Library Associate (Readers' Services) - City of High Point, NC : Job Details

Salary: $19.90 HourlyLocation : 901 N Main St High Point, NC 27260Job Type: Full-TimeJob Number: 7476Department: Library Readers ServicesOpening Date: 08/05/2025Closing Date: 8/22/2025 11:59 PM Eastern Job Description WHO WE AREAt the City of High Point, we celebrate the creator in everyone. Building on our rich cultural history steeped in industrialism and innovation, our employees seek not only to transform themselves, but the world around us. We are collaborators, we are makers, we are visionaries.We invite you to explore the many opportunities to serve our community, by sharing your talents, skills, and expertise. You'll be joining a dynamic team of over 1,300 individuals dedicated not just to making a career, but a difference; because what we create in High Point, changes the world! OUR CORE VALUES

• Integrity: Saying what we mean and consistently doing what we say with no desire other than the good of the citizens we serve. It means standing up for beliefs.
• Responsibility: A continual process that emphasizes a high level of personal accountability by each member of the organization
• Partnership: Adding competitive value and quality to the services provided to our residents, businesses, and visitors through responsible fiscal stewardship, increased innovation, greater use of technology, and expanded civic, neighborhood and regional partnerships.

WHAT WE OFFERThe City of High Point offers a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. We also offer generous benefits for full-time employees which include but are not limited to:

• A guaranteed monthly pension upon retirement, vested after 5 years of service
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective day one
• 401K and 457B Retirement Plans
• PTO earned within first year
• 12 Paid Holidays per year
• Tuition Reimbursement Plan

YOUR PURPOSE The Library Associate (FT) performs highly responsible paraprofessional and basic professional work providing readers' advisory reference service for adult and young adult fiction, non-print, and electronic resources; does related work as required. Work is performed under the regular supervision of a professional Librarian. Essential Tasks WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Provides readers' advisory reference service, which involves interacting with and holding conversations with customers about bestselling, popular materials as well as literary materials; answering questions about print and non-print materials, received by telephone or from customers in person using online and print reference resources.
• Instructs customers in the use of the online catalog and the self-checkout stations.
• Assists customers in accessing materials and making recommendations for additional selections; retrieves materials requested by customers to be placed on reserve.
• Reviews new materials received for the collections as well as Readers' Advisory resources to assist customers knowledgeably and accurately.
• Designs and prepares displays to market print and non-print items.
• Explain library policies and procedures to customers to assist them in successfully using the library resources.
• Participates in community-wide projects that promote reading and literacy within the community.
• Manages the Large Print Fiction and Nonfiction collections, including purchasing new titles and weeding out-of-date and damaged titles.
• Design promotional graphics for library and museum events to be used on flyers/posters, digital slides on our SHARP board, and social media posts
• Create promotional designs for the Friends of the Library about quarterly book sales and annual meeting, including posters, genre signs, social media posts, invitations, postcards, flyers, and bookmarks
• Curating a variety of specialized book lists for patron enjoyment, such as outdoor adventure books or books based on TV shows
• Researching and designing a quarterly bookmark of upcoming books from best-selling authors to keep patrons informed of new releases
• As needed, creating flyers/posters for administration, such as library closings
• Plan and implement passive library events, such as seasonal reading and movie-viewing contests
• Manage the annual Adult Summer Reading program, including preparing displays for the Lobby and first floor, creating, maintaining, and recording registration forms, and announcing winners and awarding prizes.
• Manage the annual Staff Summer Reading program, including developing the theme, creating, maintaining, and recording registration, purchasing prizes, and planning the staff party.
• Represents the library at City and community events, including presenting library programs and services.
• Makes recommendations for titles to be added to both the print and non-print collections.
• Use mobile electronic devices to download materials and to access information.
• Participates in training customers to use and download materials to digital devices.
• Use digital technology and social media for customer instruction and marketing.
• Uses computer software to construct and maintain databases, create flyers, and bookmarks used in programming.
• Prepares written reports, press releases, and marketing materials for the division's services and programs.
• Interacts with and supports other divisions in achieving the library's goal of providing good customer service.
• Supports the services and programming of the division, which include services and programming for Teens, Seniors, Special Populations, or the public.
• Maintains collections by inspecting, cleaning, organizing, shelving, and shifting materials.
• Resolves customer complaints and contacts customers about problems with returned materials.
• Keeps computer records and statistics using Excel or other internal methods.
• Prepares reports, correspondence and newsletters as directed by the Supervisor.
• Ensures that all work is performed in accordance with OSHA and City safety standards and policies.

