Library Support Assistant - PTNB

Position Description

Provides friendly, high quality customer service to patrons of the Library and branch locations. Also performs clerical support work. An employee in this class will provide assistance to all library patrons. Work includes checking materials in and out, assisting patrons in locating materials and information, issuing library cards, collecting fees/fines, opening and closing the library, answering phones, and maintaining organization of library materials. Work may involve training volunteers as well as creating programs and displays. Work in a library may expose an employee to dusty atmospheric conditions, small-enclosed rooms and narrow aisles. Work involves accuracy and constant public contact. Work requires employees to be tactful and courteous. Work is performed under general supervision of the Library Director. Work is evaluated for customer service effectiveness and accuracy of work activities through daily observations, discussions and review of completed work. Position requires some nights and weekend hours.

Responsibilities

• Assists patrons in the use of library materials and the library’s search tools including the catalog, personal computers, digital databases, and other resources in varied formats.
• Collects returned materials, organizes materials for return to shelves, examines condition and sets aside items requiring mending and repair, sorts items by call numbers for shelving.
• Shifts books and moves sections of books to accommodate new arrivals and/or to ease crowding.
• Shelves and files materials, ensuring accurate library shelving of books and periodicals by shelf-reading and re-shelving as necessary.
• Assists at the circulation desk by checking materials in and out, issuing new or replacement cards, answering reference questions, answering phones, and emptying book drops.
• Computes and collects overdue fines and costs for lost or damaged materials, photocopying charges, and makes change. Records money collected.
• Prepares materials for discard.
• Assists in keeping the library neat, orderly, and clean.

• May create or assist with library programs, displays, and social media.
• May open and/or close the Library.
• May supervise and train volunteers in basic categorizing and shelving.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Working knowledge of books and authors.
• Works with minimal supervision and shows initiative in work responsibilities.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of current technology and willingness to expand knowledge base with evolving trends.
• Possesses a strong public service attitude and ability to work in an effective manner with patrons of all ages and demographics, coworkers, and other departments and/or agencies.
• Some knowledge of library procedures, methods, materials, objectives, theories, and practices.
• Must be able to work the required schedule which includes some nights and weekends.

Required Minimum Education / Experience

• Graduation from high school and experience working with the public in a library setting and familiarity with office practices or related clerical duties; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.