LIBRARY ASSISTANT / SPECIAL COLLECTIONS - GENEALOGY

Willard Library is a public library famous for personal service and treasured special collections. The library opened its doors in 1885 and is the oldest library building in the state of Indiana. Located at the corner of Lloyd Expressway and First Avenue, you cannot miss our gracious Gothic-style building in the middle of a 3.5 acre park.

There is a 24 hour per week part-time position open at this time in our Genealogy Department which is the third largest in the state after the Indiana State Library and the Allen County Library in Fort Wayne. The position includes some evening and weekend hours. The Library Assistant performs circulation and reference functions related to the operations of the Genealogy Department. Conducts routine circulation tasks, check-in and out, entering patron registrations, updating patron files, updating bibliographic files, and shelving returned material. Retains accurate statistics of circulation transactions. Assist patrons with locating and using library resources and materials, requesting interlibrary loan material, and conducting genealogy research. Produce and distribute department-related publications, handouts, and fliers, including social media content, and performs other duties as required and other tasks as necessary.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE: Written and Oral Communications, Outstanding Knowledge of Circulation Procedures, Database Searching, Computer Skills (PC Windows- based Software in Local Area Network Environment), Dewey Decimal Filing, Good Rapport with Patron and Colleagues, Ability to Shelve Any Given Library Material, and a Strong Public Service Attitude. Spoken and written English language comprehension at high school level; perform basic Boolean searching; able to arrange Dewey decimal numbers in ascending order and correctly alphabetize; able to consistently follow at least 3 verbal or written instructions without cues or repetition.

Requirements: High school diploma, reliable transportation, strong customer service skills; interest and ability in working with patrons and genealogical research; and ability to work a flexible schedule with frequent weekends and evenings.

JOB TITLE: LIBRARY ASSISTANT/ SPECIAL COLLECTIONS - GENEALOGY

REPORTS TO:  SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIAN

JOB LOCATION:  SPECIAL COLLECTIONS/ SECOND FLOOR

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:  High School Diploma

JOB FUNCTION:  Performs circulation, reference, interlibrary loan, and technical service functions related to the operations of the Special Collections Department.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:  100% clerical

JOB DUTIES:

  I.   Circulation

• Conducts routine circulation tasks; checking-in and out, entering patron registrations, updating patron files, updating bibliographic files, and shelving returned material.
• Retains accurate statistics of circulation transactions.
• Assists other staff members with complex circulation transactions.
• Conducts troubleshooting of automated circulation system. 

II.   Patron Service

• Offers assistance to patrons.
• Assists Patrons with locating and using library resources and materials, and requesting interlibrary loan material.
• Provides extensive reference assistance to patrons in person, by telephone, or via email
• Retains accurate statistics of reference transactions.
• Retrieves archival materials when requested.
• Provides assistance to patrons conducting genealogy research.

III. Technical Service

• Processes new Special Collections Department acquisitions.
• Conducts Special Collections Department simple material mending.

 IV.   Clerical

• Produces and distributes Special Collections Department publications, handouts, and fliers, including social media content, as directed by the Special Collections Librarian.
• Updates the Special Collections Department portion of the Willard Library website as needed.
• Conducts Special Collections interlibrary loan material notification, shipping, and material retrieval as necessary.
• Participates in the materials selection and de-selection process.
• Answers the departmental telephone in a courteous, professional manner and routes all incoming calls to the appropriate department or individual or takes and relays a message as required and/or requested.
• Assists the Special Collections Librarian and Archivist with and attends Special Collections and Archives Departments’ events and programs as necessary.
• Attends workshops, library meetings, and seminars as requested by the Special Collections Librarian.
• Recommends supply ordering to Special Collections Librarian.
• Performs other duties as required and other tasks as necessary.

EQUIPMENT:  Computer and Peripherals, Telephone, Fax Machine, Photocopier, Book Scanner, Microfilm Reader/Printer, Cash Register, and Calculator.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE:  Written and Oral Communications, Outstanding Knowledge of Circulation Procedures, Database Searching, Computer Skills (PC Windows- based Software in Local Area Network Environment), Dewey Decimal Filing, Good Rapport with Patron and Colleagues, Ability to Shelve Any Given Library Material, and a Strong Public Service Attitude.

CRITICAL SKILLS:

• Physical:  Able to lift 25 lbs. above head with arms fully extended; lift and correctly shelve 100% of Special Collections and Archival materials consistently; able to shelve materials on 0” – 90” high shelving, requiring the ability to bend, squat, reach above head, climb 2’ vertically, and balance on 11” diameter step stool; consistently read 10-point font from 24” away; ability to do any or all of the following as needed for up to 8 hours with no more than two 20 minute resting intervals and one 60 minute resting interval: sitting, standing, walking, using computer keyboard, mouse, and monitor, reading, and writing.
• Mental:  Spoken and written English language comprehension at high school level; perform basic Boolean searching; able to arrange Dewey decimal numbers in ascending order and correctly alphabetize; able to consistently follow at least 3 verbal or written instructions without cues or repetition.
• Verbal:  English language delivery at high school level.
• Written:  English language delivery at high school level.

NOTE:  This is a part-time position with up to 24 hours per week available.  This will generally include weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and evenings.

Qualifications:

·    High School Diploma

·    Reliable transportation and attendance are critical

·    Interest and ability in working with children, parents, and childcare providers

·    Literary knowledge

·    Strong customer service skills

·    Ability to work a flexible schedule with frequent weekends and evenings

Typical Starting Salary Range:

$9.00 – $10.00 Negotiable based on skill set

How to Apply:

Please complete the application (by downloading the application below), and provide a resume and three professional references to the following address:

khiggins@willard.lib.in.us

Or mail to:

Willard Library
ATTN: Kimberly Higgins

21 N. First Ave.
Evansville, IN 47710

You may also bring your resume and three professional references to the front desk on the main floor. If you come in person, please request at the desk a formal application to be completed and attached to your resume or complete and bring the application available by download (below). No phone calls, please.