Intern–Children’s Department (OW-17) Oconee County Library, Watkinsville, GA

Overview

• Status: Part-time; Temporary (12 weeks); hourly; without benefits
• Dates of Internship: May 13, – July 31, 2024
• Hours: Up to 32 hours per week; some nights and weekends required
• Salary: $10.00 per hour
• Application Deadline: Open until Filled

Athens Regional Library System is committed to our Vision:  Engaging Communities and Exceeding Expectations, which we achieve through the everyday practice of our organizational values. It is through our values we provide an atmosphere and work environment that is inclusive, supportive of our community, respectful, committed to excellence and welcoming. 

Oconee County Library is seeking a temporary student intern to serve as a Children’s Specialist for 12 weeks during the library’s Summer Reading Program. The System will hire an experienced, responsible, creative, and enthusiastic individual who embraces and thrives in an active, fast-paced, culturally diverse environment. A successful candidate will deliver excellent customer service and help make public library services relevant to children and families of the community. The schedule requires evening and weekend work. This position reports directly to the Oconee County Library Children’s Specialist.

Bilingual skills (English and Spanish) preferred but not required.

Dates of Internship:  May 13 – July 31, 2024 

Purpose and Scope

This temporary, part-time, student intern position at the Oconee County Library will work closely with children and their families in the Children’s Area and with the general public throughout the library. This position is responsible for assisting with planning and presentation of Children’s programs and will participate in departmental planning for special projects. The successful candidate will gain experience in communicating with parents and children and in virtual performances and library services. Familiarity with and knowledge of Children’s literature, readers’ advisory, and educational reading requirements will be gained, along with other functions and skills connected to working with children in a public library setting. All equipment and training will be provided by the Oconee County Library, where all work will be performed.

Minimum Training and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent and at least one year of college required. Applicants must be students currently working towards certification or degree. Experience working with children in group settings is required, with library experience preferred. Preference will be given to candidates completing the internship for course credit, and accommodations can be made per the requirements of the course. 

Essential Functions

The following are normal, but not exclusive or all-inclusive, expectations for this job. Other duties of a similar nature or level may be required as assigned and job assignments may change as the internship progresses.

• Provides customer service to children and families, assisting with their information, circulation, computer use, programming, readers’ advisory, and other library-related needs.
• Assists Children’s Specialists in planning and implementing Children’s programs as assigned.
• Assists patrons with computer applications in the Children’s area using PINES, Microsoft Office applications, education software available on public computers, and other routine electronic tasks.
• Plans and assists with creative projects such as displays, crafts, decorations, posters, bulletin boards, and publicity.  
• Records statistics for Children’s programs and services using Microsoft Excel.
• Upholds all ARLS library policies, including the Patron Responsibilities and Conduct statement.
• Provides support in many areas of daily library operations, including organizing and re-shelving materials, accepting fees and fines, assisting with copying and printing, routing materials, and performing basic office duties, including answering telephones.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work effectively with patrons of all ages, especially children and parents. Patient and cheerful attitude is essential.
• Some knowledge of Children’s and Teen/Young Adult literature.
• Knowledge of basic library operational principles and practices. 
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with the public, co-workers, and supervisor.
• Knowledge and application of ARLS and branch policies, procedures, and activities. 
• Organizational skills and the ability to plan and prioritize assignments and activities.
• Skill in using and understanding personal computers, programs, and the Internet for performing required duties.
• Skill in assisting patrons with common computer applications and techniques. 
• Knowledge of all normal and emergency library building procedures.
• Knowledge of basic office principles and skill in performing office support, including ability to collect cash money and make correct change mentally.
• Aptitude for creative projects such as displays, crafts, decorations, and publicity.
• Ability to maintain regular, predictable, and punctual attendance.
• Physical demand requirements are at levels of Medium Work.

Athens Regional Library System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the library may provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees to discuss potential necessary accommodations. The library is a drug-free workplace and may require drug testing according to established policy.  Hiring is contingent upon verification of identity; United States employment eligibility authorization through E-Verify will be required. Georgia is an open records state. Due to the volume of applications, applicants may not receive a reply from the library unless the applicant is selected for an interview. 

Submit completed online ARLS job application at www.athenslibrary.org, including a resume and cover letter describing your qualifications for this position. ** If completing the internship for course credit, the cover letter should clearly state the program’s internship requirements, including the number of hours required to successfully complete the internship.