Library Assistant

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under supervision from assigned library supervisory or management staff, performs clerical and routine technical duties in support of the various sections/functions of the library; assists in processing library materials; checks materials in and out of the library; and provides general assistance to library patrons. May receive technical training and work direction from higher-level Library Assistants or Library Technicians.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry-level class in the Library Assistant series providing clerical and routine technical duties in support of assigned program area in the library. This class is distinguished from the Library Assistant II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series including providing public assistance, checking materials in and out, assisting in processing library materials, and preparing and maintaining documentation and records. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Library Assistant II level and exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Assist students, instructors, and other patrons at the circulation desk, Audio Visual/periodicals area, or other assigned library desk/area; check out books and other library materials; check in library materials and prepare/process materials for return to the circulating collection; renew material including by telephone; provide minor supplies to patrons; register new patrons; input accounts and issue library cards; notify patron of lost picture ID cards; notify patrons of filled book requests.
• Provide support to the audio visual public services desk; assist students with audio visual equipment including televisions, VHS and DVD players, headphones, cassette and record players, and microfiche and microfilm readers; search database for video requests; inspect audio visual material and equipment; check tapes, films, and records for damage or distortion; make duplicate cassettes and collect fees; check out media course videos; retrieve and reshelf audio visual items.
• Provide support to the periodicals area of the library; prepare and maintain lists and reports relating to the periodicals collection; prepare duplicating orders and forms for necessary copies; process new periodicals including to sort, enter issue information into computer, type and apply labels, stamp, insert anti-theft strips, and place on display racks and in stacks; maintain periodicals including to repair, reinforce, tape pages, and laminate covers; retrieve and reshelf periodicals; perform weeding of periodicals collection as required including to make changes of holdings recommendations, remove old issues, clean shelves, shift current holdings, re-label shelves, update holdings list.
• Receive, process, and record overdue fines; count, balance, and record money received; search for/locate books turned in; place and release holds as required.
• Research missing books per public/interdepartmental requests.
• Provide public assistance/information; respond to in-person and telephone requests for library materials, services, and information; assist library patrons in routine information requests; answer directional questions.
• Assist patrons with library equipment; provide instruction on the use of library computers; troubleshoot problems with copiers and provides cash refunds for problems with copiers, printers, and AV equipment.
• Assist in general library maintenance functions; shelf books; evaluate and maintain orderliness of shelved materials including to read shelves, clean shelves, and shift books; pull and route materials in need of mending, binding, repairing, or discarding; assist with annual inventory of library materials.
• Assist in preparing print and non-print materials for introduction into the library collection; physically process books including to stamp new books with property stamp, paste date due slips inside book, add security strip inside book, add protective covering, add barcode label, and type and add call number label to spine of book.
• Perform general clerical work; type a variety of documents; answer phones; enter information into computer; maintain files and records; sort and distribute mail, correspondence, and other materials.
• Assist with various projects and special assignments as assigned; assist in recording, tabulating, and compiling data and statistics for summary reports.
• Perform library closing duties as assigned; play closing tape; secure money; turn off equipment; ensure all items are returned; clear building of patrons; turn off lights.
• May assist and provide back-up support to other library staff and in other areas of the library; provide back-up support to the inter-library loan function; provide back-up support to the Library reserves function.
• Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Clerical and general office assistance and support duties applicable to a library.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Principles, practices, and procedures of record keeping.
• Basic principles of report preparation.
• Principles and practices used to establish and maintain files and information retrieval systems.
• Basic principles and techniques used in public relations including methods and techniques of proper receptionist and telephone etiquette.
• Basic mathematical concepts.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.

Ability to:

• Learn and understand the organization and operation of the assigned library program area, services, and functions as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Learn library terminology.
• Learn, understand, interpret, and apply general administrative, office, and operating policies and procedures of the library.
• Perform a variety of library support duties and activities of a general clerical and routine technical nature in support of the assigned library program area or function.
• Provide assistance and respond appropriately to requests and inquiries from students, staff, faculty, or the public; effectively present information in person or on the telephone.
• Deal with irate patrons in a calm manner.
• Type or enter data at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
• Compile and organize data and information.
• Maintain filing systems.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems.
• Work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact by phone or in person.
• Understand and follow oral and written instruction.
• Relate effectively with people of varied academic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

Education/Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Additional specialized coursework or on-the-job training in library science or library practices and procedures is desirable.

Experience: One year of clerical or public contact experience. Experience in a library is desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Environment: Work is performed in a library; subject to noise from office equipment operation; frequent interruptions and contact in person with students, staff, and others. At least minimal environmental controls are in place to assure health and comfort. Positions may be required to work some weekend and evening hours; may be required to adjust work schedule to meet library needs.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a library; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate library and office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Supplemental Information

Work Schedule: TBD – Schedule and shift vary and are subject to change in accordance with the department's needs.

Hours per Week: Up to 25

This is a short-term, temporary, hourly Non-Bargaining Unit (NBU) assignment, not to exceed 160 days and 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1st through June 30th). Short-term, temporary NBU positions may only be used on an intermittent, seasonal, or project basis.