ABOUT FRIENDS OF THE MULTNOMAH COUNTY LIBRARY

The Friends of the Multnomah County Library (FOL) advocates for and supports our outstanding public library.  We are committed to providing supplemental funding for library programs and services and to sponsoring activities which engage people who value our library. We are a membership-based organization with revenue deriving from donations, proceeds from the sale of used books and membership dues.

POSITION SUMMARY

This part-time position assists in the Friends’ Book Sorting Room and Book Store operations by preparing donated materials to sell to generate revenue in support of the FOL mission. We currently operate two bookstores, Rose City Reads and The Friends Store @ Central Library.

The Book Room Assistant independently performs moderately complex duties in accordance with established procedures, including sorting, pricing and shelving donated books and media, evaluating materials, answering questions from volunteers, carrying and stacking packed boxes/crates, and assisting with daily bookstore and sorting room activities. 

Office Loc:                  Rose City Reads Used Bookstore

221 NE 122nd Avenue, Suite A

Portland OR 97230

Pay:                 Hourly, will be determined based on experience.

This is a non-exempt position with benefits to include

paid time off, paid holidays and a retirement matching option.

Schedule:         12 hours/week, Wed-Fri. 1-5pm, plus additional hours for occasional weekends, special projects and events.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitates an efficient workflow in the Book Sorting Room by relocating both individual items and loaded crates/boxes in a timely manner
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with volunteers, co-workers, library staff, members of the Friends of the Library, donors, and our customers
• Assists with established book donation process
• Presorts donated materials by evaluating them as to their suitability for sale, i.e., checking for physical condition and comparing materials to a set of selection criteria
• Sorts materials into designated subject categories

• Regularly prices individual items for our stores according to established guidelines
• Regularly lifts crates/boxes weighing up to 50 lbs., moves them using carts or hand trucks from the library warehouse to the sorting area, and stacks and organizes them in designated areas on a daily basis
• Works occasionally in the library’s warehouse/loading dock area and is required to follow the county’s operating procedures and safety measures while working within those spaces.
• Responds to written and oral instructions provided by the Book Room Manager, and seeks clarification when necessary
• Answers routine questions from volunteers regarding established Book Sorting Room procedures and processes such as pricing and locating appropriate book categories
• Works closely with the Book Room Manager to maintain a safe, organized, clean and efficient space within the Book Sorting Room and the Book Store
• Assists in restocking and shelving
• Provides assistance to Rose City Reads and the Online Store as designated by the Book Room Manager
• Oversees the activities of the Book Sorting Room in the absence of the Manager
• Performs related duties as required
• Implements FOL Board policies and procedures
• Attends training sessions and staff meetings as appropriate

NOTE: The previous examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in this position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. 

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to lift/push/pull boxes weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to move stacks of boxes using a hand truck and/or pallet jack
• General knowledge of a variety of authors, books, subjects and literature
• Ability to work with alphabetical and numerical filing systems
• Ability to work independently as well as coordinate the work of volunteers
• Skill in communicating instructions to others
• Ability to learn FOL procedures appropriate to sorting room and book store operations
• Ability to receive and transmit written and oral instructions
• Ability to determine when a situation should be referred to a manager
• Skill in organizing and maintaining an efficient workspace
• Ability to work closely with volunteers in implementing processes
• Ability to perform basic computer operations including basic knowledge of programs such as Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets
• Ability to lift, reach, and bend to locate, sort, shelve, and pack a variety of materials 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; talk or listen; use hands to grasp, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, and crouch. Occasionally, the employee is required to sit, crawl, climb or balance.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must regularly use hand trucks and book carts to move materials.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee will make occasional pick-ups of sizable book donations using the employee’s own car if available (mileage reimbursement provided).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

Bachelor’s degree; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience

HOW TO APPLY 

Applicants who meet the qualifications are encouraged to apply.  Please submit a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references in a single PDF to apply@friends-library.org. Applications are due by 9/8/24. No phone calls please.

More Info
http://frinds-library.org

Salary
Commensurate with experience / hourly

Location
Portland

Contact Email
apply@friends-library.org