Latham Memorial Library in Thetford is seeking a Temporary Library Assistant. This position will report to the Director of the Thetford Libraries, and will have an expected end date of Oct 31, 2024, with a possible extension of an additional 3 months.

General Description:
The Library Assistant provides direct service to the community at the circulation desk of the Latham Memorial Library. This is primarily a customer-facing role providing circulation, reference and reader’s advisory for the public, with additional off-desk work possible according to the library’s needs. The Library Assistant will work 15-20 hours per week including one Saturday shift every three weeks, and will be compensated at the rate of $18-20 per hour. Benefits include paid time off.

Essential functions:

1. Library Services, Programs and Collections

   1. Provides circulation, reference and reader’s advisory service at the circulation desk.

   2. Assists the public in accessing library spaces and technology.

   3. Maintains an awareness of upcoming library programs and services and promotes them during interactions with the public.

   4. Maintains a welcoming and tidy environment at the desk and throughout the public spaces, including frequent clearing of the circulation desk, shelving materials, straightening and reading shelves, and occasional neatening of library spaces after patrons have visited.

   5. Enforces library policies and confers with Director/Acting Director as needed on matters of patron conduct.

   6. Manages special projects as assigned.

2. Performs other duties as required

Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. The employee will be required to operate typical business office equipment, including computer hardware and telephones.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong demonstrated interpersonal, customer service, research and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with current and classic publications and comfort providing title recommendations to the public.
• Understanding and commitment to the importance of maintaining patron confidentiality.
• Strong knowledge of library principles, objectives and practices.
• Ability to work professionally in a small, rural community environment.

Qualifications:

Required: High School Diploma, or equivalent in education and experience.

Preferred: Previous experience working in a public library.

Please send a resume and letter of interest to:  librarian@thetfordlibrary.org or to Latham Memorial Library, P.O. Box 240, Thetford, VT, 05074. Applications will be reviewed starting on February 1, 2024. The position will be open until filled.