Address
Form of workThe Madison Public Library is hiring Library Assistants! This is responsible paraprofessional and clerical work in the Madison Public Library system. The work involves such functions as providing direct customer service to the public in a library facility, online or through community outreach; providing readers' advisory and reference service; providing technology support; providing support relative to the processing, ordering and cataloging of library materials; and/or participating in collection maintenance and inter-library loan. The work is generally performed under the leadership and/or direction of a librarian and/or library supervisor and may involve the independent responsibility for the operation of a branch library or service in the librarian and/or library supervisor's absence.
This recruitment will form a pool of candidates that will be used over the next six months to fill any Library Assistant vacancies, full-time and/or part-time permanent positions at any of our 9 libraries. We currently have one vacancy, but it is typical for the Library to have multiple vacancies at various libraries over a six month period. Because of this, we encourage you to apply if you are interested in Library Assistant positions at other locations.
Current Vacancy: Central Library Reference and Youth Services Library Assistant, 100% position
Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
The City of Madison is an equal opportunity employer functioning under an affirmative action plan. We value diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply!
- Be a beacon by greeting customers appropriately and maintaining a level of approachability.
- Inspire trust by maintaining patron privacy and providing accurate information.
- Foster community by developing relationships with library customers that demonstrate respect for customers' race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, employment status, housing status, etc.
- Conduct service interviews and link customer needs with services and resources.
- Assist library customers to access on-site resources as well as the services and collections of the entire Madison Public Library, LINKcat (integrated library system), inter-library loan system, online resources and community resources.
- Provide reference and readers' advisory services to meet informational and recreational needs.
- Assist customers in understanding library services, procedures, resources and systems/technology.
- Utilize the Internet, electronic databases,and knowledge of library collections(s) and/or other sources to anticipate and meet customers' needs.
- Provide instruction or tours to customers on the use of the full range of library resources.
- Process inter-library loan requests.
- Use de-escalation skills to manage and/or provide backup to other staff during behavior incidents. Accurately write incidents reports, using factual detailed yet concise language that doesn't speculate or editorialize, in MPLnet.
- Oversee and perform circulation-related clerical duties (e.g., check out and check in library materials, collect fines, issue and reissue library cards, process holds, retrieve materials, explain regulations and answer questions, maintain files and inventories, perform or oversee shelving functions and other circulation related activities as needed).
- Oversee the daily operations of a branch library or of a library service in the absence of a librarian or supervisor. Direct workflow, provide training and assistance to clerical and hourly staff and volunteers as directed. Maintain familiarity with library programs, policies, procedures, technology and related developments. Maintain a safe and welcoming library environment.
- Foster community through a commitment to continued personal growth, specifically in the areas of racial equity and social justice.
- Actively participate in staff meetings, system-wide meetings, etc.
- Engage with co-workers positively and constructively to help improve processes and communication across our buildings and systems.
- All applicants will be considered for these positions.
The City of Madison strives to provide exceptional customer service to all its residents and visitors. Therefore successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to effectively work with multicultural communities.
For a complete list of the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, please see the Library Assistant 1 class spec.
- Ability to meet the transportation requirements of the position
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to lift/carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds (equivalent to a bucket of books) frequently.
- Must be capable of pushing wheeled carts of books and other materials weighing up to 200 pounds onto and off elevators and across carpeted areas for up to an hour, four times per day.
- Must be able to frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, reach overhead and repeatedly lift books weighing as much as three pounds for extended periods of time up to six hours,
- Have the physical strength, dexterity and acuity in locating, lifting and shelving library materials (of varying formats and weights).
Stated salaries will receive a 4% wage increase effective December 24, 2023.Employment Type: PERMANENT FULL TIME
