Library Assistant I

Job Description

Library Assistant I (526)

Education and Experience

Minimum Requirements:

Completion of sixty (60) semester units or ninety (90) quarter units from an accredited college or university; and
One (1) year of recent full-time experience involving direct public contact and/or clerical work. Possible Substitutions:
Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on the basis of one (1) year of experience for thirty (30) semester units or forty five (45) quarter units.

License

Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Library Assistant I is the entry-level classification in the Library Assistant series, thus employees in this class may have limited or no directly related work experience. This classification provides general circulation services to patrons through a broad range of clerical support and public assistance. This class is distinguished from the Library Assistant II in that the latter performs a full range of duties as assigned, including those that require the knowledge of general department policies and procedures.

Typical Duties

Each position in this classification may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed. Under direct supervision:

Checks library materials in and out for patrons and prepares materials for return to the circulating collection
Registers new patrons by verifying identification, ensuring that the registration form is complete and entering appropriate information into online database
Collects fees and overdue fines
Opens and closes the library facility following established procedures
Answers routine directional and informational questions in person and by telephone; solves basic problems involving procedures, staff and patrons; refers more difficult questions to appropriate library staff
Uses personal computers and other library equipment to enter, edit and delete bibliographic, periodical, and patron record information in an online database, catalog and other files
Performs copy cataloging and classification of library materials
Retrieves and shelves books and other materials
Receives and sorts incoming mail and deliveries; prepares materials for mailing
May prepare and maintain displays and exhibits
Performs other related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

General types and uses of library materials
Basic library terminology
Modern office procedures and methods
Basic mathematical principles

Ability to:

Learn library practices and procedures, and the location of materials in the libraries
Assist the public tactfully and courteously
Learn to operate computerized bibliographic, periodical, and circulation systems
Perform a variety of library technical and clerical work with speed and accuracy
Communicate clearly and concisely in English, both orally and in writing
Understand and carry out both oral and written instructions
Establish and maintain courteous and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Work accurately with numbers and the alphabet
Manage multiple tasks
Recognize and resolve basic problems and exercise good judgment, particularly in stressful situations
Work in a team based environment and achieve common goals
Type accurately at a speed of 25 wpm

Supervision Received

Works under the immediate supervision of the Library Circulation Supervisor, , Library Program Coordinator, or other supervisor as assigned.

Supervision Exercised

May assist in the training of Library Pages.

Other Requirements

Must be able to lift and carry library materials and equipment, stoop, reach, walk up and down stairs, and stand and sit for prolonged periods of time.
Must be able to lift and carry library materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs
Must be able to perform all the essential functions of the job assignment

Special Conditions

May be required to work evenings and weekends.

Approved, September 2003