Ferguson Municipal Public Library in Ferguson, Missouri, needs a service-oriented, full-time paraprofessional Circulation Lead! You will become the go-to answer person for all things in circulation. You will be in charge of on-desk training. You will also handle ordering new books and movies and making schedules. This position requires customer service experience, and excellent people skills. This position has the potential to grow into a professional position, and could be so from the start for a well-qualified candidate with an MLS/MLIS. This is a perfect position for someone in library school.
Requirements for the position:
- At least 2 years experience in customer service, preferably in a library setting. College education is also preferred.
- Having an MLS degree or working toward one is strongly preferred, especially for the position to grow in responsibilities.
- Computer experience, including word processing, Internet, and the ability to master the Library Circulation System.
- The ability to teach practical skills effectively.
- Read, write, and speak very well.
- Ability to establish and maintain courteous and effective working relationships with staff, patrons, and local citizens, and also maintain composure while handling complaints from the public.
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time, lift/carry 25 pounds, and reach shelves for retrieval or shelving of materials.
- Dependable and able to set a good example regarding being ready for duty at/during scheduled times.
- Able to carry-out established procedures and policies. Positive work attitude.
- Commitment to service, teamwork, professional standards.
The Circulation Lead reports to the Director. The Circulation Lead:
- Maintains good relations with public and staff, in a courteous and tactful manner. You must be both patient and firm. Sometimes you will deal with people who are behaving very badly.
- Sets quality/task expectations for circulation staff and trains circulation staff.
- Consistently presents the Ferguson Municipal Public Library and its services in a positive manner and adheres to customer service guidelines and procedures as established by the Library.
- Becomes an expert in using the Library Circulation System (Polaris) for a variety of circulation-desk tasts, and assists in library operations, including opening and closing, counting money, printing reports, emptying book drop, and more.
- Supervises during one morning a week, one evening a week, and the occasional Saturday, and also helps the Director with anticipating problems. This may include handling emergency situations, and making tough decisions here and there.
- Orders new materials and oversees a planned ordering budget.
- Selects materials to add to the collection.
- Creates work schedules.
- Assists with projects and programming.
- Helps patrons locate materials and information, print and digital.
- Promotes and maintains safety in the library.
- May perform general clerical duties or special projects as assigned.
- Performs the countless tasks necessary to keep a library running. Libraries have infinite work, and a lot of variety in tasks.
This is an hourly position. Over the long term, you will have a set schedule, mostly Monday through Friday but with one evening a week and approximately one Saturday a month. You may be asked to shift schedules occasionally. During the short term, while we are dealing with the pandemic, your hours will vary as the library’s stages of opening vary, but you can expect a predictable schedule week to week, and to continue working through the crisis, either from the library or home as circumstances warrant. Right now, under Enhanced Curbside rules, you would work Monday through Friday, day shift, and one or two Saturday morning shifts per month.
Starting pay will be between $15/hr and $21/hr, depending on qualifications and experience, with a higher salaried range if it turns into a professional position. Benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, and health insurance.
Ferguson, one of the oldest cities in St. Louis County, has a rich history and strong identity. It is a diverse community of around 21,000 wonderful people. The Ferguson Municipal Public Library is independent, but also part of the Municipal Library Consortium, a collection of 9 municipal libraries across St. Louis County.
Applications should include a cover letter and current resume, and be sent to sbonner@fergusonlibrary.net, or to
Ferguson Library,
C/O Scott Bonner,
35 North Florissant Rd,
Ferguson, MO 63135.
We will consider applications until the position is filled in a rolling interview process, so quick response will increase likelihood of getting an interview. The Ferguson Municipal Public Library District is an equal opportunity employer.
– Scott Bonner, Director