Library Assistant

Job Summary: This is a non-Librarian position providing direct service to the public and coordinating educational programs, reading programs, and other special services with community partners to enhance the lives of and promote reading to library customers. Performs a variety of routine clerical and manual work in circulating and processing library materials and providing services to library patrons.

Essential Job Functions

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential duties:

1. Schedule, plan, conduct, and publicize library activities and programs.
2. Provide reference and reader's advisory services in a courteous manner. Provide information and direction in person and by telephone to assist customers in selecting and finding materials.
3. Maintain a regular desk schedule in the main office/circulation area.
4. Prepare promotional materials.
5. Provide library tours and orientation.
6. Prepare professional quality documents and reports for planning and statistical purposes in a timely manner. Also prepare weekly, monthly, and annual reports for the library director.
7. Organize attractive book displays and maintain the library as an inviting place that attracts users and encourages reading.
8. Assist in weeding the material.
9. Assist in near-term and long-term planning.
10. Assist patrons in locating and obtaining materials.
11. Read shelves to keep inventory in order.
12. Register new patrons and record information in database.
13. Demonstrate on-line catalog and databases used in library to patrons.
14. Check in and out library materials such as books, videos, and magazines.
15. Inspect returned books for damage.
16. Repair damaged books as needed.
17. Process and cover new material.
18. Sort and shelf material.
19. Understand library policies and procedures.
20. Answer telephone and reference questions or refer to another member of staff.
21. Use office equipment such as copier, fax, laminator, printers, and calculators.
22. Operate computers with Windows applications including Publisher and Excel.
23. Process overdue charges and fines.
24. Assist in maintaining library facilities by vacuuming and dusting, picking up toys, emptying waste containers, emptying book drop, straightening books, chairs, shelves, papers, and magazines.
25. Attend staff meetings.
26. Accept other duties given by the director.

Minimum Education Requirements

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent. Some college and library experience preferred. Any equivalent combination of education and experience or library certification may be considered.

Essential Functions, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for Employment

An employee in this position must have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities upon application:

Knowledge

• Some knowledge of library circulation or processing techniques.
• Working knowledge of library classification systems.
• Working knowledge of basic office procedures.

Skills

• Basic computer operating skills.
• Basic skill in operating Library computer system.
• Efficient operation of copier, calculator, fax machine and telephone system.

Abilities

• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Be a good steward and make decisions in an environment of limited resources.
• Must be able to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships and attitudes with patrons, Director, co-workers, and the public.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move 25 pounds up to 50 pounds. Bending, stretching, and constantly up and down are necessary movements for this job. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Other Requirements

Must be able to read and write the English language. Must be able to verbally communicate to exchange information.