JOB INFORMATION

Join the vibrant, community-minded team at Frederick County Public Libraries (FCPL)! We are seeking a creative, energetic, and visionary individual to become part of our team.
Located in Central Maryland between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, FCPL is a rapidly developing system of nine libraries and two bookmobiles. Our mission is to facilitate the public's freedom to explore, to invent, and to transform. FCPL connects people to ideas and to each other, helping to foster individual and community growth.

Position Details:
Non-exempt; part-time; 24 hour per week position available at Brunswick Community Library scheduled varied workdays and hours that include daytime, weekday evenings and Saturday rotation during FCPL operating schedule; pro-rated benefits (exclusion from health and dental plans); subject to system-wide reassignment
This clerical position performs responsible duties related to all operations of an FCPL circulation desk and the automated circulation system. A significant amount of public contact is involved; therefore courteous, proficient customer relations skills are vital. Direction may be received from the Senior Circulation Clerk; supervision is received from the Assistant Branch Administrator and/or Branch Administrator.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strong and effective customer service, exhibiting patience and courtesy while staffing the circulation desk; set up and close the circulation desk
• Circulate library materials to the public using the automated circulation system to record all materials charged out and returned
• Add, delete and update information in the patron information database and prepare new library cards when needed
• Collect and record fines, lost book charges, other fees and payments against patrons' accounts in the database
• County money; prepare daily reconciliation report of fines and fees as assigned
• Organize and maintain Inter-Library Loan records for circulation transactions, search shelves for reserved materials and notify patrons when reserved items become available
• Apply bar codes to library materials and add or withdraw items from the FCPL collection database
• Sort books and materials and forward them to appropriate locations
• Answer telephone calls, assist callers and/or refer calls to other persons as appropriate
• Explain FCPL procedures and policies to patrons
• Respond to and resolve patron complaints or misunderstandings; make referral to other staff as appropriate
• Assist patrons with operating the photocopier, self-check out machines and other FCPL equipment
• Participate in outreach events to promote library services
• Participate in department, branch and system-wide work teams and committees
• Attend workshops, meetings and learning opportunities
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. In addition to the duties listed in the Essential Duties section, each employee in this classification may perform the following other duties. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The qualifications / requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical demands or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High school graduation, or the equivalent
• Minimum 1 year of work experience providing customer service, working directly with the public
• Word processing and/or data entry experience or training, with sufficient skills to effectively access and utilize the FCPL computerized information systems and circulation system.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• Ability to learn Library practices and procedures, including the use of the Dewey Decimal System
• Accurate math and clerical skills with the ability to properly maintain cash records and other operating forms and reports
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions to complete routine assignments
• Ability to effectively make independent decisions, organize work, determine priorities, and complete assigned work with minimal supervision
• Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, multi-task and effectively manage time in a busy environment
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility, positivity and good judgment
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with customers, co-workers and the general public
• Strong internal and external customer service ability including ability to exhibit patience, tact, and courtesy working collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to effectively access and utilize FCPL's computerized systems and ability to effectively provide related instruction for all customers and staff in a friendly and respectful manner.

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

• 6 months of library work experience
• Additional work experience providing direct customer service to the public

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently sitting and walking, lifting up to 20 pounds, reaching and making repetitive motions; and is occasionally pushing up to 40 pounds.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly working indoors
• During outreach programs and events the employee is frequently working outdoors; working in hot temperatures (above 100 degrees) working in cold temperatures (below 32 degrees) and walking on uneven ground.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Available for varied workdays and hours within the FCPL operating schedule
• Ability to provide own transportation to branch libraries, meetings, trainings, etc. as needed

KIND OF EXAMINATION (may include):

• An evaluation of training and experience
• One or more interviews
• Related skills tests
• A pre-employment physical examination and drug test

This description reflects management's assignment of essential duties; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.