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County of Alpine Adopted 05/07/02 Revised: 01/05/16 Revised: 4/4/2017 LIBRARY ASSISTANT I / II DEFINITION Under general supervision, to perform a variety of library clerical and technical work; and to perform related duties as assigned. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS Library Assistant I: This is the entry-level classification in the Library Assistant series. Incumbents perform the more routine duties and work under close supervision. Library Assistant I is normally a trainee position; incumbents advance to Library Assistant II as the difficulty and complexity of their duties increase. Library Assistant II: This is the journey-level classification in the Library Assistant series. Incumbents are expected to perform a wide variety of library clerical and technical duties with only occasional instruction or assistance. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES – Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Performs circulation work, including checking materials in and out of the Library, maintaining circulation statistics, processing returned materials and preparing them for reshelving. Processes billings related to lost materials and overdue books; accepts and receives payments for overdue or lost materials and maintains related records. Sorts books, cards and related materials according to alphabetical, numerical and categorical systems. Collects, stacks, shelves and reshelves library materials. Maintains and monitors periodical subscription services; checks materials into the library; processes claims for lost or missing materials; reorders materials annually. Processes library card applications and issues library cards; maintains records of current patron information. 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. Reserves library materials and notifies patrons of their availability. ---PAGE BREAK--- Library Assistant I / II Page 2 Initiates and processes inter-library loan requests. Processes new library materials by affixing identification to books and other library materials. Performs various tasks related to the selection, ordering, distribution and use of books and other materials in area(s) of specialization; reviews and recommends the acquisition of new materials for the Library’s collection; weeds out-dated materials from the collection. May prepare book reviews for in-house publication and develop lists of recommended books. Catalogs books and materials as assigned. Monitors the condition of books and materials and performs necessary binding and repairs. Prepares special book displays. Drives the bookmobile to schools and outlying areas; provides related services to bookmobile patrons, such as answering questions, checking books in and out, collecting fines and reserving books. Prepares and conducts children’s programs, including story times, reading incentive programs, arts and crafts classes, and other special programs and events; makes arrangements for special guests and author visits. As assigned, may assist the Director in the acquisition, maintenance and management of County archives, performing such duties as processing new acquisitions, determining conservation / preservation needs, maintaining donor records, properly storing items, retrieving and/or assisting researchers in locating requested materials, assisting with photocopying items, providing staff assistance to the Historical Records Commission, and preparing related reports and correspondence. May supervise the work of Library volunteers and hourly employees. Prepares a variety of reports, statistical summaries and correspondence related to assigned functions. Operates and assists in maintaining a variety of standard office and library equipment. Assists in maintaining a pleasant and orderly atmosphere in library public and work areas. ---PAGE BREAK--- Library Assistant I / II Page 3 Receives and responds to public inquiries, requests for assistance and complaints regarding department activities. Performs general clerical duties as required, including but not limited to attending meetings, preparing reports, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, sending and receiving faxes, answering the telephone, ordering supplies, etc. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Library Assistant I: Basic functions and operations of a public library. Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation and vocabulary. Modern office practices and technology, including records maintenance and the use of computers for word and data processing. Basic arithmetic. Report and letter writing techniques. Library Assistant II: (In addition to the above requirements) Pertinent County and library policies, procedures and standards. Library terminology and standard library practices. Principles and procedures of collection development and processing library materials. Library reference, circulation and inter-library loan procedures. Alphabetical, numerical and topical filing systems. Research methods and resources. Structure and use of the Dewey Decimal classification system. Archival techniques, and federal / state law governing the preservation of county records. ---PAGE BREAK--- Library Assistant I / II Page 4 Computer technology as it applies to library operations. The use of the Internet for employee / patron research and reference assistance, including various laws, regulations and guidelines governing appropriate Internet access and filtering. Basics of leadership and training. Public / community relations techniques. Ability to: Library Assistant I: Learn, understand, interpret, explain and apply County and library policies, procedures and standards. Provide assistance to library patrons. Understand and follow verbal and written instructions. Sort and organize materials in alphabetical, numerical and topical order. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Prepare routine reports with accuracy and in a timely manner. Competently operate a computer to routinely access local files and the Internet. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work. Type or word process accurately at a rate sufficient to ensure successful job performance. Deal tactfully and effectively with library patrons of various ages, educational and cultural backgrounds. Maintain a positive public image of department programs and services through contact with the general public. Safely operate basic office equipment. Perform required mathematical computations accurately. ---PAGE BREAK--- Library Assistant I / II Page 5 Library Assistant II: (In addition to the above requirements) Understand, interpret, explain and apply County and library policies, procedures and standards. Provide basic supervision and training as assigned. Use initiative and sound, independent judgment within established guidelines. Locate, sort and arrange materials according to the Dewey Decimal classification and other specialized library index systems. Perform library circulation and reference work independently and effectively. Perform a variety of archival assignments. Assist others in conducting research and collecting information regarding a variety of subjects. Plan and conduct library programs in area(s) of specialty, including children’s programming. Maintain records and prepare statistical reports. Education: Library Assistant I: High school diploma or GED equivalent. Library Assistant II: High School diploma or GED equivalent supplemented by clerical and specializedcollege level courses in library science or a related field Experience: A Masters of Library and Information Science degree may be substituted for experience requirements in both classifications. Library Assistant I: Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: One year of general office assistance work experience or completion of office skills training courses. Library Assistant II: ---PAGE BREAK--- Library Assistant I / II Page 6 Two years of technical and clerical library experience Other Requirements: (for both levels) Possession of a valid driver’s license. TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Requires the ability to sit at desk and intermittently walk, stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and reach while performing office and library duties; drive and operate a library bookmobile; lift and/or move up to 15 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds occasionally; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools and controls. Must be able to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading and writing, and operating office equipment and hand tools. Must be able to use a telephone to communicate verbally and a keyboard to communicate through written means, to review information and enter/retrieve data, to see and read characters on a computer screen.