Library assistant

Position Description

• Under general direction, leads, trains and performs the more complex and difficult specialized library administrative support, paraprofessional library and customer service duties;
• provides lead direction and training to assigned staff; provides circulation services at a branch library; uses and updates computer databases;

provides basic reference service to patrons; conducts children's programs; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS :

This is the advanced level classification for the series; incumbents in this class work under general supervision and are responsible for the most complex clerical or paraprofessional library activity and assisting with supervision of other library clerical support staff.

Successful performance of the work requires the use of independence, initiative and discretion within established guidelines.

Example of Duties

• Operates the library circulation desk, including scheduling staff and volunteers.
• Registers new library users and explains library policies and procedures.
• Assists library users in selecting and locating books and materials and providing assistance to answer research questions.
• Locates and processes requested materials within the Calaveras County Library System and through the interlibrary loan process.
• Suggests books and materials for purchase.
• Catalogs new materials.
• Repairs covers and does basic processing of library materials.
• Selects and prepares shipments of materials to branch libraries.
• Organizes children’s programs and performs outreach to schools.
• Assists in the set-up and maintenance of library exhibits including bulletin boards, exhibition cases, and wall displays.
• Prepares signage, posters and banners.
• Troubleshoots computer problems and maintains library computers, including the operation of the automated circulation system.
• Maintains the inventory of library furnishings, equipment and office supplies.
• Places purchase orders and processes orders that are received.
• Prepares claims to be sent to the Auditor and maintains ledgers of accounts;
• Receives and accounts for all fees, fines and donations.
• Maintains statistics on a variety of library activities, maintains circulation records, generates overdue notices, and produces circulation reports for the automated circulation system.
• Schedules meeting room usage.
• Shelves books.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of :

• General functions of a library and general office procedures, including basic computer literacy; library terminology and standard library practices;
• basic library materials and equipment; book selection tools and reference materials; cataloging procedures; supervision techniques;

reference interview techniques.

Ability to :

• Perform library clerical work with speed and accuracy; understand and follow oral and written instructions; type 40 words per minute;
• perform basic computer operations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public;
• communicate effectively both orally and in writing; use computers for word processing, spreadsheet development and print shop functions;

plus supervise library personnel in the absence of the Librarian; use OCLC and Internet; perform responsible library duties such as book selection, advanced reference work, and interlibrary loan.

Special Requirements

Possession of an appropriate California driver's license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles may be required.

Last updated : 2024-11-22

Salary : $58,074