REFASST-KZ - Reference Assistant-KidsZone

YOUTH REFERENCE ASSISTANT

Join an award winning Library! The Schaumburg Township District Library has an onsite 20 hour/week parttime Reference Assistant position open. We are looking for a personable individual to assessing and fulfilling the patrons’ need for information or materials. The vital role of the Reference Assistant is that of guidance direction and instruction. Hours are as follows and requires flexibility.

• Mondays 12:00pm7:30pm
• Wednesdays 1:30pm9:00pm
  

1 weekend a month:

• Friday 12:30pm – 7:00pm
• Saturday 8:45am – 5:00pm
• Sunday 11:45am – 5:00pm

The schedule is based on the needs of the library and could change if and when needed. Starting pay is $19.81$24.76 based on skills and qualifications.

Position Summary:

The Reference Assistant is responsible for assessing and fulfilling the patrons’ need for information or materials. The vital role of the Reference Assistant is that of guidance direction and instruction. The Reference Assistant is also responsible for: developing programs targeted for young people and their caregivers assisting with school and community outreach and support collection maintenance.

Requirements for All Employees:

1. Ability to be a teamplayer and work pleasantly and effectively with all patrons staff supervisors and others.
2. Ability to learn various job functions perform them correctly and understand the necessity in overall library operations.
3. Ability to independently function efficiently in a changing and varied environment with frequent interruptions.
4. Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on details.
5. Ability to follow all library policies and procedures.
6. Demonstrates commitment to incorporating principles of Diversity Equity and Inclusion into everyday work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Public Service

• Create and implement ageappropriate programs and services.
• Assist with the Treasure Bag program as requested.
• Assess patrons needs effectively and efficiently either in person over the telephone or in writing.
• Develop strong research skills and techniques to help patrons to the fullest degree possible.
• Work with all age groups effectively.
• Give information based on a primary source from a reliable authority; never personal opinion.
• Serve as “Person in Charge” of the Youth Department in the absence of the Director Youth Services and when they are the senior person at the Youth Department Desk.
• Manage and complete special projects as requested.
• Provide information reference services and readers’ advisory to a diverse population.
• Be a creative problem solver who takes responsibility to satisfy a patron’s request.
• Assist patrons with technology available in the department (ex. Computers iPads photocopier).
• Keep current on ageappropriate trends and issues in libraries.
• Conduct youth department tours presentations and community outreach.

Professional Development

• Collection:
  • Maintain working knowledge of the Library’s reference tools and materials the online catalog internet resources and social media.
  • Instruct patrons in the use of the Library’s reference tools and materials the online catalog and the Internet.
  • Maintain working knowledge of the Library’s circulating collection
  • Assist with collection maintenance as requested.
• Community:
  • Stay informed about the names of officials organizations clubs businesses schools social agencies etc. in the greater Schaumburg area.
  • Keep apprised of the offerings of neighboring public and special libraries their strengths and weaknesses.
  • Keep apprised of popular trends inside and outside of the library world and apply best practices.

Other Duties

• Assist with school services and other programs as assigned.
• Maintain professional involvement in the library science industry.
• Refine or enhance reference skills by reading professional literature and attending seminars workshops and professional meetings.
• Attend meetings and training as required or requested.
• Keep current on the theories of child and adolescent learning and brain development and their application to library services.
• Keep current on ageappropriate trends emerging technologies issues and research in librarianship education and allied fields.
• Other duties as assigned.

Workplace Expectations

• Treat all patrons and employees fairly and with an open mind.
• Maintain patron and employee confidentiality.
• Communicate clearly in all formats: in person via the telephone and in writing.
• Utilize positive conflictresolution strategies while working through difficult interactions with patrons and/or coworkers.
• Manage time to maximize productivity; work individually in a selfdirected manner and as part of the team.
• Be a Library Ambassador with the patrons out in the community and with our coworkers.
• Maintain the flexibility and willingness to work in a dynamic busy and changing environment.

Education and/or experience:

Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.) from a fouryear college or university is required. Experience developing and facilitating programs for youth and their caregivers. Working knowledge of word processing spreadsheet and database applications is required.

The deadline to apply for the job posting is: September 5 2024.

Schaumburg Township District Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer