Library Information Assistant-Morrisania Library

Job Description

Description

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 & Experience

Bachelor’s degree required, preferably with a strong, well-rounded liberal arts background

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

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Experience creating, conducting and/or participating in community training, programming and outreach preferred

Experience working with young adults

More...

Please Note: Effective August 2, 2021, absent a qualifying exception for medical or religious reasons, newly hired employees of the New York Public Library must present proof of receipt of a COVID-19 vaccination and may not begin employment at the Library until 14 days after their receipt of their second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or 14 days after their first dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Newly hired employees who need additional time to receive their vaccination prior to their start date may request an adjournment of their start date with their hiring manager. The Library will consider such requests on a case by case basis, depending upon the Library’s operational needs, among other factors. The Library will further consider exemptions for prospective employees who cannot become vaccinated due to a qualifying medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief or practice. Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment and who seek a medical or religious exemption to the Library’s vaccination policy should contact for instructions on how to submit the required information for the evaluation of their exemption request.

Core Values

All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:

Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues

Be Resourceful in solving problems

Be Curious in all aspects of your work

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

Schedule

35 hours per week to be scheduled during regular branch hours

Full-time