Job Description

The Quinte West Public Library inspires learning, literacy, creativity and connection. We are a two branch system, with locations in Trenton and Frankford, striving tirelessly to offer our community the best possible library experience. Successful candidates will demonstrate skills in library programming, technology assistance, and excellent customer service throughout the hiring process.

Position: Program Assistant (LA4)
Department: Children and Teen Services
Adult Services
Reports to: Program and Outreach Librarians (LIB1)

Purpose and Scope:
The Program Assistants (LA4) perform primarily programming with some customer service roles and responsibilities to grow the library and offer patrons an excellent library experience.

This position is flexible and creative as time is spent planning and delivering library programming that enhances our community by developing creativity, literacy and technical skills. One shift may be spent teaching adults basic sewing skills in our Makerspace and the next out at a Youth Centre with teens.

The Program Assistants (LA4) serve all members of the public with enthusiasm, tact and compassion. As an essential part of the library team, this position will be well informed and passionate about the services, programs and events offered by the library.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Programming:
• Assist Librarians in planning the programming guide.
• Prepare and plan for assigned programs.
• Deliver programming and events.
• Work collaboratively with the programming department and Media staff.
• Represent the library at outreach and pop up events.
• Assist in organizing and tidying of the activity room, supply room, programming room and Makerspace.

Makerspace:
• Trained in the safety measures and patron waivers for all equipment.
• Understand the operating systems of all equipment.
• Tidy the Makerspace after every program and event.
• Assist in developing programming using Makerspace resources.
• Assist patrons with equipment and services offered in the library makerspace.
Customer Service:
• Rove throughout the library proactively assisting Patrons at the point of contact.
• Perform circulation duties accurately:
◦ Check out library materials; including at Self Check stations.
◦ Applying routines for Readers advisory; including requests for reserves and interlibrary loans.
◦ Printing, Copying and Computer assistance including Pay Station.
◦ Handling payments including Rentals, print/copying, merchandise; including
balancing the float.
◦ Sign up and renew library members; including online requests.
◦ Gathering material on the pick list.
◦ Answer circulation email.
◦ Resolving patron issues.
Technology:
• Provide technology assistance to patrons such as but not limited to:
◦ Help patrons logging on to computers, printing, scanning, connecting to wifi, basic internet searching, basic form filling, email and attachments.
◦ Assist and instruct patrons on the use of self-service technology, including check out, catalogue, App, website and databases.
◦ Assist patrons with personal portable devices, as required.
◦ Assist patrons with equipment and services offered in the library makerspace, as required.

General Responsibilities:
• Perform opening and closing duties.
• Keep current with Library Services, Programs and Events.
• Understand and promote Databases and Partnerships.
• Ensure adherence to library policies, including Health & Safety, Personnel and Circulation.
• Seek out training opportunities to grow Library skills and knowledge.
• Check, print and tidy all brochures, boards and signage.
• Maintain all displays to merchandise library materials.
• Return furniture to assigned spots; daily and after events/programs.
• Dust, vacuum and wipe down tables when needed.
• Contribute to projects as directed.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Representing the Library:
• Greet and assist patrons in a warm, welcoming respectful manner.
• Accept changes in the workplace with optimism; as opportunities to learn and grow.
• Use de-escalation techniques to address difficult customer service situations.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding library user information.
• Demonstrate loyalty and commitment to the organization.
Above-noted duties are representative of a typical position and are not to be construed as all-inclusive.

Contacts:
This position will have direct contact with:

Internal: All Library staff
External: General public

Education/Specialized Training/Skills:
The position will require:
• A minimum of a two (2) year college diploma.
• Good communication skills and the ability and enthusiasm to promote the Collections and Services of the library.
• Good computer skills, tech savvy and able to troubleshoot technology issues for library patrons.
• A commitment to excellent customer service.
• A commitment to self-directed learning and skills development.
• A commitment to a culture of teamwork and collaboration.
• Flexibility and a positive attitude towards an evolving workplace.
• Knowledge of and interest in books and reading with skills to deliver good reader’s advisory.
Nice to have:
Although not required, the following would be considered an asset to the position.
• Library specific post-secondary education.
• Three (3) year undergraduate degree.

Work Experience:
• A minimum of six (6) months’ of experience in programming is required. Experience in a public library setting is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in assisting with technology.
• Demonstrated experience in excellent customer service.

Decision Making:
This position requires sound judgment in decisions affecting the accuracy and quality of work assigned.

Work Environment:
• Potential to work at both locations and travel between them.
• Work in a retail type environment on a regular basis.
• Some work duties may require limited time outdoors.
• Work daytime, evening and weekend shifts.
• Be able to lift 35 lbs.
Note- This is a casual position with no guarantee of hours.

Personal information and any supporting material are collected and administered in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). We thank all applicants who apply but advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The Quinte West Public Library is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environments. We will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 613-392-2841 ext. 1106 or hr@quintewest.ca to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated throughout this process. Applicants will be required to consent to the completion of a criminal reference check and the completion of a driver’s abstract, if deemed a requirement of the position. The City of Quinte West does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select candidates in its recruitment processes. All applications are reviewed and assessed by Human Resources staff and the hiring manager.