Barrington Area Library to Hold Mini Job Fair

Looking for a job with flexible hours, a friendly work environment and convenient location? Head to the Barrington Area Library’s Mini Job Fair on Aug. 2 to apply for one of two types of library positions.

Barrington Area Library’s Public Information Manager Karen McBride says the library is a great place to work if you’re looking for a flexible schedule, a great location, and a safe and friendly work environment.

“We’re open seven days a week, days, evenings, weekends. So if you need income but cannot do a Monday-Friday, 9 to 5 job, we’re a great alternative,” McBride said. “It’s a friendly place to work. We pride ourselves on customer service and providing a warm welcome, so we naturally tend to hire friendly people. That means you’ll like your coworkers and be proud to be part of this team.”

The library will be hiring Pages and Circulation Associates at the job fair. Those who are hired will be spending their time helping library patrons find information and answer questions. 

“Helping people all day long is a very satisfying way to spend the work day. When your work day is done or you’re on a lunch break, you can browse all the great books, magazines, DVDs and music, too,” McBride said.

The positions available are part-time, but are extremely important in keeping the library running smoothly. 

“These are part-time employees who do very important work. Pages are the people you see putting materials back on the shelves. That work has to be done in a timely and efficient manner, and that means understanding how the library is organized so the items are returned to their proper places,” McBride said.

Some key traits that the library will look for when hiring Pages are a friendly and polite personality, as patrons will stop to ask them questions often.

Circulation Associates will be responsible for helping people register for library cards, and help them check out books and other library materials. They will also be answering questions about overdue fines, hold requests and more. McBride notes some key characteristics important for Circulation Associates are friendliness, flexibility and the desire to help others.

The Mini Job Fair will be held Thursday, Aug. 2 from 1-7 p.m. at the library, 505 W. Northwest Highway in the Zimmerman Room. Those interested in positions should be prepared to fill out in application, complete a written pre-screening test and attend a brief interview. No appointments are needed. The minimum age requirement for the positions listed is 16. 

Positions available

Job Title: Page

Hours: Part-time, between 12 and 14 hours per week on average (includes afternoon, evening and weekend hours.)

Salary: $8.42/hour

Requirements: Ability to pass our pre-screening test with 70% accuracy or above Ability to read 8-point font print. Physical dexterity to reach shelves of various heights and push carts throughout your work shift. Minimum age requirement is 16 years old.

Preferences: Willingness to commit to flexible work shifts that include days, evening and weekends.

Previous work or volunteer experience that demonstrates attention to detail and excellent customer service.

Duties: Sort and shelve library materials

Provide excellent customer service to patrons

Maintain the collection by shelving books and other materials, consistently straightening and reading shelves, and shifting materials as needed

Collect and reshelve materials from public areas Support circulation department personnel as needed.

Job Title: Circulation Associate I

Hours: Part-Time 16-20 hours per week on average (includes afternoon, evening and weekend hours.)

Salary: $12.19 per hour

Requirements: Demonstrated excellent customer service skills and ability to work effectively with patrons and staff Experience in basic use of computer, software, and Internet.

Ability to lift, bend, stoop, and reach shelves of various heights.

Preferences: Post-secondary education or equivalent relevant work experience Retail experience and/or cash handling.

Previous work experience that demonstrates an ability to be detail oriented, effective listener, following internal policies and procedures.

Duties: Assist patrons with registration of library card and verify applications. Assist patrons with general library related questions in person and via switchboard Instruct patrons with automated processes (self check-in and self check-out procedures and holds). Assist patrons with cash handling, late-fee statements, and patron accounts. Process circulation notices, holds and transits. Resolve technical and complex circulation issues (searching for missing materials and pull list.) Stay current on library policies and procedures and serve on outreach and planning teams as needed. Other projects and duties as assigned