Library Specialist

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience. Successful completion of a criminal history background investigation is required prior to employment. Evening and weekend work hours may be required.

Position Summary

This is responsible, varied technical and paraprofessional work in the Alachua County Library District.

An employee assigned to this classification is responsible for performing duties under general supervision and within prescribed guidelines. Although the employee works with considerable independence, deviations from established library procedures or library policy are made in consultation with a higher level supervisor.

Work is performed under the direction of a higher level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Functions as lead worker on assigned tasks.

Performs reader guidance and ready reference work within established guidelines through basic searches of online resources and databases; assists patrons and staff in locating materials and/or information. Refers persons requiring professional assistance to a Librarian or department manager.

Performs circulation functions such as checking in and checking out materials, issuing library cards and reconciling patron accounts.

Organizes, indexes and maintains records, library databases, and files; maintains inventories and initiates the requisition process; performs routine descriptive cataloging for items such as fiction and the local newspaper.

Collects statistics and generates reports such as annual statistics of collection holdings, order records, and uncirculated library materials.

Initiates correspondence and subsequent follow-up on a variety of subject matter.

Verifies bibliographic information on order requests.

Directs the activities of lower level employees in such activities as maintenance of stacks or receipt and mailing of interlibrary loans.

Reviews library materials and recommends purchase to a professional Librarian.

Operates personal computers, terminals and peripherals (photocopiers, printers) in office support tasks and to assist the public.

Explains Library District procedures and policies.

Keeps abreast of publisher, vendor and outside agency procedures as they relate to library operations.

Plans, schedules and hosts individual program sessions; obtains, designs and produces support materials.

Operates, maintains and assists patrons in the use of library equipment.

Ensure patron compliance of all policies and procedures through effective communication and enforcement.

Performs related work as required.

NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of alphabetical and numerical organizational systems.

Knowledge of a variety of books, subjects and literature, specifically as related to assigned area.

Knowledge of the major fields of learning comprising the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities.

Knowledge of operating and basic troubleshooting of computer equipment.

Knowledge of frequently used software applications, word processing and spreadsheet applications. Ability to perform basic troubleshooting of common software problems.

Knowledge of the techniques necessary for coordinating the work of others.

Ability to use emerging technology for patron service.

Ability to interpret, apply and explain library procedures.

Ability to organize materials in alphabetical and numerical order.

Ability to determine when a situation should be referred to a higher level supervisor.

Ability to receive and convey written or oral instructions; ability to explain informational instructions to others.

Ability to push and/or pull fully loaded hand carts; ability to load and unload materials from carts and vehicles.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, the public and other agencies.

Ability to lift, reach, and bend to locate and remove requested materials.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk or hear. The employee is required to reach and be mobile.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus associated with the constant use of printed matter and computer monitors.

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

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.