Circulation Technician - Western Library Branch

General Statement of Duties
Performs intermediate, semiskilled work providing support to the circulation unit of the Carteret County Library system.

Distinguishing Features of the Class
This position is responsible for providing high quality customer service assistance in person, by phone, and email. Work involves checking library materials in and out, answering questions about library accounts, directing customer service questions to the appropriate departments, sorting and receiving mail, and sorting and shelving library materials in order based on standard library practices. Work requires a high level of courtesy and tact in dealing with other library staff and the public. This position may act as department representative in the absence of the Circulation Supervisor, and may oversee part-time employees. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Circulation Supervisor and is reviewed through observation and public feedback for quality and effectiveness in fulfillment of library objectives as outlined by the Library Director.

Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Tasks

• Provides public services, including library accounts and borrowing services, including checking materials out, issuing library cards, collecting fees, shelving books, assisting patrons with books, resources, public computers, card catalog, and Internet.
• Responds to routine questions relating to library collections.
• Handles cash and credit card transactions; totals cash register at end of evening shifts worked, and completes daily transaction report.
• Collaborates with agencies and other libraries to facilitate item searches, as assigned.
• Promotes library resources and programs to library customers and to the general public.
• Empties book drops and organizes returned materials.
• Maintains reserved items.
• Identifies materials in need of repair/replacement and takes appropriate action.
• Shelves library materials by transporting books and materials to the correct location, placing books and materials on the shelf in the correct order and rearranging books and straightening materials as needed.
• Generates and maintains reports as directed.
• Maintains library supplies.
• Assists with outreach programs.

Additional Job Duties

• Performs related job duties as required.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of public library systems, principles, methods and policies, and programs and materials available.
• Thorough knowledge of office practices and procedures and records maintenance.
• Skilled in the use of common computer technologies, including email, the Internet, word processors, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, current operating systems, mobile applications, and data entry.
• Ability to listen, understand, and interpret information received from employees and customers.
• Ability to communicate effectively, patiently and courteously, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, employees and the public.
• Ability to remain flexible and positive in an environment of continuous change.
• Ability to organize and record information.
• Ability to be tactful and courteous.
• Ability to work a variable schedule, to include nights and weekends.

Physical Requirements

• Work requires the frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force.
• Work regularly requires standing, walking, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions, reaching with hands and arms and frequently requires sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, pushing or pulling, and lifting.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Work has no exposure to environmental conditions.
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

Desirable Education and Experience
Graduation from high school and less than one year of experience in customer service within a library or bookstore setting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.