About the Role
Overview
The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of free books, information, ideas, and education for all New Yorkers for more than 100 years. NYPL’s neighborhood libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island—many of which date to Andrew Carnegie’s visionary philanthropy at the turn of the 20th century—are being transformed into true centers of educational innovation and service, and vital community hubs that provide far more than just free books and materials.
The Library is seeking a Library Information Assistant to provide service to patrons of all ages. Information Assistants are responsible for assisting with information queries, providing circulation services, and supporting the outreach and programming activities of the Library. They should be a creative customer service expert with a passion for helping people explore resources in ways that allow them to follow their interests and discover new ones.
Key Responsibilities
Under the general supervision of the Library Manager, a Library Information Assistant:
- Provides circulation/reference service and instruction to library patrons of all ages using print, media and digital resources
- Answers questions from the public in person, over the telephone and electronically
- Performs community outreach to promote and increase public participation and use of library services
- Assists in planning and delivering library programs for children, teens and/or adults
- Instructs patrons on the use of the Internet, computer applications and other Library services
- Assists with fines & fees management, collection development/weeding, reserves and opening/closing procedures
- Ensures patrons follow library policies and procedures
- May take responsibility for the facility, staff and operations in the absence of the Library Manager
- Performs other related duties as required
Required Education, Experience & Skills
Required Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree required, preferably with a strong, well-rounded liberal arts background
Required Experience
- Experience creating, conducting and/or participating in community training, programming and outreach preferred
Required Skills
- Successfully demonstrated public service experience with the ability to work well with a diverse patronage
- Demonstrated interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
- Successfully demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
- Appreciation of literature and desire to encourage reading in others
- Strong organization and planning skills, including the ability to perform multiple projects or tasks simultaneously
- Strong computer and other related technology skills, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google applications, PCs, Macs and e-reader devices
- Demonstrated knowledge of computer services including on-line searching, social media and reference resources and databases
Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities:
- May temporarily oversee the library in the absence of the Library Manager
More
Our Core Values:
- Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
- Be Resourceful in solving problems
- Be Curious in all aspects of your work
- Be Welcoming and Inclusive
Work Environment
Physical Duties:
- Lifting up to 15 lbs.
- Sitting and standing for periods of time
- Daily use of a computer
Physical Required?
No
Union/Non Union
Local 1930
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Schedule
17.5 hours per week to be scheduled during branch hours
This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.
The New York Public Library Salary Statement
At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.
Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).