Library Assistant II

Job Description

Library Assistant II (528)

Education and Experience

Minimum Requirements:

Completion of sixty (60) semester units or ninety (90) quarter units from an accredited college or university; and
Two (2) years of recent full-time paraprofessional library experience. 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.
Completion of an Associate of Arts degree in Library Technology may substitute for the required education plus one (1) year of the required experience.

License

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

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Library Assistant II is the full journey level paraprofessional classification in the Library Assistant series. This classification performs paraprofessional library work of moderate difficulty and may supervise the work of one or more Library Pages. This class is distinguished from the Senior Library Assistant in that the latter is responsible for the supervision and direction of a work unit comprised of paraprofessional, clerical and/or page staff.

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 general 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; refers more difficult reference questions to appropriate professional library staff
Uses personal computers and other library equipment to enter, edit, and maintain bibliographic, periodical, reserve, and patron record information in an online database, catalog and other files
Performs copy cataloging and classification of library materials
Sorts and distributes incoming mail and deliveries and prepares materials for mailing
May prepare and maintain displays and exhibits
Compiles data and prepares summary activity reports, including circulation and other statistics
Assesses damaged materials and creates charges in computer system
Processes interlibrary loans, reserves, or periodicals
Assigns routine tasks and provides instruction to Library Pages and Library Assistant I's
May provide basic reference and reader's advisory services
Assists in selecting, ordering and receiving library materials
Assists in developing procedures, publicity, and other written documents
Solves complex problems involving procedures, staff, and patrons
May coordinate volunteer program
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
Computerized bibliographical and circulation system database fundamentals and rules for entering data
Principles and practices of technical library work, including bibliographic search procedures and the rules for cataloging and classification of library materials
General library practices, procedures, and policies
Principles and practices of team building

Ability to:

Assist the public tactfully and courteously
Learn to operate computerized bibliographic, periodical and circulation equipment
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
Recognize and resolve basic problems and exercise good judgment, particularly in stressful situations
Monitor, coordinate, and train assigned staff
Work independently
Work in a team based environment and achieve common goals
Facilitate the productivity of a group
Type accurately at a speed of 25 wpm

Supervision Received

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

Supervision Exercised

May provide supervision over Library Pages. Acts as lead person in absence of senior staff.

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