Fond Du Lac Public Library

Fond du Lac Public Library Job Description: Library Assistant Service Area: Idea Studio

Under the general supervision of the IT Coordinator, the Library Assistant for the Idea Studio is responsible for supporting and developing activities in the Library’s Idea Studio.

The essential duties listed below are not meant to be all inclusive; other tasks may be assigned. All library employees are expected to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends.

Essential Tasks for Library Assistant for the Idea Studio

1. Provides a welcoming presence in the Idea Studio a. Greets patrons, shares information about activities in the space and determines if patrons desire additional information or assistance. b. Assists patrons with equipment, materials and access to storage areas as needed c. Collects payment for supplies d. Maintains a safe, organized, comfortable and clean environment in the Idea Studio 2. Oversees the space, directing patrons on safe use of the equipment a. Maintains order including enforcing rules, guidelines and proper conduct b. Checks patrons’ training credentials for access to equipment c. Collects and enters data on training credentials and space usage d. Assists with scheduling events, classes, and meetings e. Prepares materials and sets up equipment for programs and classes f. Leads or assists with equipment training sessions, volunteer orientations, programs and events g. Acts as staff liaison for outside program presenters h. Performs opening and closing tasks such as room setup, locking doors and storage, turning equipment on or off, etc. i. Cleans and organizes the space as needed j. Takes inventory of parts and equipment on regular basis, and reports lost and/or damaged equipment k. Performs routine maintenance on equipment (loading filament in 3-D printer, threading sewing machines, etc.) l. Troubleshoots equipment problems and may communicate with equipment vendor support m. Occasionally directs the work of Idea Studio Clerk or volunteers 3. Assists in the planning and development of Idea Studio offerings a. Monitors and records community needs and requests b. Assists in developing training curricula, programs and events c. Assists in developing and maintaining Idea Studio web and social media presence d. Assists in developing the Idea Studio circulating collection e. Stays current with equipment reviews, library makerspace literature, how-to guides and community events f. Generates and interprets reports and statistics g. Serves on library and/or community committees as assigned h. Attends team, all-staff, and community meetings as directed by Supervisor 4. Provides ongoing feedback to Supervisor 5. Provides backup coverage at other service desks as needed 6. Performs other duties as assigned

General Provisions of All Library Assistants 1. Provide exemplary customer service with courtesy, respect and patience. 2. Maintain a high level of professionalism at all times. Exercise sound judgment daily and during times of stress or emergency. 3. Communicate clearly in writing and speaking. 4. Work cooperatively and effectively with others. 5. Adapt easily to change and remain flexible under changing circumstances. 6. Establish working relationships and act as a liaison with vendors, community groups and professional organizations. 7. Assist in long-range planning and service development of the library. 8. Monitor library service, workflow, environment and community to suggest improvements and innovations. 9. Participate in a variety of operational and support duties in specific departments, such as preparing statistical reports or assisting in the preparation of the annual budget. 10. Actively participate in professional development through continuing education activities. Stay abreast of new technology as well as trends and innovations in librarianship. 11. Address disruptive patrons as needed.

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements of the Position 1. Exceptional customer service skills and mindset, including a positive attitude and other personal qualities necessary to produce high-quality public service 2. Possesses a keen interest in one or more of the following areas: a. The visual arts b. Technology c. The maker community d. Electronics e. Crafting f. Music creation and/or production g. Video creation and/or production h. Animation creation and/or production 3. Possesses basic knowledge of computers, web browsers and MS Office Suite or equivalent 4. Ability to follow instructions and accurately complete assignments in a timely manner 5. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with customers and co- workers 6. Ability to share knowledge and teach tweens to seniors with patience and attentiveness. 7. Ability to work effectively as part of a team and establish positive, mutually supportive working relationships with other staff 8. Flexibility to learn and embrace procedures, tasks, policies and duties that change over time 9. Willingness and ability to make logical exceptions to library policies and procedures when warranted 10. Willingness to maintain and/or improve skills through active participation in continuing education activities

Knowledge and Skills 1. Must exhibit a positive attitude and personal qualities necessary to produce high quality public service 2. Ability to work effectively as part of a team and establish positive, mutually supportive working relationships with other staff 3. Flexibility to try new procedures, accept new challenges, and adapt to change 4. Ability to maintain a professional attitude and demeanor at all times. 5. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with customers and co- workers 6. Ability to follow instructions and properly complete assignments given by Supervisor or other appropriate staff 7. Ability to pay close attention to detail and work with precision and accuracy 8. Ability to sort and shelve books and other materials in proper alphanumeric order 9. Basic computer literacy skills (ability to use email, print, basic search skills, etc) 10. Exceptional customer service skills. 11. Ability to efficiently perform clerical tasks with limited supervision. 12. Ability to maintain patience, attentiveness, and empathy with patrons. 13. Ability to explain library policies 14. Ability to exercise valid judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions. 15. Willingness and ability to make logical exceptions to library policies and procedures when warranted. 16. Willingness to maintain and/or improve skills through active participation in continuing education activities. 17. Appropriate computer literacy skills (ability to use email, internet search tools, provide basic instruction on internet use, printing, working knowledge of Word, Excel, etc) 18. Interest in reading 19. Patience and empathy while working with the public 20. Ability to demonstrate and instruct users on using technology in the library (microfilm, 3D printers, internet computers, scanners, fax, recording studio, etc)

Education/License/Certification Requirements 1. Bachelor’s Degree from a four year college or university OR at least 5 years of library experience OR comparable specialized knowledge and skills.

Physical Requirements 1. Standing, walking, stooping, and reaching. 2. Talking and hearing; use of the telephone. 3. Far vision at 20 feet or further, and near vision at 20 inches or less. 4. Handling/fine motor skills: picking up and shelving materials. 5. Fingering/fine motor skills: keyboarding, writing, filing, sorting, stapling, and cutting. 6. Lifting, carrying: 50 pounds or less. 7. Ability to apply up to 30 pounds of force to push or pull a cart of materials on wheels. 8. Ability to work long hours while standing. 9. Ability to go up and down stairs up to five times an hour

Equipment Used 1. Computer, scanner, and printer including self-check touch screen computers and microfilm readers 2. Book carts and book bins 3. General office equipment, such as telephone, photocopier, fax machine, calculator, etc. 4. Stepladder, stepstool 5. Laminator 6. Paper cutter 7. Compact disc cleaner 8. Cash register 9. Credit card machine 10. Postage meter

Environmental and Working Conditions: In the library with occasional programming throughout the community in various settings and businesses.