City of Fond du Lac, WI Hiring for Library Assistant – Idea Studio at Fond du Lac, WI Full Time

The City of Fond du Lac is accepting applications for the position of Idea Studio Assistant. This 19.5 hours/week position is responsible for supporting and developing activities in the Library’s Idea Studio as assigned by the supervisor.

The Idea Studio is Fond du Lac Public Library’s community makerspace, a 2600 sq. ft. area in the library’s lower level providing a welcoming space, creative programs, and use of special equipment like 3-D printers and scanners, a recording studio, laser cutter/engraver, CNC router, sublimation printer and sewing/serger/embroidery machines.

Essential Tasks for Library Assistant for the Idea Studio

1. Provides a welcoming presence in the Idea Studio
a. Greets patrons, shares information about activities in the space and determines if patrons desire additional information or assistance
b. Responds to patron requests and questions via phone and e-mail
c. Assists patrons with equipment, materials, payment for supplies and access to storage areas as needed
d. Fosters a sense of belonging and community among patrons of the space
e. Practices patience, empathy and compassion in resolving patron concerns
2. Oversees the space, directing patrons on safe use of the equipment
a. Ensures a safe, orderly, comfortable and clean environment, including communicating and enforcing rules, guidelines and proper conduct
b. Tracks patrons’ training credentials for access to equipment
c. Achieves and maintains basic competency on all equipment
d. Creates demonstration/display projects to highlight equipment capabilities
e. Leads or assists with equipment training sessions, volunteer orientations, programs and events
f. Advises and consults with patrons, when appropriate, on specific projects
g. Performs opening and closing tasks such as room setup, locking doors and storage, turning equipment on or off, etc.
h. Cleans and organizes the space as needed
i. Takes inventory of equipment, parts and consumable supplies regularly; locates sources for supply purchases and tracks the consumables budget
j. Performs and tracks routine maintenance on equipment and software
k. Troubleshoots and tracks equipment and facility problems and may communicate with equipment vendor support or facilities maintenance to resolve issues
l. Upgrades and assembles equipment as necessary
m. Occasionally directs the work of Idea Studio Clerk or volunteers
3. Assists in the planning and development of Idea Studio offerings
a. Develops training curricula, programs and events, including virtual/video format
b. Collaborates with other library departments or partners for joint programming
c. Creates guides and handouts in cooperation with PR Coordinator
d. Assists in developing and maintaining Idea Studio calendar and web and social media presence
e. Monitors and records community needs and requests
f. Gathers data on space usage and other statistics; generates and interprets reports
g. Stays current with equipment reviews, library makerspace literature, how-to guides and community events
h. Researches new equipment, supplies, books and software for purchase
i. Serves on library and/or community committees as assigned
j. Assists in community outreach and partnerships
k. Provides ongoing feedback to supervisor
l. Attends team, all-staff, and community meetings as directed by supervisor
4. Provides backup coverage at other service desks or library events as needed, and other duties as assigned

Knowledge and Skills
1. Exceptional customer service skills and mindset, including a positive attitude and other personal qualities necessary to produce high-quality public service
2. Keen interest in one or more of the following areas: technology, music creation and/or production, web/software development, the maker community, design and prototyping, the visual arts, electronics, crafting, woodworking, video and/or animation
3. Knowledge of and comfort with computers, mobile devices, apps, web browsers, MS Office Suite or equivalent and popular social media services, as well as basic maintenance tasks such as installing, upgrading and uninstalling software
4. Ability to share knowledge and teach children through seniors with patience and attentiveness
5. Flexibility to learn and embrace procedures, tasks, policies and duties that change over time
6. Willingness and ability to make logical exceptions to library policies and procedures when warranted

Education/License/Certification Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university
• OR at least 5 years of library experience
• OR comparable specialized knowledge and skills

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $22.36 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Education:

Experience:

• Library services: 5 years (Preferred)

Work Location: One location