Careers

Public Services Specialist (Inter-library Loan)

The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library is looking for a Public Services Specialist that has excellent customer service skills, is organized and self-motivated, and has a passion for sparking curiosity and connecting our community through literacy and learning.

The Public Services Specialist provides direct service support to customers for their information, reading and technology question needs in person, over the phone and online.  The Specialist is responsible for providing interlibrary loan and notary public services for customers.  Occasionally, Specialists create and present programs, classes, displays and online resource materials in support of library initiatives.

JOB DUTIES:

Customer Engagement:

• Professionally addresses library account inquiries such as account registration, updating personal information, collecting payment for, or resolving charges, and addressing long overdue titles or problem items. Offers customer service in person, by telephone, email, and chat services.
• Locates resources to match customer interests and informational needs. Performs tasks related to the management of patron records such as placing titles on hold or renewing items checked out on customer accounts.
• Provides computer and gadget instruction while working the service floor and by appointment.
• Helps customers access the library’s digital collections. Assists with downloading Libby, Overdrive, and Hoopla applications to different technological devices. Instructs customers on how to locate, reserve, and check out digital titles on a variety of devices. Troubleshoots customer account issues with Overdrive and Hoopla using administrative access.
• Assists customers using copy and fax services in the Business Center.

Interlibrary Loan Services:

• Identifies the right materials for customers using FirstSearch and ILLiad databases. Helps customers update personal information or reset passwords to interlibrary loan accounts. Places requests to other libraries for materials to borrow for TSCPL customers. Receives materials shipped by other libraries via mail or other courier services. Processes received materials for TSCPL customers. Manages patron account records in Polaris and ILLiad databases. Processes payments and refunds to lending libraries as needed.
• Processes loan requests for materials submitted by other libraries. Retrieves requested materials from library shelves. Prepares materials for shipment via mail or other courier services. Manages library account records in Polaris and ILLiad databases. Processes payments and refunds from borrowing libraries as needed.
• Manages interlibrary loan email account and responds promptly to customer, staff, and other library inquiries.

Notary Public Services:

• Provides notary services to library customers. Executes all Notary transactions within legal requirements set out by Kansas law.

Attendance:

• Maintains prompt arrival and efficiently and dependably maintains scheduled hours.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required. 
• A combination of customer service and/or post-secondary education to total three years is required.
• Notary Public in the State of Kansas or the ability to obtain a Notary Public in Kansas within the first month of hire. Required to maintain Notary Public once received.
• Valid Kansas driver’s license with insurable driving record is required.

Preferred:

• Three years of customer service experience.
• Multilingual fluency in English and at least one other language is preferred.

SCHEDULE: Days, nights and some weekend hours are required.

PAY & BENEFITS: Starting hourly rate will be in the range of $17.80 to $22.25 depending on experience and qualifications. Excellent benefits including health & dental insurance with pre-tax premiums, and a retirement plan (Kansas Public Employees Retirement System KPERS). Group life, disability coverage and accidental death benefits are also provided. Other optional benefits available at employee's expense include vision, life and cancer insurance and a deferred compensation plan.

Applications must be submitted by June 19, 2024

Employment Application Supplemental Employment History