Assistant Librarian

SUMMARY OR GENERAL PURPOSE:

Supports the successful operation of the library by providing excellent customer service at the library’s service points; delivering reference and information services to customers of all ages; assisting in the planning  and implementation of  programs that promote literacy skills and life long learning; supporting reader’s services; and assisting  in the development and maintenance of the library’s collections.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:The following duties are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive: 

• Provides excellent customer service and maintains a courteous, positive image of the library when interacting with customers and staff; works at library service points providing information, reference services, and reader’s advisory services; answers questions regarding library policies, procedures, and records; and maintains customer and staff confidentiality.
• Assists in the creation, promotion and presentation of library programs, both in the library and through outreach activities; may coordinate with individuals and community organizations to plan and schedule special programs and services; maintains and reports accurate records of programs and services provided.
• Helps to evaluate, recommend, and select materials for the library’s collections; helps to maintain collections through weeding and rotation of materials.
• Helps customers with the use of library equipment and resources, including computers, e-readers, the online catalog, automated reference tools, the Internet, databases, printers, scanners and new technologies.
• Keeps informed of library information and changes via electronic and written communication and attendance at staff meetings.
• Completes special projects as assigned, in a timely manner.
• May coordinate and direct volunteers.
• Keeps current on library trends and technology.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Work performed under the supervision of the assigned Librarian I, II, or III.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: May supervise volunteers on assigned shifts or specific projects.

QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE:  Knowledge of basic library functions and procedures; library principles and trends; familiarity with basic reference tools and philosophy; computer operations and information retrieval processes; collection development principles, and reader’s advisory tools.

SKILL: Proficiency in the operation of equipment necessary to perform the functions of the job; excellent customer service skills and strong computer skills.

ABILITY:  Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; plan and perform assignments with initiative and judgment under minimal supervision; think and act appropriately under pressure and work effectively in a team setting.  Some positions require bilingual abilities.

Mental:  Alertness, precision, resourcefulness, flexibility, tact, ingenuity, problem solving, spatial perception, auditory discrimination, speaking, memory, concentration, judgment, writing, reasoning, initiative, patience, visual discrimination, persuasiveness.  An aesthetic sense, writing ability, and imagination.

EVIDENCE OF QUALIFICATIONS:

TRAINING: Some college required

EXPERIENCE:  One (1) year work experience in public library services or any equivalent combination of training and experience in customer service that provides evidence that the applicant possesses the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

A positive, forward thinking attitude and a willingness to take calculated risks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is performed indoors in a standard office environment or in community settings (schools, parks, etc.)  Confidentiality is required.  Job entails typing and/or word processing, requiring repetitive motion and sitting, as well as long periods of standing and walking.  Requires sufficient visual and auditory acuity to perform duties.  Also requires bending, stooping, reaching, ability to reach high and low shelves.  Requires lifting and carrying of books, chairs, equipment, weighing up to 30 pounds.

INDEPENDENCE OF ACTION:

Work is performed within authorized limits prescribed by the supervisor and/or policy; exercises independent judgment in selecting and interpreting information, handling deviations from standard methods and resolving problems.  Finished work is reviewed for attainment of objectives and adherence to deadlines.  Supervisor is available to assist in solving problems.

EQUIPMENT USED:

The ability to properly operate or use the following equipment is necessary for this position:  telephone, computer and associated software, scanners, fax machine, photocopy machines, various audio-visual equipment, calculators, books, magazines and pamphlets.