Library Associate (FT)

Under general supervision, provides professional customer and information services through reference interviews, research and bibliographic instruction, technological training and assistance, and promotes the library’s collection and services. Reports to the Library Manager or Library Services Coordinator.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct reference interviews and research, which requires a broad knowledge of print, non-print and electronic resources, to determine the most complete and efficient method or source in order to satisfy the information needs of customers; develop appropriate search strategies to respond to ambiguous and/or complex search requests; may respond to system-wide requests for assistance with difficult reference questions to satisfy the customer’s information needs; and demonstrate an awareness of materials, current events, trends and popular authors to respond to the information needs of customers.
• Respond to complex and/or recurring information requests by creating and maintaining supplementary information files such as bibliographies and ready reference files to have the information readily available.
• Instruct users in the use of the library catalog, electronic resources, print and non-print materials and library equipment to enable them to use the library resources independently; and interpret, explain and apply library policy and procedures to respond to customer concerns.
• Instruct and assists users with the public computers and other library technology and equipment.
• Process requests and provide information to customers about their circulation records and materials request to meet borrowing needs; search and update circulation system; and check materials in and out and register customers to maintain an accurate database.
• Refer customers to and/or directly contact, community, state and national agencies and organizations, if required, to satisfy the information needs of customers.
• Provide training to staff and volunteers to orient them to their tasks and responsibilities.
• Plans guidelines for tasks, organizes projects and performs duties in circulation, reference and public services.
• Develops and maintains the collection, processes items for rotation between facilities; reassigns, rotates, and shelves items; suggests purchases for the branch and system.
• Prepares statistical and financial reports for levels of service in reference, public usage, program participation, financial fees for lost inventory and equipment use. Coordinate with City Treasurer’s Office for legal collections.
• Analyzes and assesses any risk factors associated with the facility and surrounding environment that may impact the safety of the public or staff due to weather conditions, power outages or unpredictable behavior from individuals and thieves.
• Secures the facility, including making sure the building is clear of patrons, equipment is turned off and alarm is activated.
• Electronically locates, modifies or creates bibliographic records for materials of various formats according to professional standards and practices.
• Assists in the daily review of new books/audio for circulation to ensure compliance with library practices and standards.
• Assists in maintaining and updating the library catalog and collection; repairs or discards damaged or obsolete material.
• Produces spine labels with appropriate genre, collection or award information according to library standards and practices.
• Monitors current and forthcoming reading and format trends to anticipate and meet patron needs; ensures required material is handled with priority.
• Acts on technical problems, then implements and utilizes all new hardware and software information in order to maintain and upkeep laptop and desktop computer.
• Performs related work as required.

Required Qualifications

A combination of higher education and/or experience equivalent to 5 years, 1 of which must have been in a library setting or closely related customer service field; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Requires a valid driver’s license.

Retirement (Virginia Retirement System employer) for employees hired on or after 1/1/14 - Hybrid Members

Hybrid plan members contribute 4 percent of creditable compensation to the defined benefit plan and 1 percent to the defined contribution plan each month. Members may voluntarily contribute up to an additional 4 percent in 0.5 percent increments to the defined contribution plan each month. Members can increase or decrease their voluntary contributions on a quarterly basis. With the mandatory and voluntary contributions to the defined contribution component of the plan, members can contribute a maximum of 5 percent with a 3.5 percent match from the employer. Members invest in various investment options that best fit their needs.

Vested after 5 years in the defined benefit part of the plan. Vested in phases based on years in the Defined Contribution part of the Plan. The retirement eligibility for a full or reduced retirement pension in the Hybrid Plan is very detailed. Please contact the Virginia Retirement System or the Human Resources Department for details.

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Yearly earnings

120 Hours (1-59 months), 144 Hours (60-119 months), 168 Hours (120- 179 months), 192 Hours (180 and over)

Personal Leave

All regular full time employees are granted 24 hours of personal leave each calendar year. Personal leave must be preapproved and is not cumulative.

Health Insurance

Coverage available for you and your eligible dependents using pre-tax payroll deductions if elected.

Supplemental Insurances

Employees may purchase the following supplemental insurance policies: short term and long term disability, cancer, accident, supplemental hospitalization, and group universal life insurance.

Employer Sponsored Short Term and Long Term Disability

Provides disability coverage for employees work and non-work related disabilities. Work related disabilities are covered starting on day one (1). Non work related disabilities are covered starting on day eight (8), after you have been employed for one year.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employees may participate in the Health Reimbursement, Dependent Care Reimbursement and Premium Reimbursement Accounts. All deductions are made on a pre-tax basis and will reduce your taxable income.

Life Insurance

The city pays the entire premium for life insurance coverage in the amount of 2 times annual salary for natural death and 4 times annual salary for accidental death.

Optional Life Insurance

Employees have the option of electing additional life insurance coverage in the amount of 1, 2, 3 or 4 times their annual salary. Employees may only purchase optional life insurance on spouses and children if they are enrolled in optional life insurance for themselves.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

12 weeks of job protected leave for leaves approved in accordance with the Family Medical Leave Act. Employees receive continuation of health insurance, job protection and consideration for a comparable job when available, or an equivalent job, upon return to work.

Funeral Leave

24 hours of paid leave of absence in case of death in immediate family.

Holidays

Suffolk follows the Virginia State holiday calendar as set by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Jury Duty

Time off with pay with difference between jury pay and regular pay or use annual leave and keep check.

457 Deferred Compensation, ROTH IRA, Traditional IRA

Offered through ICMA Retirement Corporation as a way to shelter a portion of your salary from income taxes and save for retirement.

Employee Assistance Program

Offers employees and immediate family members (3) free, confidential counseling sessions related to a broad range of issues such as marital or family conflict, job or personal stress, alcohol or drug abuse, financial or legal worries, etc.

Worker's Compensation

Should an employee have an on the job injury, he/she could be eligible for Workmen's Compensation Benefits, except in cases of willful neglect.

Pay Days

Employees will be paid on the 15th and last working day of each month.

Credit Union

A Suffolk Credit Union is available to employees.

Legal Services

Employees may prepay for access to legal assistance.

Notary Public Services

Services available in the Human Resources Department.