loan; assists with books by mail service
• Provides instruction and/or presents to patrons in groups or individually; assists with planning and implementation of programs and services
• Assists staff with research, reporting, projects, and idea generation; may proofread and edit reports or other library materials
• Creates and maintains book displays
• Represents GRPL at community events and outreach opportunities
• Develops bibliographies, pathfinders, and finding aids in support of Readers' Advisory and reference services
• Collects, compiles, and reports statistics related to library resources and programs
• Maintains records, correspondence, inventories, and other general office functions
• Recommends and evaluates reference books; maintains inventories
• Performs other tasks of a similar nature as assigned

Minimum Training and Experience

• High school diploma or a GED is required; a college degree is preferred.
• Previous public library experience is preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish is preferred.

Other Necessary Qualifications

Ability to:

• Provide professional, friendly service to library staff and patrons; ability to make independent, reliable decisions related to customer service functions
• Assist and instruct patrons around hardware and software issues as they relate to library resources and public workstations.
• Solve research problems and provide reader's advisory service; knowledge of community, books, and authors; knowledge of digital resources, reading devices and platforms; ability to learn and apply modern library methods and techniques and to acquire familiarity with the GRPL system and services offered
• Learn, effectively use, and adapt to ongoing changes in technology including library-specific and office software
• Communicate professionally with diverse groups both verbally and in writing
• Establish and maintain working relationships with other staff and the general public; work collaboratively
• Make independent and efficient decisions; work without close supervision
• Understand systems and maintain an organized and effective work process; flexibility to adapt to changes as processes are updated; perform standardized processes accurately and consistently; ability to follow procedures in processing forms and other communication
• Maintain library records and prepare reports
• Manage emotions in the workplace and maintain professional composure and judgement
• Work with supervisor and process feedback regarding job performance
• Work 20-24 hours per week; ability to work evenings and weekends

Understanding of:

• General office procedures, processes, and equipment; ability to operate a variety of office equipment including computer workstations, typical electronic devices, cash register and POS systems, and software

Other Information

Please note the following:

• A cover letter is required
  • Please attach a cover letter in pdf format that describes your interest in the position, your interest in working at GRPL, and how these might tie in with personal or professional goals
• A brief book review of less than 300 words is required
  • The review should demonstrate your ability to write a fun and professional blog post for a general audience that generates interest in a particular title or series
• All communication regarding this position will be done via email; it is your responsibility to ensure that your email address is up-to-date on your account profile
• To be eligible for this position, you must apply through the

Please visit the for a list of other open positions at Grand Rapids Public Library.

All inquiries related to this posting should be directed to:
Grand Rapids Public Library

111 Library St NE

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

616-988-5400 |

GRPL proudly promotes diversity and inclusion in employment, and strives to maintain a workplace culture where respect and positive recognition of differences are cultivated.

Grand Rapids Public Library provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination of any type without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, height, weight, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. GRPL will make reasonable accommodations for employees and job applicants with disabilities.

This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, transfer, training, promotion, discipline, termination, leaves of absence, compensation, and benefits, as well as work-related events and activities.

GRPL | Part-time Employee Benefit Summary

• Employer sponsored HealthiestYou by teledoc Healthcare
• Paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • Floating holidays
  • Vacation
  • Sick leave
  • Personal time
  • Bereavement leave
  • Parental leave
  • Jury duty leave
• Retirement
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Plan

01

Are you currently employed by GRPL?

• Yes
• No

02

Have you ever been employed at GRPL?

• Yes
• No

03

List all relatives employed at GRPL (enter "None" if you do not have any relatives working at GRPL).

04

We currently have 2 open positions. Which position are you most interested in?Position 1Monday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pmTuesday: OffWednesday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pmThursday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pmAlternating Friday/Saturday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pmPosition 2Monday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pmTuesday: 5:00 - 9:00 pmWednesday: 5:00 - 9:00 pmThursday: OffAlternating Friday/Saturday: 12:00 - 6:00 pm

• Position 1
• Position 2

05

In addition to the regularly scheduled hours, this position occasionally works on rotating Sunday afternoons between Labor Day and Memorial Day when the Main Library is open. This currently works out to around 3 Sundays per year. Are you able to work some Sundays?

• Yes
• No

06

This position may occasionally require you to work a shift at a different branch location. Would you be able to accommodate this requirement?

• Yes
• No

07

What is your highest level of education?

• High school diploma/GED
• Some college
• Technical/vocational education or training
• Associates degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree
• PhD or Doctorate

08

Are you verbally fluent in Spanish?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you have at least 1 year of work experience providing service to culturally and economically diverse populations in an urban setting?

• Yes
• No

10

This position frequently helps patrons navigate computers, smart phones, tablets, and printers. How comfortable are you guiding someone through using different forms of technology?

• Very comfortable
• Somewhat comfortable
• Not at all comfortable

11

Have you previously worked in a public library?

• Yes
• No

12

How many years of customer service experience do you have?

• Less than 1 year
• 1-2 years
• Greater than 2 years

13

Briefly describe your approach to customer service.

14

What word best describes you?

15

In order for your application to be considered, a cover letter and book review are required. Please indicate below whether you have attached a cover letter and book review to you application.

• Yes, I have
• No, I haven't

Required Question