Qualifications WHAT YOU'LL BRINGREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Formal education
• Bachelor's degree required. Liberal arts preferred.
• Extensive experience in the use of computers, Microsoft Office products, and graphic design (Canva or Photoshop preferred)
• Must upload a Cover Letter and Resume with Application.
• Must be an avid reader and familiar with writers and popular reading genres, and able to discuss both books and movies with customers.
• Must be comfortable speaking in front of people and preparing presentations, which may include curriculum and basic lesson plans.
• Must be comfortable leading programs in person or through virtual programming.
• Must be able to learn and teach the use of electronic library resources and use our computerized circulation system
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends, and holidays.
• Customer Service/Retail experience required, Public Library experience desirable.
• Must be able to relate to and communicate effectively with the public, other employees, and supervisors to maintain a positive customer service and work environment.
• Must have good listening skills.
• Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.
• Must have a valid, appropriate driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina.
• On-the-job training: approximately six weeks.
• Physical RequirementsHearing/Speaking - Expressing and/or receiving information by means of spoken word are both necessary to communicate with people in person and over the telephone, due to regular contact with the public and co-workers.Visual Abilities - the ability to perceive via eyesight is required for this position:
  • Acuity, far - Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more. Both eyes 20/25 - R 20/30 - L20/30 corrected.
  • Acuity, near - Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Both eyes 20/25 corrected.
  • Depth Perception - Three-dimensional vision. Ability to judge distance and space relationships so as to see objects where and as they are. Depth perception - 4
  • Field of Vision - Area that can be seen up and down or to right or left while eyes are fixed on a given point.
  • Accommodation - Adjustment of lens of eye to bring an object into sharp focus. This item is especially important when doing near-point work varying distances from eye. Must be able to adjust lens of eye so workers can perform more than one task at the same time using both hands.
  • All five aspects are judged to be important in carrying out the essential functions of this job.
• Physical Strength - degree of physical demands typically associated with this position include:
  • Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to carry and/or move books and non-print materials. Work usually requires walking, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, pushing carts of materials or containers, and climbing to a significant degree; however, the worker does sit on occasion. Must be able to climb a small ladder to set up freestanding or bulletin board displays.
• Type of Physical Demands
  • Reaching, Handling, and Fingering: (Reaching - Extending the hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction, but normally to the front or side.) (Handling - Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hand or hands (fingering not involved). (Fingering - Picking, pinching, or otherwise working with fingers primarily (rather than the whole hand or arm as in handling). For example, employees must reach to answer telephone, work with computer equipment, etc. Handles books, materials, cards, various forms, documents, files, pencils, pens, etc. requiring use of hands and fingers.
• Mental Activity/RequirementsReasoning
  • The ability to apply principles of logical thinking to perform tasks and reply to requests made by supervisors, other employees, or members of the public, to comprehend and respond to a variety of situations in an expedient manner. Must interpret information and relate to library customers so good judgment is essential.
• Mathematics Ability
  • Using arithmetic: Ability to use arithmetic to the extent used in locating print and non-print materials and recording monthly statistics. Must be able to collect statistics and prepare them in report form.
• Language Ability
  • Read: Must read for enjoyment and have knowledge of popular authors and titles. Also needs to be able to read books, manuals, instructions, directions, print and non-print materials, reference information, periodicals, records, receipts, messages, reservations and other documents related to the job.
  • Write: Ability to compose thoughts and ideas in complete sentences using correct grammar and punctuation. You must be able to prepare written reports, guides for readers' advisory, flyers and posters for the public to access, etc.
  • Speak: Ability to be conversant and pleasant in voice and diction so as to participate in discussions with other employees and the public in person and by telephone.
• Environmental ConditionsPhysical Surroundings
  • The worker is subject to Inside Environmental Conditions: Protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.
• Environmental Conditions (Hazards)
  • No environmental hazards indicated for this position.
• Machinery/Tools/Work Aids/Other Equipment
  • Computer, DVD player, Disc cleaning machine, telephone and directory, pens, pencils, receipts, stapler, shredder, paper cutter, shelving, and supplies inventory.
• Special Requirements
  • Must have valid appropriate driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina.
  • Applicants should be experienced users of social media and all forms of digital technology.
  • Applicants must have experience using MS Publisher (or equivalent graphic design program) in order to prepare professional materials for use by the public.
  • Applicants must possess extensive knowledge of current genre fiction, be an avid reader of popular fiction and must be able to converse with customers about books and movies.
  • Applicants need good business and office skills and strong knowledge in the use of major Microsoft programs.
  • Good listening skills and the ability to work with a diverse population.
  • Applicants must have a strong commitment to good customer service.
  • May do off-site programming or instruction as necessary.
  • Programming tasks may involve public speaking and training skills.
  • Must be able to move to all three floors of the library, push carts of print and non-print materials, and move the items to and from carts and shelves.
  • Must have ability to participate effectively in a team atmosphere and be adaptable and flexible in learning and changing as the services of the library change.
  • Must be able to work nights and weekends.
  • Customer service experience is required; public library experience is desirable.

