Library Associate

Jersey’s senior public institutions of higher education, the University offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in more than 100 areas of study. At Thomas Edison State University and the New Jersey State Library we embrace a diverse and dynamic workforce that drives innovation, learner success and organizational growth. We welcome you to apply to be a part of our team.

Summary

Are you a book matchmaker, helping people select the next book they’ll read? Do you love sharing with people all the great things libraries have to offer? Are you comfortable talking on the phone? Do you like working with patrons of all ages, from children to seniors?

The New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center is seeking a full-time Library Associate in the Reader’s Services department. The ideal candidate will have excellent customer service and reader advisory skills, as well as written and verbal communication skills. Computer proficiency is required. Under the direction of a professional librarian, responsibilities will include providing reader’s advisory to patrons of all ages, basic computer and technology assistance, assisting librarians with outreach and presentations, including outreach and presentations to schools, assisting with TBBC reading programs, and staying up to date on current trends in libraries.

Examples of Work

NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

• Provides basic reader advisory to patrons of all ages seeking aid in the selection of reading materials.
• Answers and routs telephone calls and emails.
• Under the direction of a professional librarian does the work involved in ordering, checking, purchasing, classifying, cataloguing, preparing, binding, and shelving books and other library materials.
• Reviews and processes new library applications, both paper and electronic formats.
• Oversees specific library collections and updates holdings by removing obsolete materials and recommending new titles and equipment.
• Takes the lead in tasks assigned to support staff and volunteers.
• Participates in the training of patrons and staff on the use of library resources.
• Resolves patron concerns within authority granted by the professional librarian or other supervisory official.
• Participates in library committees and teams.
• Conducts tours of the library facility.
• Prepares reading lists and bibliographies.
• Answers basic reference questions.
• Conducts or prepares the content and arrangement of library materials for displays, exhibits and library programs.
• May use online cataloguing equipment to maintain catalogue system including corrections, additions, new copies and or editions and removal of items from inventory.
• Prepares correspondence.
• Attends conferences, meetings, workshops, seminars and courses related to duties as well as in-house training to keep skills up to date and maintain best practices.
• Prepares technical, financial, statistical, and other reports.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of techniques used to gather data and information.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to instruct others in the use of research methods and tools.
• Ability to compile data.
• Ability to provide reader's advisory after a period of training.
• Ability to conduct surveys and studies and prepare reports.
• Ability to prepare correspondence.
• Ability to maintain essential records and files.
• Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Physical Demands

The ability to push or pull book carts weighing 40 pounds, retrieve and return library materials to shelves, and hold and carry library materials.

Requirements

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree.

- Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute required experience on a year-for-year basis (30 credit hours are considered one year of college).

License: Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in the State of New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

This is a full time, 35 hour per week position; the schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30.