Employment
Now Hiring a Reference Assistant
Part-Time
Salary- $17.98 Hourly, typically 15 hours per week plus one weekend per month
Opening Date- 5/12/26
Summary of Job
The Patron Services Assistant will:
- Support the Head of Adult Services in the provision of library services to the Whitefish Bay community and all library patrons.
- Uphold the Whitefish Bay Public Library’s Mission Statement and Guiding Principles
- Provide service that meets those standards.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Direct Patron Duties
Computers, Technology and Databases
• Instruct and assist patrons on CountyCat and interpret the MCFLS shared system to them.
• Instruct patrons on library subscription databases, BadgerLink, and library recommended websites.
• Assist patrons with basic computer questions.
Patron Service
• Staff the adult services desk and provide patron service as directed by supervisor(s).
• Contribute to a positive, helpful, friendly, inviting environment for library users and maintain a level of excellent patron service.
• Maintain confidentiality of library patron information.
• Monitor patron behavior in assigned department.
Policies & Procedures
• Act as “Staff in Charge” of Library when designated.
• Follow Library, MCFLS, and ILL policies and procedures.
• Interpret policies and procedures to patrons as needed.
Programming
• Assist with programming on a recurring basis, including special events and Summer Reading Program.
• Assist with program support projects (ex. craft preparation).
• Assist with displays and signage.
• Assist with creation of library brochures as needed.
• Assist with creation of instructional guides for library services, maintain and update as needed.
Reader’s Advisory
• Interact with patrons in person, over the phone, and via email using positive customer service skills.
• Use patron interview techniques to locate appropriate information resources in various formats.
• Follow up with patrons to be sure they find what they need as appropriate.
Library Duties
Collection Development
• Assist in collection development and maintenance, under general supervision.
Continuing Education
• Maintain skills through active participation in appropriate continuing education activities.
Teamwork
• Act as a team player and maintain positive interpersonal relationships with co-workers.
• Maintain a professional demeanor along with excellent communication skills and contribute to the overall wellbeing of the workplace.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Timeliness
• Arrive to work on-time
• Remain on task by assisting patrons and completing assigned projects.
o Assigned projects to be done during desk hours may be in the areas of reader’s advisory, collection development, processing, or database maintenance.
• Work regular evening and weekend shifts.
• Complete opening/closing procedures depending on shift scheduled
Straightening
• Keeps assigned department in orderly fashion by straightening bookshelves, tables, chairs, and other items at regular intervals.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Experience working with the public in a customer service position
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with all ages.
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to work cooperatively and courteously with others.
- Ability to problem solve and make sound decisions.
- Ability to remain flexible and adapt to change in the work environment.
- Ability to manage time and complete duties on task.
- Ability to work with a diverse population.
- Working knowledge of computer applications, internet searching skills and ability to discern reliable website information.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to effectively interpret patron needs and multi-task with ease.
- Some knowledge of current library principles, materials, practices, and patron service preferred.
- Knowledge of authors, books, and genres for reader’s advisory preferred.
- Ability to operate all items listed under Tools and Equipment.
