Library Assistant Job Description

Reports To: Library Director or Assistant Director

Job Summary
The Library Assistant works in cooperation with staff to provide high quality services to the public.

Hours: Tuesdays 10:00am-2:00pm, Thursdays  4:30pm-8:30pm, every 3^rd Saturday  9:00am-2:00pm, occasional additional hours when needed

Qualifications:

• High school graduate or equivalent minimum; library experience preferred.
• Positive interpersonal skills, communication skills, and the ability to provide excellent customer service.

Ability to:

• Operate office equipment such as computers and multifunctional copier/printer/fax/digital scanner.
• Use and assist others in using office computer software such as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Interact positively with patrons of all ages in a variety of situations.
• Perform mathematical calculations with accuracy.
• Understand and maintain current knowledge of library terminology, policies, and regulations.
• Meet physical demands including bending and reaching; climbing on step-stool; pushing loaded book cart; occasionally lifting up to 30 lbs.

Principle Responsibilities and Duties

• Assumes responsibility of daily library operations in absence of Director and/or Assistant Library Director and oversees appropriate use of the facility.
• Performs full range of circulation desk duties such as issuing library cards, checking materials in and out, reserving materials, collecting fees, answering the phone, and explaining policies and procedures.
• Assists patrons in the use of library materials, computers, and equipment.
• Responds to requests for information, referring inquires to others when appropriate.
• Helps prepare new materials for circulation.
• Helps manage the library collection by reshelving, inspecting, cleaning, repairing, weeding, and maintaining organization of materials.
• Recommends purchases based on reader’s interests and requests.
• Performs all duties required for Interlibrary Loan service including ordering, sending, and receiving materials, maintaining required records, and notifying patrons.
• Assists with library programs, displays, and other public relations activities.
• Assists in supervision and training of volunteers.
• Provides reader’s advisory services to patrons of all ages.
• Performs special duties as assigned.

In order to perform these duties effectively and in a manner consistent with the library’s commitment to high quality public service, the employee must possess, and will be expected to consistently exhibit, the qualities and capabilities included as General Performance Requirements.

General Performance Requirements:

• Competence: The ability to learn various job functions (including those that require computer competence) and to perform them correctly and completely.
• Productivity: The ability to function efficiently and purposefully so as to produce the expected volume of useful work in a timely manner.
• Initiative: The capacity to view your duties broadly rather than narrowly, to be a “selfstarter,” to anticipate problems or needs and be resourceful in handling them, to step forward to address issues without being specifically directed to do so, and to take responsibility for thorough and effective follow-through.
• Commitment: Dedication and a sense of responsibility to your co-workers and the library as well as to the job. Consistently fulfill your work schedule, exhibit good work habits, meet deadlines, and give extra of yourself when necessary.
• Judgment:  The ability to make appropriate decisions given both the situation at hand and your position at the library, to exercise discretion where needed, and to establish priorities correctly when performing your duties.
• Teamwork: The capacity to interact effectively with co-workers for the common good of the staff and the library. A cooperative, non-competitive spirit, supportiveness, courtesy, and respect for the feelings, circumstances, and perspectives of others all contribute to teamwork and staff cohesiveness. An ability to adapt to change and a willingness to accept direction and constructive criticism from a supervisor are also needed.
• Effective Public Service and Interpersonal Contact: This is dependent on attitude, demeanor, and appearance as well as on specific skills. Responsiveness, courtesy, helpfulness, the ability to speak and write clearly and grammatically, a neat personal appearance, and an orderly work space enhance customer satisfaction and project a positive image of the library with the public.
• Leadership: The willingness and the ability to assume responsibility. Effective leaders exhibit creative problem solving skills and the ability to grow and develop in times of change.

This job description is not, nor is it intended to be, a complete statement of all duties, functions and responsibilities which comprise this position.