Library Assistant - The
Russell Library (Middletown, CT) seeks a reliable and flexible Library
Assistant to staff all service points. The Library Assistant performs
varied and complex professional duties as needed by the Library,
including but not limited to working directly with patrons, contributing
to team-based projects, and serving as a digital navigator. They must
demonstrate enthusiasm for and proficiency in established and emerging
technologies which they readily share with patrons and coworkers. An
ideal candidate will be adaptable, innovative, and eager to pitch in.
Experience with networking, systems, and tech support is desirable.
Middletown is a vibrant, growing and wonderfully diverse community of
nearly 48,000 residents, located on the Connecticut River, in the heart
of the Nutmeg State. Home to two colleges and universities, a thriving
downtown, a rich cultural and dining scene, and a unique combination of
urban, suburban and rural life, Middletown has something to offer
everyone. Founded in 1875, the Russell Library is a 501(c)(3)
organization that serves as the principal public library for the City of
Middletown, with a full range of services aimed at 21st-century users.
Our recently-completed strategic plan sets our course for success in the coming years.
The Library Assistant provides one-to-one basic digital inclusion
services, such as connectivity assistance, device assistance, and basic
digital skills development. Capable of supporting digital inclusion
remotely as well as in-person, the incumbent must be skilled at talking
individuals through multi-step instructions in the set up and use of a
wide range of technologies. Digital navigation services extend beyond
library-specific applications, such as OverDrive/Libby, Hoopla, and
online databases. The incumbent must be nimble in adopting emerging
technologies and teaching others how to use them even as they learn it
themselves. An ideal candidate will ease technology anxiety with
straightforward explanations, encouragement and reassurance.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
Digital Navigation Services:
Respond to patron requests for technology support. Establish
relationships of trust with patrons, determine what patrons need to meet
their personal connectivity goals, and work with patrons to achieve
them. Facilitate access to and use of Information and Communication
Technologies (ICTs) such as broadband internet service, internet-enabled
devices, digital literacy training, technical support, applications and
online content. Commit to digital equity and inclusion in order to
reduce historical, institutional, and structural barriers to access and
use of technology.
Public Service: Work directly with
patrons of all ages at every public service point. Assist patrons with
all manner of technology, helping them to achieve their intended purpose
while teaching digital literacy in the process. Offer assistance
remotely (telephone, email, Zoom) as well as in-person.
The
successful candidate must possess strong technology skills, an ability
to translate their tech savvy for lay understanding, grace and patience
in working with people who endeavor to improve their tech skills. The
skills and knowledge required would generally be acquired with a Library
Technical Assistant or Bachelor’s degree and three years’ experience in
public library work, or any equivalent combination of experience and
training. 35 hours per week; some evenings and weekends required. Union.
Starting pay: $24.85 plus a competitive employee benefits
package. Please submit a resume and cover letter to Brandie Doyle,
Assistant Director of Administrative Services, at bdoyle@russelllibrary.org no later than 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 12, 2021.
Russell Library is an equal opportunity employer. Russell Library
prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal
employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to
race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or
gender expression), national origin, political affiliation, sexual
orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age,
parental status, military service, or other legally protected
characteristics. Russell Library conforms to the spirit as well as to
the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
Equity,
diversity and inclusion are core values at Russell Library. We seek to
employ people who share those values and readily apply them in their
work.
