City of Johnston, IA is hiring: Assistant Librarian (Part-time) in Johnston

Salary: $20.00 Hourly
Location : Johnston, IA
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: LIB_25_ASSTLIBIRARIAN_01232025
Department: Library
Opening Date: 01/23/2025
Closing Date: 2/14/2025 5:00 PM Central

Join our vibrant library team as a part-time Assistant Librarian with a focus on programming and communication in Youth Services! We're looking for a compassionate, creative, and detail-oriented individual who enjoys working with children and teens. This role offers the chance to bring your own ideas to life, think outside the box, and foster empathy and inclusion. While experience in libraries is preferred, we welcome candidates eager to learn about early literacy and teen engagement strategies. If you're passionate about inspiring young minds and making a difference, we'd love to hear from you!
The general schedule for this position will be: Mondays: 8:45 AM - 5:00 PM; Tuesdays: 8:45 AM - 3:00 PM; Fridays: 8:45 AM - 5:45 PM; 4th Saturdays: 8:45 AM - 5:45 PM. This averages to 23.75 hours per week.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Assistant Librarians share core responsibilities, including:

• Provide excellent customer service to patrons of all ages and backgrounds, resolving issues and answering inquiries efficiently.
• Serve as the Librarian-in-Charge when management is unavailable, overseeing staff, patron safety, and building operations.
• Assist with onboarding of new staff and provide ongoing training for team members, including volunteers and interns.
• Support customers in using the online library catalog, computers, personal devices, digital resources, and emerging technologies.
• Maintain an organized library environment by ensuring materials are accessible, shelved, and cataloged. Assist with weeding and inventory.
• Collect and organize statistics related to library services and assist with reports.
• Remain informed about current library practices and apply this knowledge to enhance services.
• Attend required training sessions and actively participate in team meetings and committees.
• Complete tasks and projects assigned by library management, such as assisting with grant-funded initiatives or events.

Department-Specific Responsibilities
Assistant Librarians have assigned focus areas with additional responsibilities that may include:
Collection & Technical Services

• Facilitate patron purchase requests and interlibrary loan activities.
• Manage specialized collections, such as book club sets or local history archives.
• Support cataloging and processing of materials, ensuring accurate metadata.
• Evaluate collection usage data to recommend changes based on community needs.

Customer Services

• Prepare and submit invoices for monthly processing.
• Address customer behavior issues, maintaining a safe and inclusive environment.
• Provide readers' advisory services and assist with service desk duties, including issuing library cards and resolving account issues.

Programming and Communications Services

• Collaborate on the creation and delivery of programs, including ELL programs, technology workshops, and the Summer Reading Program.
• Develop promotional materials to advertise library events and resources, including managing social media content.
• Provide quality service in youth-focused spaces and develop programs fostering literacy and creativity.
• Support initiatives aimed at reaching underserved populations and partner with local organizations to address community needs.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate's degree or equivalent experience required; coursework or a degree in Library Science, Education, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience:
  1. 1-3 years of customer service experience, particularly working with diverse populations.
  2. Public library experience is highly desirable.
• Technology:
  1. Proficiency in library software, computers, and internet search engines.
  2. Ability to troubleshoot basic technical issues and support digital literacy.

Skills

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Strong teamwork and collaborative spirit, with the ability to build positive relationships with staff and patrons.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with a capacity to train and mentor staff.
• Problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow instructions.

Physical Demands
The physical demands for this role, with or without reasonable accommodations, include:

• Communication: Talking and hearing to communicate effectively in person and via digital platforms.
• Vision: Seeing clearly at various distances and using technology for extended periods.
• Movement: Alternating between standing, walking, and sitting; occasional climbing, balancing, kneeling, and crawling.
• Manual Dexterity: Reaching, grasping, and handling objects.
• Lifting: Regularly lifting and moving up to 10 pounds; occasionally lifting/moving items up to 50 pounds independently and up to 100 pounds with assistance.

This job description provides an overview of responsibilities and qualifications for this position. Duties may be modified or expanded based on organizational needs.
Part-Time position, not eligible for benefits
01

Describe your past experiences working with kids or teens. What specific programs, activities, or interactions did you find most successful, and why?
02

Describe your experience, if any, working with underserved populations. How did you adapt your approach to meet their unique needs, and what impact did you observe?
03

This position occasionally requires flexibility in scheduling to accommodate special programs. Can you share how comfortable you are with adjusting your hours when needed, and how you manage scheduling changes?
Required Question