Library Associate (Two Vacancies)

Location:  These positions will be primarily located at one of the following departments/branch libraries:  (Earl Morgan and Five Corners).  

Salary Range: $54, 500 - $57,900

Workweek: 10:00am – 6:00pm (35 hours per week).  Evenings and weekends will be scheduled as needed.

*Please note, this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities, may change at any time with or without notice.

About the Positions

The Library Associate is an ideal position for students in an MLIS program, or people interested in a career in libraries.  This role involves developing and implementing programs for young adults, creating engaging book displays to highlight the branch collection, and collaborating with other library staff to enhance the overall patron experience.  The person in this role will report to the Branch Manager.

Specific Job Duties:

• Develop and present library programming for all ages; create displays and informational materials to highlight book collections or services; collaborate with Engagement department on outreach programs; ability to build relationships with local organizations to support library goals
• Assist patrons at the circulation desk or with technology; answer reference questions; conduct readers’ advisory; perform circulation tasks using SIRSI; assist in material selection
• Plan, develop, and implement library programs at the library and/or off-site; share program information with Communications team, including photos, blurbs, booklists, etc.
• Contribute to tasks and projects; track and review work progress and activities;
• Promote good customer service, including some public speaking involving tours and teaching library skills to small groups; effectively handle patron complaints; develop and maintain a positive, helpful and professional approach to the overall community as well as individual library customers
• Network and collaborate with Outreach Services, educational entities, City departments, and other service agencies to promote services, activities, and goals of the library; attend meetings and serve on committees as needed; stay up to date on trends and innovations in the fields of library and educational services.
• Perform other duties as assigned

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Communication/Collaboration

• Communicates effectively using a variety of methods
• Effectively communicates relevant and timely information to appropriate stakeholders
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with others to achieve common goals
• Works effectively on teams with strong team-building skills and attitudes
• Applies effective strategies to manage organizational politics, conflict and difficult coworker behaviors
• Communicates effectively with a variety of audiences and individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Selects and applies the most appropriate and effective communication means to meet situational needs

Customer Service

• Contributes to and models customer service standards that enhance the user experience
• Models standards and practices for the delivery of quality internal and external customer service
• Applies customer service skills to enhance the level of user satisfaction
• Applies effective techniques to address difficult situations with users and staff
• Understands and acts in accordance with the basic values and ethics of library service

Professional Development

• Manages the development of one’s own learning and ongoing improvement of skills and knowledge
• Uses creative and innovative approaches
• Establishes strategies and long-range initiatives to create a learning environment within the division and the library
• Plans for and supports staff career development opportunities
• Contributes to the development and implementation of a culture that embraces ongoing learning

Community Engagement

• Demonstrates the impact and value of the library to the community through ongoing evaluation and assessment of library services
• Maintains positive public relations through communication and promotion of the library’s values, services, accomplishments and needs to all stakeholders
• Builds relationships and support for the library with community organizations
• Contributes to creating a welcoming and user-friendly physical environment that encourages all community members to use library services

Technology

• Performs basic functions of email, calendar applications, and task management
• Understands and uses basic computer hardware, peripherals, software, and operating system functions
• Demonstrates information literacy and understands common security protocols related to Internet use

Required Experience:

• ​​​​Ability to demonstrate a practical knowledge of library functions, services, terminology, techniques, procedures, and standard tools such as ILS (Integrated Library Systems), shelving arrangements, Dewey Decimal Classification System, and successful completion of relevant manager training within the organization.
• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university

Essential Skills:

• Ability to keep informed of current theories, objectives, principles, and techniques of librarianship: and adapt to modern technology, library trends and innovations.
• Ability to identify, customize, create and present innovative programs and services and integrate new technologies into library service.

Preferred Skills:

• Preference given to applicants currently earning a Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from a library program accredited by the American Library Association or from a New Jersey college Master’s program in Library Science that has been deemed acceptable by Thomas Edison College.
• Ability to manage and administer a library program.
• Knowledge of Jersey City’s population, geography, and/or local government.
• Facility in a non-English language spoken in Jersey City (such as Spanish, Hindi, Arabic, Tagalog, etc.).

This vacancy is associated with a New Jersey Civil Service job title. The New Jersey Civil Service Commission requires all incumbents to possess and be prepared to verify the minimum experience and skills required for the associated Civil Service job title.

This position is subject to residency requirements as set forth in the New Jersey First Act and not available for work visa sponsorship.