Library Associate

To lead and perform a wide variety of complex customer service and library duties in a public library setting; to assist Library guests in making effective use of the Library's resources, collections and programs; to provide technical training to guests and staff as needed; and to perform related duties as assigned.

Essential Functions:
Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: greet guests and provide directional assistance; explain library circulation policies and procedures to patrons, and assist them with check out, computer, printer, or other equipment problems; check patron status to verify registration information; issue library cards; calculate and collect fines and other charges for overdue, lost or damaged books or audio/visual materials; contact patrons regarding overdue items, books and materials that are received; respond to patrons request for information and materials; assist guests with basic reference questions as needed; refer more difficult reference to appropriate professional staff members; assist library guests with utilizing public access computers effectively including registering, reserving, printing, and accessing data and office applications; check library books and materials in and out using a computerized on-line system; assist and advise guests in the use of library equipment and resources; set up circulation desk for daily activities; prepare cash drawer and desk supplies; record, balance, and verify daily receipts; maintain records and files related to library service activities and projects; prepare a variety of periodic and special library processing and statistical reports; receive, verify and release materials for on-line reserve requests; unpack, check, and sort daily book shipments and distribute as indicated; train library aides, volunteers, and less experienced staff as needed; receive returned books and materials, review due dates and examine items for damages; sort returned materials for return to local shelves or for shipment to other library locations; operate standard office equipment and perform general clerical and typing work; order supplies; conduct story hours and assist with guest library programs; perform reader's advisory assistance to guests using local materials, online resources, and other appropriate tools; review materials and recommend additions and deletions to collections, withdraw materials as needed per established guidelines; organize work, set priorities, and follow up to ensure coordination and completion of assigned work; refer difficult or unusual problems to appropriate supervisory and/or professional staff members; build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer services; and perform other related duties as assigned.

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

[1] Bachelor's degree (120 units) from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Liberal Arts, Library Information Systems, or related field; AND at least one (1) year of full-time paraprofessional library experience or two (2) years of increasingly responsible full-time customer public service experience; OR 

[2] Associate's degree (60 units) from an accredited college or university with major course work in Liberal Arts, Library Information Systems, or related field; AND at least two (2) years of full-time paraprofessional library experience or three (3) years of increasingly responsible full-time customer public service experience; OR 

[3] Completion of a minimum two (2) years coursework culminating in a certificate or diploma in Library Sciences (Specialty or Foreign educational programs); AND at least two (2) years of full-time paraprofessional library experience or three (3) years of increasingly responsible full-time customer public service experience; OR 

[4] Completion of at least 30 units from an accredited college or university with major course work in Liberal Arts, Library Information Systems or related field; AND at least three (3) years of full-time paraprofessional library experience or four (4) years of increasingly responsible full-time customer public service experience. 

License or Certificate: Possession of a valid California driver's license.

Knowledge of: general municipal library services, organization and functions, including Dewey decimal system; basic public desk etiquette and methods of providing information; modern office practices and procedures; computer equipment and software applications related to assignment; basic arithmetic; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; public library operations and automated systems, policies, and procedures; standard terminology and practices related to paraprofessional library support work; library technical resources and trouble shooting of library equipment; customer service and conflict resolution techniques. 

Ability to: perform a variety of customer service functions in a public library setting; interpret and explain library procedures and operational manuals; prepare periodic reports and other correspondence related to assignment; keep related records files; make accurate arithmetic computations; train library aides, volunteers, and less experienced staff as needed; communicate using the telephone and via face-to-face interaction; operate standard office equipment, computer equipment and software applications related to assignment; prioritize and coordinate several work activities; research, organize, and maintain accurate office files; make sound judgments and decisions within established guidelines; use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines; work evenings and weekends; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; perform paraprofessional library work involving the use of computers and software programs, and trouble shooting library equipment; develop and present library classes and programs; read, analyze, and write reports; interpret information; assign and review the work of others, including volunteers, and provide training; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
On a continuous basis, sit at desk, stand, or walk for long periods of time.  Intermittently twist and reach office equipment; use telephone; write or use keyboard to communicate through written means; bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, stand, and sit for prolonged periods of time at a desk or computer workstation; extend arms above the shoulder to reach and retrieve books and materials from shelves; grasp books and materials; lift materials and supplies which may weigh up to 25 pounds.  See in the normal vision range with or without correction to read typical business documents and computer screens; hear in the normal range with or without correction.  Work is performed indoors in an air-conditioned office environment with fluorescent lighting and moderate noise level.  There is some exposure to outside atmospheric conditions when visiting outlying office/library branches.  Work is frequently disrupted by the need to respond to in-person and telephone inquiries.  Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.