Library Assistant I

This is an Extra Help Position. Extra Help means this may be a Part-Time or Non-Permanent position. The number of hours worked per week may vary and depend on the needs of the department. For terms and conditions concerning Extra Help with Butte County, see Section 6.13c (Download PDF reader) of the Butte County Personnel Rules.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEFINITION

Under immediate (Library Assistant I) or general (Library Assistant II) supervision, performs library administrative support, paraprofessional library and customer service duties; provides circulation services; uses and updates computer databases; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate (Library Assistant I) or general (Library Assistant II) supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Library Assistant I: This is the entry-level class in the Library Assistant series. Initially under immediate supervision, incumbents perform the more routine duties while learning County policies and procedures and becoming familiar with library systems and practices. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. Positions at the I-level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II-level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Library Assistant II: This is the journey-level classification in the Library Assistant series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Positions in the Library Assistant class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II-level are normally filled by advancement from the I-level, after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.?

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

Some duties, knowledge, skills and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

• Assist with and perform opening and closing duties at the branches.
• Conducts circulation activities, including checking library materials in and out, collecting fines and fees, and explaining County library circulation policies and procedures.
• Assists library patrons in person, over the phone and through electronic communication.
• Resolves patron issues within established policies and procedures.
• Sorts books, and related materials according to alphabetical, numerical, and categorical systems; collects, stacks, shelves, and re-shelves library materials.
• Processes library card applications and issues library cards; maintains records of current patron information utilizing the library automation system.
• Receives, researches, and responds to patrons’ reference requests; locates and provides requested materials and information; assists and instructs patrons in the proper use of library equipment and reference sources including internet, electronic databases, and other technology devices.
• Reserves library materials and notifies patrons of their availability; initiates and processes inter-library loan requests.
• Performs basic cataloging of books and related library materials.
• Monitors and assesses the condition of books, audio/visual, and other materials; performs minor mending of materials or refers to third party service providers for repair.
• Assists in the development of a variety of library-related literature-based and educational programs and activities.
• Processes and maintains records and files including daily deposits related to library services activities and projects.
• Provide assistance with public access technology including but not limited to software installed on library computer devices, use of library applications, support of library online resources, self-serve technology and new and emerging library technology.
• Assists in ensuring the proper maintenance and use of library equipment.
• Performs standard office support work such as answering telephones, maintaining reports, statistics, and operating and troubleshooting computer terminals and other standard office equipment.
• Maintains subscription orders and renewals; records receipt of serials.
• Orders office and library supplies.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• General public library services, organization, and functions.
• Books, authors, and general reference sources.
• Business arithmetic, including percentages and decimals.
• Library classification, cataloging, and bibliographic terminology.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations pertinent to the area of assignment.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including the use of standard office equipment and computers.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Interpret and apply library procedures and policies.
• Make accurate arithmetic computations to determine overdue fees, cash balances, and related tasks.
• Understand and following oral and written directions.
• Perform a variety of technical and clerical library work with speed and accuracy.
• Perform routine clerical work, including maintenance of records, mathematical calculations, and compiling information and preparing reports and other written material.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

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

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade; and

Library Assistant I: one (1) year of responsible experience performing customer service and administrative support work.

Library Assistant II: two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience providing library administrative support.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard library setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; standing and walking between work areas is frequently required; frequently bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects up to averaging a weight of 50 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Employees work in an office or library environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
• Must be willing to work evenings and weekends.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine, and standard office equipment.

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.