Library Information Assistant - Francis Martin Library (Part-Time)
The New York Public Library · Bronx, NY
- On site
- Part-time
- $25,214 / year
- Bronx, NY
Job highlights
- Assist patrons with diverse information needs.
- Provide circulation and reference services.
- Conduct community outreach and programs.
- Utilize various digital and print resources.
- Part-time role with flexible scheduling.
About the role
Library Information Assistant - Francis Martin Library
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 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
- 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.
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
- Public service library
- Physical Duties: Lifting up to 15 lbs., Sitting and standing for periods of time, Daily use of a computer.
Schedule
- 17.5 hours per week to be scheduled during branch hours.
Key skills/competency
- Library Services
- Customer Service
- Community Outreach
- Programming
- Information Literacy
- Digital Resources
- Collection Development
- Teamwork
- Communication Skills
- Computer Proficiency
Skills & topics
- Library Assistant
- Information Services
- Public Library
- Customer Service
- Community Outreach
- Programming
- Digital Resources
- Collection Management
- Reference Services
- Part-Time Job
- New York Public Library
- Bachelor's Degree
- Liberal Arts
- MS Office
- Google Suite
- Social Media
- Databases
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your public service, communication, and technical skills relevant to a Library Information Assistant role.
- Showcase your passion: Emphasize your love for literature, community engagement, and helping patrons discover new resources.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your experience in customer service, teamwork, and using library resources.
- Understand NYPL's mission: Research The New York Public Library's core values and commitment to community service.
Technical preparation
Familiarize yourself with library databases.,Practice using MS Office and Google Suite.,Review common e-reader device functions.,Understand online searching and social media.
Behavioral questions
Describe a time you helped a patron.,How do you handle difficult patrons?,Share an experience working in a team.,How do you encourage reading?
Frequently asked questions
- What are the primary responsibilities of a Library Information Assistant at The New York Public Library?
- As a Library Information Assistant at The New York Public Library, your main duties include assisting patrons with information queries, providing circulation and reference services, promoting library services through community outreach, and supporting library programs for all age groups. You will also help patrons use digital resources, manage fines, and assist with opening/closing procedures.
- What education and experience are required for the Library Information Assistant position at NYPL?
- The New York Public Library requires a Bachelor's degree, preferably with a strong liberal arts background, for this role. Previous experience in community training, programming, and outreach is also preferred.
- Is the Library Information Assistant role at Francis Martin Library full-time or part-time?
- The Library Information Assistant position at the Francis Martin Library is a part-time role, requiring 17.5 hours per week. The schedule will be arranged during branch operating hours.
- What kind of computer and technology skills are needed for this library job?
- Strong computer and technology skills are essential. This includes proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google applications, PCs, Macs, e-reader devices, online searching, social media, and reference databases.
- How important is customer service experience for a Library Information Assistant at The New York Public Library?
- Customer service experience is highly important. The New York Public Library seeks candidates with demonstrated public service experience who can effectively work with a diverse patronage and are passionate about helping people explore resources.
- What are The New York Public Library's core values?
- The New York Public Library's core values include being helpful to patrons and colleagues, resourceful in solving problems, curious in all aspects of work, and welcoming and inclusive.