Library Assistant I​/II: Circulation & Customer Service

Library Assistant I/II – Circulation & Customer Service

Are you an excellent communicator who consistently offers a high level of customer service? Would you enjoy working as a primary representative in serving the public? Are you skilled in data entry and attuned to detail? If you are flexible, adaptable, have great interpersonal skills, and thrive on collaboration, please consider joining the dedicated team of professionals at the Humboldt County Library.

This position is located at the Eureka Library, 1313 3rd Street, Eureka, CA.

Tues‑Sat, 8am to 5pm with a one‑hour lunch. The schedule may include some evenings.

• Assist patrons with locating and checking items out.
• Resolve account issues.
• Set up the circulation desk, prepare cash drawers, and close the building at the end of the night.
• Create library accounts for new patrons and update information for existing patrons.
• Answer circulation related questions in person and through email.
• Compile statistics and report data.
• Participate in department‑wide committees.
• Locate materials for patrons, verify bibliographic information, and obtain materials from County or other local library systems.
• Set up circulation desk for daily activities; prepare cash drawer and desk supplies; verify access to databases.
• Check library books and materials in and out using the computer or manual system; explain circulation policies.
• Register and issue library cards to patrons; check patron status and enter information into the database.
• Calculate and collect fines and other charges for overdue, lost or damaged books; clear patron records; record and balance daily receipts.
• Assist library professional staff and refer difficult or unusual problems to supervision.
• Respond to basic patron requests for information and provide reference information as possible.
• Contact patrons regarding overdue items and process incoming reserves.
• Receive returned books, review due dates, examine items for damage, and sort for return or shipment.
• Unpack, sort, and distribute daily book shipments; process materials for circulation including tagging and bar coding.
• Operate the computer to access, input, edit, or remove bibliographic and other information from the database; design and print labels.
• Perform office support work such as answering phones, maintaining files, and operating standard office equipment.
• Maintain records and files related to library services activities; prepare periodic reports.
• May direct the work of lower level or volunteer staff.
• May evaluate books for mending potential and determine if damaged books should be sent for re‑binding.
• May repair or replace cut or torn pages, rebuild jackets, and use laminates to strengthen bindings.
• May assist in assigned special projects and services.

• General public library services, organization and functions.
• Books, authors and general reference sources.
• Basic business data processing applications used in library support.
• Basic public desk etiquette and methods of providing information.
• Business arithmetic, including percentages and decimals.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including the use of office equipment.

• Interpreting and applying library procedures and policies.
• Accurate arithmetic computations for fees and cash balances.
• Sound independent judgment within guidelines.
• Directing and instructing part‑time and volunteer staff.
• Operating standard office equipment and software.
• Performing office support work, including keyboarding and filing.
• Following oral and written directions.
• Tactfully and effectively dealing with patrons, staff, and the public.

• Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as required.

One year of experience in basic library support, public information, or office support work.

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.