Library Assistant - Support Services

Library Assistant

The purpose of the class is to provide basic library services. The class is responsible for assisting patrons with basic questions, general library services, checking out and checking in library materials, issuing library cards, collecting fees and fines, assisting with library projects, and specialized functions including assistance in materials processing. The class works within a general outline of work to be performed;

develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

Essential Job Functions:

• Greets patrons and follows good customer service practices at all time.
• Operates library computers for data entry and information retrieval. Copies, transcribes, enters, or posts data or information.
• Performs routine circulation desk duties, including but not limited to:
  Checking in and checking out library materials; issuing library cards; collecting library fines and fees; assisting patrons as necessary with renewing material and placing items on hold.
• Checks, cleans and re-shelves library materials.
• Exercises good customer service telephone etiquette by answering general library circulation questions for patrons on the phone, directing callers to the appropriate extension, and calling patrons to advise of items received at their request.
• Practices patron confidentiality in all transactions with the public.
• Trains and assists Library Assistants and Library Pages in shelving books, reading shelves, processing library materials, and other routine library tasks.
• Pulls and processes library material placed on hold for patrons and other county libraries.
• Prepares, receives, and tracks as necessary, daily courier transit shipments between county libraries.
• Assists patrons with general library information (hours of operation, location of programs & meetings, etc.), and locating materials on shelves. Directs patrons to the appropriate staff for other research and reference needs.
• May perform related tasks such as troubleshooting computer problems, working with vendors, material repair needs, and assisting with library projects as needed.
• May assist in maintaining the library database through copy cataloging, editing and deleting bibliographic and holding records.
• May receive, process, and maintain all library materials, including books, nonprint periodicals and standing orders.
• May receive and process invoices for library materials as received.
• May perform clerical duties such as compiling and maintaining all files relating to orders for library materials, copying, and the receiving and distribution of mail, supply orders, etc.
• Performs specialized library functions such as programs, when trained and so assigned.
• Handles or uses machines or equipment that requires moderate instruction and experience such as scanners, computers, copiers, printers and software programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases or custom library applications.
• Guides others, making frequent decisions, affecting the individual, coworkers, library patrons, and others that depend on the service or product.

Minimum Requirements:

• Requires a high school diploma or GED. Requires at least six (6) months of experience in a library or a similar position in customer service in a professional setting.
• Requires computer literacy and strong oral and written communication skills.
• Performs semi-routine work solving occasional problems.
• The ability to perform addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, and calculate ratios, rates and percentages; to read routine sentences, instructions, regulations, procedures, or work orders; to write routine sentences and complete routine job forms and incident reports.
• Performs clerical and manual tasks prescribed by standard practices but which may require attention to detail, computation, the use of several procedures, and the use of independent judgment with obvious choices; requires normal attention for accurate results. Must be able to work evenings and some Saturdays.
• Requires a valid State of Florida Driver's License and satisfactory driving record as a condition of initial and continued employment.

Benefits:

• Dental Insurance: Dental Insurance is effective after 90 days of employment. Employees may elect a PPO or HMO plan. Provider is Mutual of Omaha.
• Vision Insurance: Vision Insurance is effective after 90 days of employment. Provider is Mutual of Omaha.
• Bereavement Leave: 24 hours of leave with pay.
• Holidays: 11 paid holidays.