• NOTE: Applicants selected for interviews may be required to bring samples of work created using MS Publisher (or an equivalent graphic design program) that relates to books or movies for use by the public.

OUR COMMITMENTSThe City of High Point is dedicated to fostering a work environment that values individuals from all backgrounds and seeks to attract and retain the most qualified partners in service to the citizens of High Point. As an at-will employer, the City allows employees to terminate their employment, or be terminated at any time, with or without cause, as long as it is not prohibited by law.The City of High Point is committed to classifying and compensating its employees fairly for the work they do, weighing both the internal capabilities and the external market. While the job description is not intended to and does not create a contract of employment, we are excited to use this living document as a guide for managing performance and positions to ensure job descriptions are reflective of the current work required by the incumbent or expected by any candidate to whom an offer of employment is extended.The City of High Point is committed to providing a safe, comfortable working environment for all employees. To that end, we are proud to comply with all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, as well as make reasonable accommodations to candidates and employees as we are able in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Candidates selected for employment must undergo (a.) a drug screening, in accordance with the City's drug and alcohol policy and (b.) a background screening to determine whether there is any current, pending, or previous charge, conviction or other infraction deemed incompatible with service in the capacity for which the candidate is being hired. Certain positions are considered so critical to the health and safety of others that a candidate cannot be placed in any of those positions without passing a pre-placement physical exam. Successful results from these conditions will result in an offer of employment.Application Deadline: In the event of high candidate volume, this position may be removed earlier than the stated closing date. If interested, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.City of High Point - Benefits Overview Statement The City of High Point offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular full-time employees including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Employees in designated part-time positions may participate in some of the benefit programs offered to regular full-time employees. Access the following link to view City of High Point Benefits and links to Benefit sites: Benefits Overview The Benefits Handbook provides a summary of benefits for City of High Point Employees. Benefits Booklet =01 By completing these supplemental questions, you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any information you provide may be reviewed by the hiring manager. Any misstatements or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or may result in dismissal. See resume is not an acceptable answer to any question. Resumes may be uploaded as a supplement to the online application. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application and/or the Work History section.Yes, I understand and agree, No, I do not agree.

• Yes
• No

02 Have you completed at least an Bachelor's Degree in Applied Science (Library and Information Technology preferred), Bachelor's Degree in Arts, or Bachelor's Degree in General Education?

• Yes
• No

03 If given content information an access to an image collection, would you be able to create brochures, posters and flyers in MS Publisher or an equivalent program with no instruction in the use of the software?

• Yes
• No

04 Do you have a minimum of two (2) years direct customer service experience in retail, library or service industry?

• Yes
• No

05 Would you be comfortable choosing materials to add to and remove from a fiction collection?

• Yes
• No

06 Do you have at least 1-2 years' experience working with diverse populations?

• Yes
• No

07 Would you be comfortable instructing individuals in the correct way to download an app, set up an account and download a book or music to a tablet or smartphone?

• Yes
• No

08 Which of the following social media platforms do you have experience with? Select all that apply.

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Goodreads

09 Do you have at least 2 years' experience working with online database resources?

• Yes
• No

10 Do you feel comfortable driving a company vehicle?

• Yes
• No

11 Do you feel comfortable interacting with local care facilities serving senior citizens and/or special populations on your own?

• Yes
• No

Required Question