City of Evanston is hiring: Part Time Library Assistant (Union/AFSCME) in Evanst

Overview

This part-time Library Assistant position provides responsive and high-quality service at the Technology Desk at the Main Library and helps provide innovative programs for teens and emerging adults (ages 18-24). The ideal candidate is enthusiastic, dedicated to excellent customer service, team-oriented, and passionate about working with all members of the community. Responsibilities include assisting patrons with public computers, printers, and applications, answering questions, providing directions, and helping with readers advisory for the Young Adult Collection. The role also involves planning and executing innovative programs, including technology, arts and STEM/maker programs for teens and other audiences.

Essential Functions

• Assists patrons at the Technology and Teen Loft desks with public equipment including, but not limited to: public computers, printers, wireless network, scanners, photocopiers, and fax machines.
• Assists patrons with public computer software, including, but not limited to: browsing the internet, emailing, filling out online forms, and creating, editing, saving and retrieving documents.
• Troubleshoots issues with equipment and software.
• Assists patrons with the library’s public computer reservation system.
• Assists patrons with meeting room reservations.
• Handles incoming phone calls with a high level of customer service.
• Provides exceptional customer service both in-person and by phone.
• Plans, presents and evaluates innovative hands-on programming for emerging adults (ages 18 - 24), teens and other audiences. Programming may relate to technology, STEM, making, the arts and more.
• Assists patrons and colleagues with maker equipment, including 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl machines, sewing machines, and other technology as it is acquired.
• Provides library assistance in the area of filing and shelving on an as needed basis.
• Answers general information and directional questions.
• Completes training as assigned, including but not limited to racial equity training, implicit bias, trauma-informed care, serving homeless populations, and applies the concepts learned in these trainings to their work at the Library.
• Maintains current knowledge of the Library’s teen collection and electronic resources, keeping abreast of industry trends and innovations. Read and listen to a wide variety of teen literature.
• May work on special projects as assigned, including assisting with programming.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• This position requires a High School diploma or GED or higher.
• Must possess two (2) years of customer service related working experience.
• Willingness and courage to explore new ideas and emerging technologies, create, and innovate.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
• Ability to project a helpful and approachable demeanor, and to remain patient, calm and focused in a busy and occasionally stressful work environment.
• Ability to clearly explain and demonstrate computer procedures and new technologies to inexperienced users.
• Fluency with current and trending technologies and the ability to learn and adapt quickly to changing technologies, equipment and procedures.
• Experience with creating videos, video editing, graphic design, electronic music, video gaming, video game design, Cricut equipment, coding, or creative writing is strongly desired.
• Considerable knowledge of and ability to use Internet search engines, word processing software, email, online computer catalogs, and Windows operating systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively and comfortably in public.
• Spanish language proficiency is highly desirable.
• Ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and establish and maintain relationships with library patrons who may need assistance or support.
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form, while dealing with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of customers and staff throughout the Library, as well as outside the organization.
• Ability to multitask many variable duties, requests, and responsibilities.
• Ability to prepare business letters, expositions, summaries, and reports, using a prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, dictation, and style.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Physical and Other Requirements

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods, bending, kneeling, reaching, lifting up to 40 pounds, and moving objects. The work environment is indoors with no unusual hazards described.

Supervision

Under the supervision of the Innovation and Digital Literacy Manager, work is performed with the guidance of managerial staff. This role involves prioritizing tasks, coordinating with other staff, and contributing to projects and services. Performance is evaluated annually based on customer service, problem-solving, and team performance.

Public Contact

The employee has regular and frequent contact with the general public.

Selection Method

• Qualifications Assessment
• Structured Oral Interview

Application

To apply for this position, please apply online at www.cityofevanston.org on or before the closing date.

Chosen candidates will be subject to a qualifying pre-employment medical examination and drug/alcohol screen.

The City of Evanston is committed to making all public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities. For mobility or communications access assistance, contact the Facilities Management Office at (847) 448-8204 (voice) or 847-866-5095 (TTY).