JOSEPH CISTARO
Rochester Public Library
Montgomery Village,MD
19
years of professional experience
Experienced library professional skilled in maintaining orderly collections and providing excellent patron support. Background in managing book returns, shelving, and assisting with library programs. Focused on team collaboration and adaptable to changing needs, proficient in using library systems and fostering welcoming atmosphere. Has worked in a public library setting for over 7 years.
Work History
LIBRARY PAGE/SHELVER
4 Years 8 Months- Maintained accurate organization of the library's physical collection through precise shelving of returned and new materials according to Dewey Decimal classification.
- Managed returned materials to ensure accurate tracking and availability for patrons. through check-in while also inspecting their condition, flagging damages items in need of repairs or replacement.
- Retrieved and managed periodicals and serials, supporting timely access to current and archived issues.
- Contributed to daily branch operations and collection maintenance by managing tasks and responsibilities.
- Helped patrons navigate library resources to find reference materials and information. to patrons who needed reference help.
- Trained new pages on shelving and workplace procedures.
LIBRARY ASSISTANT- YOUTH SERVICE
1 Year 11 Months- Designed, planned, and implemented engaging programs for children and teenagers, including Storytimes and other system-wide reading initiatives like Summer Reading.
- Delivered reference and reader's advisory services to children, teens, and their caregivers.
- Supported collection development by acquiring, rotating, and weeding collections, and recommending titles to ensure a relevant and engaging selection for youth.
- Registered patrons for programs and assisted with electronic resources including databases, eBook platforms, and the online catalog.
- Provided digital instruction to patrons using the online database and assisting with searching and downloading materials across multiple devices.
- Facilitated community outreach to schools and local agencies, conducting library tours and summer reading promotional visits to foster partnerships and increase program participation.
- Developed booklists, displays, bulletin boards, and promotional materials, and effectively publicized events through flyers and social media to enhance community engagement.
- Communicated library policies and procedures accurately and courteously and performed departmental opening and closing procedures.
BOOKSELLER
1 Year 4 Months- Delivered tailored readers' advisory and product recommendations, enhancing customer satisfaction and engagement across multiple genres.
- Advanced key sales and engagement objectives, including monthly featured selections, membership, and preorders, sharing product knowledge with customers and colleagues.
- Maintained the organization, presentation, and shelving accuracy of book sections through effective merchandising and visual display.
- Operated point-of-sale registers and varied technology efficiently to deliver prompt, reliable customer service.
- Supported receiving and processing of deliveries, including unpacking, backstock management, and accurate shelving of new inventory.
- Facilitated achievement of key sales and engagement objectives by promoting monthly featured selections, memberships, and preorders, effectively sharing product knowledge with customers and colleagues.
- Cultivated comprehensive knowledge of diverse product categories, including educational toys and games, hobby and collectibles, media, and periodicals, to optimize section maintenance and improve customer assistance.
- Applied loss-prevention and de-escalation practices, identifying and appropriately escalating problematic behavior to support a safe store environment.
MANAGER
8 Years 8 Months- Managed digital marketing and social media presence across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, authored and distributed monthly email newsletter to enhance customer engagement and promote events.
- Coordinated store events and community programming, including local fairs, classes, and book signings, managing vendor setup and creating monthly calendar of events to drive participation.
- Handled daily operations including opening and closing procedures, point-of-sale operation, daily reporting, and client appointment scheduling.
- Oversaw inventory management, including stocking, replenishment, and organization of merchandise.
- Oversaw inventory management, ensuring optimal stocking, timely replenishment, and organized presentation of merchandise.
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
2 Years 3 Months- Educated customers on specialized subject areas to effectively address inquiries and provide tailored recommendations.
- Coordinated community events, including local fairs, classes, and book signings, enhancing community engagement and client relationships.
- Delivered high-quality customer service and operated point-of-sale systems, ensuring smooth transactions in a retail environment.
Education
MASTER OF LIBRARY & INFORMATION SCIENCE - Library Science
BACHELOR OF ARTS - Individualized Studies
ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE - Library and Information Technology
CERTIFICATE - Massage Therapy
High Honors
Skills
Dewey Decimal System
Shelving Accuracy
Cataloging
Collection Maintenance
Information Retrieval
Digital Literacy
Event Coordination
Community Outreach
Staff Training
Customer Service
Timeline
LIBRARY PAGE/SHELVER
Rochester Public Library
12.2021 - 08.2026Read More
LIBRARY ASSISTANT- YOUTH SERVICE
Prairie Trails Public Library
09.2019 - 08.2021Read More
BOOKSELLER
Barnes & Noble
05.2018 - 09.2019Read More
MANAGER
Tranzformation: A Center for Spirit
12.2009 - 08.2018Read More
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
Enchanted Journey
05.2007 - 08.2009Read More
EVEREST COLLEGE
CERTIFICATE from Massage Therapy
Read More
COLLEGE OF DUPAGE
ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE from Library and Information Technology
Read More
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY
BACHELOR OF ARTS from Individualized Studies
Read More
SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY
MASTER OF LIBRARY & INFORMATION SCIENCE from Library Science
Read More