Library Assistant

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

Perform a variety of paraprofessional duties in support of activities in a functional area of the Library; e.g., Public, Technical or Computer Services.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receive general supervision from a Librarian. May exercise technical and functional supervision over part-time and volunteer staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. 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 this class.

Public Services Assignment

• Provides general reference and reader’s advisory service
• Provides lead supervision when needed in absence of supervisor; supervises volunteers and provides training to staff and volunteers regarding job duties
• Prepares daily circulation reports and statistics, assists in the preparation of schedules for service desks; assist in the development and implementation of special programs and/or services
• Contributes to the development and enhancement of library policies and procedures
• Assists patrons in locating and choosing materials, utilizing on-line computer catalogs, electronic databases, and other resources
• Interacts with library customers and staff in a positive professional manner; assures quality customer service as required, resolves volatile and sensitive situations
• Assists the public, in person, via the telephone or e-mail with availability status of library materials
• Assists with library promotion as assigned
• Provides a welcome and safe library atmosphere
• Prepares procedural and informational documentation
• Maintains confidentiality of all patron records and transactions
• Monitors and reports conflicts to Circulation Services Supervisor for positive resolution
• Attends and actively participates in circulation meetings
• Participates in the evaluation of library materials; evaluates damaged materials for disposition; sorts materials for mending, binding, replacement or withdrawal
• Conducts payment and cash drawer reconciliation
• Speaks to large groups of children or adults

Computer Services Assignment

• Assists patrons and staff utilizing various computer equipment
• Provides preventative maintenance and minor/routine repair of equipment
• Compiles statistics and submit reports
• Monitors activities of the computer labs
• Assists with library promotions
• Supports staff shortages at the circulation desk by assisting as necessary
• Executes routine software applications to maintain working order of personal computers; supports orderly database projects and monitors e-mail to the internet mailbox
• Contributes to the collection process of overdue library materials
• Responds to patron requests for assistance
• Researches and evaluates software packages for system requests; assists with the planning and implementation of hardware and software
• Develops and recommends cost effective system improvements
• Establishes and maintains an effective working relationship with the Information Systems and Technology Division
• Utilizes various application programs including word processing, spreadsheets, databases and the Internet

Technical Services Assignment

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
• Processes received ILL requests by identifying location and availability of materials through bibliographic resources; prepares books for shipping
• Initiates routine correspondence and resolves discrepancies
• Maintains liaison with other ILL representatives
Acquisitions
• Orders, receives (manually and electronically), verifies, and prepares/processes library materials for cataloging
• Develops and maintains files of materials ordered and received
• Works with vendors to resolve discrepancies and problems in orders/invoices
• Enters brief bibliographic records or add copy records for duplicate materials
Cataloging
• Catalogs new materials to be added to local bibliographic database through Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) by searching, editing and verifying records; adds original records to OCLC as needed
• Monitors and maintains database for all types of materials (monographs, series, multi-volumes, audio-visual, etc.)
• Monitors vendor added records/materials for errors in cataloging and processing
• Monitors and maintains subject and name authority files
• Removes discarded materials from the local database and OCLC
General
• Attends and actively participates in staff trainings and meetings
• Compiles needed statistical information for reports
• Establishes and maintains effective work relationships with other areas/departments in the Library and the entire City complex
• Contributes to the development and enhancement department documentation, policies and procedures
• Provides a welcome and safe library environment for public and staff in a positive, professional manner
• Assists in other departments as needed and required


REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma or equivalent supplemented by college level course work in library science or equivalent and one year of responsible paraprofessional or technical library experience using library automation software.


DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of the principles and practices of library work, including methods, practices and techniques of library reference, acquisition, circulation, technical and juvenile services; operating characteristics of OCLC database, basic bibliographic research tools; fundamental purposes and typical concept of modern public libraries; operation of networks, computers and peripheral equipment.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to perform the essential functions of this class successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this class, an employee is frequently required to sit, walk and stand; talk or hear, in person and by telephone; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; engage in repetitive movement with hands and wrists; reach with hands and arms and lift up to 25 pounds. Employees regularly may stoop, kneel, bend or crouch and lift up to 50 pounds. Employees may occasionally lift or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, the use of both eyes and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, employees regularly are required to use oral and written communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; interact with the general public, public agencies, employees and others who may be encountered during the course of work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this class, employees are typically in an office or administrative setting and are not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

FLSA Status: Non Exempt

Revised: 4/08
 

DURING THE SELECTION PROCESS, ANY APPLICANT REQUIRING ACCOMMODATION FOR A DISABILITY SHOULD ADVISE THE HUMAN  RESOURCES DEPARTMENT. Employment Hotline (Voice Only): 623-773-7105 Human Resources (Voice/TDD): 623-773-7100 EOE M/F/D/V AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER OPORTUNIDAD DE EMPLEO CON DERECHOS IGUALES 8401 West Monroe St, Suite 110 - Peoria Arizona 85345 - (623) 773-7100 - Fax (623) 773-7149

This Page was last updated on 05/01/08
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