Library Assistant - Part Time

An employee in this class performs specialized paraprofessional work requiring the application of current library techniques and appropriate technology. The Library will train on library policies and software. However, basic computer knowledge is required. He/she demonstrates an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to job responsibilities. Maintains accountability and a high level of courtesy, discretion, and tact when dealing with the public and other staff. Direct oversight will come from the circulation supervisor. The employee will primarily be responsible for sorting and shelving materials in order as well as providing customer assistance in person and via phone, checking library materials in and out, answering questions about library accounts, and directing customer questions to the appropriate departments.

A successful candidate for this position is strongly customer service-oriented with demonstrated experience in delivering service with courtesy, discretion, and tact in a busy and diverse environment. They should have, or be able to quickly gain, a basic understanding of library functions, techniques, and technology. The candidate should be energetic, self-motivated, proactive, and team-oriented. They should be highly detail-oriented.

Applicants for this position must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma. Some college-level coursework in an applicable field with some experience in library work is preferred. Additional favorable experience includes:

This position works 0-19 hours per week, as needed. Evening and Saturday hours will be required.

Please submit a resume with your application.

A part-time library assistant in circulation will primarily be responsible for sorting and shelving materials in order as well as providing customer assistance in person and via phone, checking library materials in and out, answering questions about library accounts, and directing customer questions to the appropriate departments.

An employee in this class performs technical and skilled administrative support work assisting patrons at the library’s main facility or at a branch library. Work includes providing customer service at the circulation desk, locating library materials, checking books or other media in and out, issuing library cards, collecting fines and fees, preparing books for carts, preparing library displays, shelving books and materials in their appropriate locations, maintaining the condition of materials, and processing material on hold for patrons. Work involves significant public contact requiring employees to be tactful and courteous. Work is performed under regular supervision and is evaluated for customer service effectiveness and accuracy of work activities through daily observations, discussions and review of completed work.

Performs related tasks as required.

High School Diploma or GED, required. Associate degree or some college-level course work in an applicable field preferred. Experience in a library desired. Demonstrated customer service experience required; or an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities

Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including computers, typewriters, copiers, printers, facsimile machines, calculators, postage machines, etc. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 15 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Light Work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree. However, if the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions from superiors.

Language Ability: Requires the ability to read a variety of reports, correspondence, forms, etc. Requires the ability to prepare correspondence, reports, forms, permits, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control and confidence

Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in Standard English.

Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; multiply and divide; utilize decimals and percentages.

Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.

Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using office equipment.

Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as office equipment. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Discrimination: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.

Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with persons acting under stress.

Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words. Hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear.) Must be able to communicate via a telephone.

Knowledge of Job: Has considerable knowledge of modern office practices and procedures. Has considerable knowledge of math, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Has considerable knowledge of County policies, programs and procedures. Is skilled in organizing workflow and coordinating activities. Is skilled in the operation of common office machines, including popular computer-driven word processing, spreadsheet and file maintenance programs. Is able to compile data from varied sources and complete complex reports from such information. Is able to compose effective correspondence. Is able to develop and modify work procedures, methods and processes to improve efficiency. Is able to establish and maintain complex records and files. Is able to type accurately at the speed required by the position. Is able to communicate effectively in oral and written form. Is able to exercise tact and courtesy in dealing with the public. Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts with all County departments and divisions, co-workers and the general public.

Quantity of Work: Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under “Specific Duties and Responsibilities.”

Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, county policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance: Attends work regularly and adheres to County policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountability. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences is justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with County policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons within the department.

Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all department employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the general public so as to maintain good will toward the department and project a good departmental image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the County. Interacts effectively with fellow employees, supervisor, professionals and the general public.

Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establish a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events.

Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the County and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly work place.