This part-time position involves paraprofessional library work providing reference information and guidance to GRPL patrons with an overall emphasis on providing professional customer service.
The main priority of this position is direct public service and involves helping patrons access library resources in-person, over the phone, and via email. Work is performed under the general supervision of a librarian and may involve coordinating the work of other library employees and volunteers. Other functions include assisting librarians with collection development, programming, presentation of programs, and creating displays.
This particular position has an emphasis on working in a youth services capacity, so applicants need to be passionate and excited working with children, families, and adult caregivers. Applicants should enjoy engaging with the public and leading activities such as storytime and programs and classes for youth of all ages.
This position is regularly scheduled at the Main Library:
Monday: 5:00 - 9:00 pm
Tuesday: 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 3:00 - 9:00 pm
Alternating Fridays/Saturdays: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Occasionally required - Sunday: 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Examples of work:
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Provides engaging public service to library patrons in-person, over the phone, and via email; assists patrons with periodical, book, and database searches; assists with interlibrary loan; provides books-on-hold service; uses other basic reference tools.
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Assists with planning and implementation of programs and services.
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Prepares and presents programming, including storytime, in an engaging, entertaining manner according to GRPL's curriculum and standards.
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Develops meaningful relationships with families and helps build community among program participants.
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Represents GRPL at community events and outreach opportunities.
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Develops bibliographies, pathfinders, and finding aids in support of Readers' Advisory and reference services.
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Provides instruction to patrons in groups or individually.
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Maintains the inventory of library holdings and updates the inventory as needed.
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Maintains statistics for branches and special programs.
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Creates and maintains book displays; participates in programming efforts; visits schools and other agencies; and speaks to groups about library materials.
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Maintains records, correspondence, inventories and other general office functions.
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May be assigned to assist at different branches as necessary.
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Performs other duties of a similar nature as assigned.
Please note the following:
A cover letter is required-
Applicants should attach a cover letter in PDF format that describes their interest in the position, their interest in working at GRPL, and how these interests connect with personal or professional goals.
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All communication regarding this position will be done via email; it is your responsibility to ensure that your email address is up-to-date on your account profile
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To be eligible for this position, you must apply through the City of Grand Rapids Job Opportunities page here.
Please visit the library's jobs page for a list of other open positions at Grand Rapids Public Library.
All inquiries related to this posting should be directed to:
Grand Rapids Public Library
111 Library St NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-988-5400 | jobs@grpl.org
GRPL proudly promotes diversity and inclusion in employment, and strives to maintain a workplace culture where respect and positive recognition of differences are cultivated.
Grand Rapids Public Library provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination of any type without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, height, weight, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. GRPL will make reasonable accommodations for employees and job applicants with disabilities.
This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, transfer, training, promotion, discipline, termination, leaves of absence, compensation, and benefits, as well as work-related events and activities.