Library Technician

Under general supervision, assists patrons in using library resources and performs paraprofessional and advanced clerical library work at the advanced level at the Palmer Public Library.

The library is dedicated to the informational needs of the community. The Library Technician contributes to this mission by assisting patrons in locating educational, professional, and recreational materials, and by managing the circulation of highly valuable and occasionally extremely rare resources. The person must perform these duties with a high degree of accuracy, initiative, and ingenuity. The Library Technician assumes responsibility for operation of the assigned area of the library in the absence of the Library Director.   The Library Technician must perform these duties in a manner that reflects positively on the city and the Department.

• Performs circulation desk duties, including checking materials in and out, assisting patrons in locating materials, sending damaged items to be mended, and scheduling library equipment.
• Provide customer service at the circulation desk by providing reference and reader’s advisory services, and performing all functions related to the circulation of library material according to established policies and procedures.
• Assess returned books and materials for damages and check in the materials to the SirsiDynix Symphony WorkFlows workstations.
• Registers patrons and maintain circulation records, and patron records using the library computer system SirsiDynix Symphony WorkFlows workstations. Maintain confidentiality of patron records; collects fines and other library charges and edits patron records. 
• Assisting patrons to operate their electronic devices (cell phones, e-readers, laptops, tablets etc.) and the library computers or scanner.  Assistance patrons requiring extensive, in-depth help can include but not limited to, creating an e-mail account, explaining what an e-mail account is, troubleshooting their electronic device, assistance locating, reading, filling-in online PFD application, job applications, tax forms,  legal documents, (custody, divorce, guardianship, power of attorney, evictions) scanning documents and attaching them to e-mail, accessing patron e-mail accounts, downloading a document to print, etc.   
• Processes new library materials.
• Participates in the maintenance and design of the library website or designated library web pages; assists other Administrative Assistant with creating material for and maintaining the library website.
• Researches, creates, and prepares craft kits for the young library patrons.  Creates demonstration videos to be posted for each of the craft kits.
• Assists patrons with library computers, copiers, printers, video equipment, other library equipment. Aid patrons at the public computer stations. Must know how to help patrons with any digital device.    Ability to troubleshoot on a variety of devices they may be unfamiliar with.
• May occasionally write a book review for the website.
• Provides customer service performing all function related to the circulation of library materials according to established policies and procedures.
• Registers patrons and maintains circulation and patron records using the Integrated Library System (ILS) while maintaining confidentiality of patron records; collects fines and other library charges and adjusts patron records.
• Assists the public with the public computer stations, copiers, printers, in-library wi-fi use, and other library equipment.
• Performs basic reference interviews and obtains requested information and/or resource materials using the library catalog, online databases, and a variety of other electronic and paper resources; assists the public in obtaining information; and refers questions outside of scope of knowledge to the appropriate staff person.
• Provides basic reader’s advisory services.
• Performs material mending including binding, hinge, and spine repair; taping tears; replacing missing pages; cleaning.
• Repair multimedia materials, such as CDs or DVDs. Clean CDs and DVDs and processes them through the Azuradisc repair machine.
• Troubleshoots equipment malfunctions and resolves routine problems.
• Shelve books and materials. Maintains order of the collection through routine shelf reading, inventory duties, and searching for missing and other problem items.
• Assist library patrons with automated catalog system to select and locate materials in person or by phone. Helps the public in the use of the online public access catalog (OPAC)
• Use Ryan Dowd training techniques to handle disruptions in the library. Take appropriate actions to halt commotion of library activities by disruptive patrons.  
• Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.
• Collect fines and respond to complaints about fines.
• May perform clerical functions such as filing, typing, copying, sorting, and record keeping related to library operations.
• Conduct reference searches, using printed materials and in-house and online databases. 
• Assist with special projects, as assigned.
• Cultivate and maintain a climate, which is free of harassment, intimidation, and disrespect to provide a safe place to work and a safe, professional environment for customers. 
• Perform related work as required.
• Prepares the library for opening and closing, including but not limited to powering equipment on and off, putting money drawers in the safe, and securing the building.
• May be left in charge of the library for up to four hours.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college level work or degree desirable.  
• Previous clerical or library experience preferred.
• Minimum two years custom service experience preferred.
• Knowledge of library practices, service procedures and terminology desirable.  
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Experience with an automated library system and online library resources desired.  
• Experience in use of the internet and common computer software programs and ability to instruct others in the basic use of the same.
• Active Learning Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Learning Strategies Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
• Service Orientation Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Social Perceptiveness Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Internet Navigating the Internet to find information, including the ability to open and configure standard browsers; use searches, hypertext references, and transfer protocols; and send and retrieve electronic mail (e-mail).
• Navigation Using scroll bars, a mouse, and dialog boxes to work within the computer's operating system. Being able to access and switch between applications and files of interest.
• Ability to organize activities and tasks in an efficient and effective manner and work independently in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Ability to operate or learn to operate all library equipment.
• Bibliographic search methods and techniques.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping and filing.
• Principles and techniques of customer service.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Dewey Decimal classification system.
• Ability to type accurately.
• Ability to handle money accurately and honestly.
• Ability to comprehend and execute oral or written instructions and to apply guidelines to varied situations.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships, express ideas, and convey information effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to meet and deal with the public and others in a pleasant and courteous manner.
• Ability to maintain and prepare records, reports, and forms accurately and effectively.
• Skill in the use of office machines and equipment, including computers, as required by the position. 
• Ability to work as a member of a team of staff working towards a common goal.  
• Ability to multi-task to perform and manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Ability to meet attendance requirements for the position.

Salary : $22 - $36