Materials Handler (Main, part-time)

The Boulder Public Library District (BPLD) is committed to advancing equity in our diverse community by providing accessible programs, print and digital materials, tools and technology, and educational opportunities. Across our five current locations, we are proud to offer resources such as a makerspace, art galleries, outdoor learning areas, a multimedia local history archive, community literacy programs, and a theater.

Boulder Public Library strives to be a safe and welcoming place to all staff and patrons, alike. Through outreach, community partnerships, and volunteer-driven programs, we seek to adapt our services to those who may experience barriers to visiting our physical locations.

We circulate more than 1.5 million items annually, but we believe that a library is more than a place to borrow free materials. As a vital civic space, we provide opportunities for our more than 500,000 yearly visitors to study, host meetings, be introduced to new people or experiences, and connect to essential local services.

Our employees are part of a vibrant, uplifting workplace culture that honors the joy and commitment of meaningful public service, while still caring for the needs of the individual. Our work is highly collaborative, adaptive, inquisitive, and is always on-going. We are passionate individuals with diverse backgrounds, interests, and experiences and we are dedicated to our mission of connecting people, ideas and information to transform lives and strengthen our community.

Job Summary: The Materials Handler makes library materials readily available to patrons. While remaining responsive to patrons visiting the library, the Materials Handler processes and shelves materials accurately and efficiently; prepares outgoing and receives incoming materials that are shared among libraries; maintains the general order of library materials; and performs a variety of circulation tasks. In this physically demanding role, the Materials Handler works both independently and with a team to process a large daily workload. Materials Handlers may be temporarily assigned to work shifts at other libraries.

We are hiring for two 20-hour-per week, non-exempt positions.

Essential Functions:

• Sorts and shelves materials in alphabetical or numerical order. (25%)
• Operates and monitors the automated materials handling system. Resolves minor problems with the system’s functioning with the support of hotline technicians when necessary. (20%)
• Unpacks and sorts materials delivered in courier bins from other libraries; processes incoming patron-requested materials and prepares them for patron pick-up. (15%)
• Retrieves patron-requested materials from the shelves and prepares them for patron pick-up or delivery to other libraries. (15%)
• Uses computer equipment and library system software to manually check in returned materials; identifies and labels materials for return to other libraries. (15%)
• Responds to patron questions and helps patrons and staff find library materials. (10%)

Additional Responsibilities:

• Performs opening and closing duties at the library facility and provides other backup support to colleagues and addresses patron rules or policy violations as needed.
• Participates in staff meetings, professional development activities, and may serve on committees.
• Communicates effectively with team members to ensure efficient operations.
• Prioritizes tasks and shifts attention as needed to complete daily work.
• Takes proper safety precautions to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment. Uses all required safety equipment and follows all safety regulations, policies and procedures. Reports all accidents and damage to library property.

Health and Wellness Benefits:

• Group medical, dental and vision benefits to employees who work 20 hours or more per week
• Lifestyle Spending Account for all benefit-eligible employees
• Employer paid basic life and long-term disability insurance
• Employer paid employee assistance program for employees and their household members
• Health Savings or Flexible Spending Accounts for all benefit-eligible employees
• Voluntary, employee paid, group accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity plans for all benefit-eligible employees
• Employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible to take up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave following the birth of an employee’s child or the placement of a child with an employee for adoption or foster care
• Infant at Work Program

Time-off Benefits:

• New employees accrue 4 weeks paid vacation
• 80 hours of paid sick leave per year for employees who work 20 hours or more per week
• 2 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays
• Time off for jury duty, bereavement and voting
• Pet adoption leave
• New grandparent leave

Helping Your Future:

• Public Employee Retirement Association of Colorado (PERA) Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan
• PERA 401(k) Plan
• Tuition reimbursement program and student debt repayment assistance
• Paid training and professional development

Library Perks:

Easy access to unlimited resources—including books, movies, programs, digital technology and more.

Required Qualifications:

• Education and experience: Some high school education or equivalent is required. Experience organizing items in alphabetical and numerical order with speed and accuracy.
• Skills: Uses basic logic and common sense to solve problems. Possesses basic skills operating a personal computer to navigate the Internet, respond to email, and use database software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Spanish language skills and/or experience working with patrons from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Working Conditions:

Works in public areas of the library and in staff-only areas operating and monitoring equipment that produces a moderate level of background noise. Primarily active physical work, which requires constant lifting of up to 8 pounds knee to waist, frequent lifting of 5 pounds over head, and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds floor to waist. Requires repetitive to constant use of the hands; frequent pushing/pulling of book carts or bins equal to 20 to 40 pounds of horizontal force. Must be able to walk or stand for up to 8 hours per day; frequently bend, squat, and kneel; constantly reach below shoulder level and frequently reach above shoulder level to overhead. Requires sufficient manual dexterity that permits the employee to operate a computer, office, and library equipment. Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes which permit the employee to work in a multilevel facility. Seeing, hearing, and speaking required.

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Please apply by April 29th, 2024 at 4pm. We anticipate holding interviews for this position beginning the week of May 6th, 2024.