Library Assistant V-Annex Assistant Job at Palos Verdes Library in Palos Verdes

Job Description
The Palos Verdes Library District is a public library system that operates three vibrant libraries serving the 68,000 residents of the four cities on the beautiful Palos Verdes Peninsula. We collaborate with our community to create inclusive environments for learning and inspiration, and to share the unique history of the Peninsula. The Palos Verdes Library District's role as the community's center for discovery, lifelong learning, and personal enrichment for all is supported by a strong emphasis on community engagement and a robust network of community partners. As an Independent Special District, the District's $12 million budget is funded primarily by a dedicated allocation of local property taxes, and is governed by a publicly elected Board of Library Trustees.

The Position:

The Annex is a branch of the Palos Verdes Library District solely dedicated to providing teens in grades 6-12 with a safe, positive, fun space to read, do homework, and engage in a variety of multimedia activities. It is a favorite local hangout used daily by energetic teens with many diverse interests and talents.

The Peninsula Center Library's Teen Corner is another favorite hang out, designed for study and socializing in the main library. If you are passionate about youth development and love to connect with people, we want you on our team!

The Library Assistant V - Annex Assistant supervises middle and high school students in the Peninsula Center Library Teen Corner and at the Annex. The Library Assistant V - Annex Assistant provides a welcoming, supportive environment to all teens in middle and high school. They work independently to resolve customer issues, interpret library policies, and address behavior as it relates to the libraries' code of conduct. They may perform basic reference and readers' advisory service and assist with the design and implementation of teen library programs. They may also perform circulation and customer service tasks, such as checking materials in and out. The Library Assistant V is also part of a team responsible for the opening and closing procedures and daily operation of the teen Annex.

The ideal Candidate should exhibit a strong service orientation and a demonstrated dedication to quality customer service in a diverse community. They should also have a thorough understanding and passion for youth/teen services and their role in shaping the patron/teen experience. In addition, the successful candidate should be flexible in their availability to work. Successful candidates must be available to work Monday-Friday from 3-7 pm during the school year and from 1-5 pm Monday through Friday during the summer.

This posting will close at 5:00 p.m. on December 31, 2024. Applications will only be accepted online through our applicant tracking system. Applicants are urged to apply early to ensure you have time to resolve any technical issues you may encounter.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provides a high level of customer service to all, especially middle and high school age patrons.
• Supervises middle and high school students in the Peninsula Center Library Teen Corner and the Annex.
• Is responsible for opening and closing procedures of the Annex.
• Answer telephone calls and emails and provide assistance by investigating and resolving disputed patron accounts, answering mid-level reference questions or referring patrons to other library staff as appropriate.
• Assist patrons with the operation of copy machines and provide basic technology and computer help including issuing refunds and performing minor or routine maintenance.
• Ensure work areas, shelving areas, and library premises are clean, safe, and in good working order including ordering supplies and spot-checking items for repair.
• Perform daily opening and closing procedures including locking/ unlocking Annex space.
• Provide general clerical support, including preparation and maintenance of lists, data entry or clean-up, search reports, flyers, and other documents, and statistical and data reports.
• Communicate issues, challenges and updates regularly to the YA Librarian III or YR Manager.
• Assist in developing and implementing library programs including conducting classes, clubs, and special events at the Annex.
• Process daily deliveries including receiving, checking, routing and distributing incoming internal and external documents, items, materials and supplies.
• Collect, sort, and shelve all library materials using different filing systems; maintains placement of materials, cleanliness and orderliness of shelves, and shifts library material by relocating items as required.
• Search for and process new books & materials, hold requests, claim returns, transit, missing or lost materials utilizing reports.
• Spot-check books and materials for needed repair and identify worn or damaged items for withdrawal or replacement.
• Provide lead direction, training, and work review for volunteers.
• May assist librarians with programming, displays, and outreach.
• Required to work at any PVLD branch when assigned, including working split shifts at different branches and may be responsible for operation of a satellite library location or branch in the absence of higher-level staff.
• Participate in District wide training for new equipment and technology.

View the full job description

Experience and Skills
QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public, volunteers, vendors, contractors, and District staff, in person, and over the telephone.
• Teen social, emotional, mental, and physical development.
• Alphabetic and numeric systems for classifying and organizing library materials.
• Standard library practices and procedures including circulation.
• Applications of automated library circulation systems.
• Basic record keeping principles and procedures.
• Basic principles and practices of data collection and report preparation.
• Basic arithmetic principles and cash handling.
• Principles, practices, and techniques of effectively dealing with the public and public relations.

Ability to:

• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Accurately sort and organize library materials using alphabetical or numerical classification systems.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Retrieve, shelve and relocate library materials

• Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records.
• Access, retrieve, enter, and update information using a computer terminal.
• Organize own work and set priorities within procedural guidelines.
• Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment and copy machines.

EDUCATION, LICENSE AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to an Associate's degree in library sciences, humanities, liberal arts, business or public administration, or related field, and one (1) year of experience in library services.

Desirable Qualifications:

• A four-year degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience with middle or high school students.

Note: The candidate selected for this position must be able to provide educational verification in the form of an official transcript of his or her highest degree. The District must receive the transcript directly from the institution.

Physical Demands

Must be able to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Must possess the ability to retrieve, process, and store library materials as well as enter and retrieve data using a computer. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach, as well as push and pull heavy book carts of up to 100 pounds and to retrieve and store materials. Positions in this classification frequently lift and carry library materials that typically weigh less than 50 pounds.

Environmental Elements

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Occasionally, incumbents may have to visit other branch libraries or perform job duties outdoors and may be exposed to inclement weather conditions and hot and cold temperatures. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or patrons in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Working Conditions

Required to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Selection Process

This posting will close at 5:00 PM on December 31, 2024.

Applications will only be accepted online through our applicant tracking system

Please submit your resume with your application and answer all supplemental questions.

Any further questions can be directed to PVLD's Human Resources at (310) 377-9584 ext. 248

THE PALOS VERDES LIBRARY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER