Library Assistant III - Adult & Information Services Job at City of Seminole, FL

Salary: $16.73 - $25.10 Hourly
Location : Seminole Community Library, FL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202400038
Department: Library
Opening Date: 02/13/2025

Description

Paraprofessional library position, which involves performing various administrative, clerical, technical, or skilled tasks in one or more divisions of the library. Duties involve a variety of tasks which are performed in accordance with established Library policies, procedures, and practices, but which require the application of independent judgment, creative thinking and clerical knowledge. Serves as the Library's in-charge staff member in the absence of senior staff. During occasions of local emergencies, this position shall be required to perform emergency tasks which may result in extended work hours as well as extended periods of time away from family members.
Examples of Duties

Essential Position Functions:

• Greets and interacts with the public in a courteous and professional manner, both in person and on the telephone, and answers questions and provides information as appropriate.
• Acts as the Person-In-Charge, overseeing the operation of the Library in the absence of senior staff in responding to emergency situations. Ensures smooth library operations, makes decisions as needed, and addresses any issues that arise, demonstrating leadership and accountability.
• Learns and applies a variety of book repair techniques, using tools and materials in accordance with Library standards.
• Processes new library materials for circulation, including applying protective coverings, adding labels, stickers, and stamps, and preparing items according to library standards. Demonstrates a willingness to learn and adapt to various processing techniques to ensure materials are properly prepared for patron use.
• Assists with inter-library loan services.
• Prepares, maintains, and submits statistics as directed.
• Responds to reference and reader advisory inquiries.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the library collection, including basic reference and electronic resources.
• Conducts tours, assists with program rooms, or programs, as needed.
• Circulates and shelves St. Petersburg College materials.
• Shelves returned books and other materials; reads shelves and checks for missing books.
• Prints out holds list and retrieves requested materials from the shelves, ensuring they are promptly prepared for patrons to pick up.
• Attends PPLC SIG meetings as directed.
• Attends continuing education trainings as directed.
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of all city, departmental/divisional policies and procedures.
• Maintains effective communications with staff and the general public.
• Performs routine maintenance and troubleshoots copiers and other equipment as needed.
• Respond to reference and reader advisory inquiries
• Assist with inter-library loan materials, including record-keeping and making requests/holds online
• Perform emergency tasks during local emergencies, which may include extended work hours and periods away from family members.
• Unlocking and locking program rooms as needed, assuring rooms are prepared for use regarding availability of equipment, and placement of movable walls.
• Greet the public courteously in person and on the telephone, providing information and assistance as appropriate.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the library collection, including basic reference and electronic resources.
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of departmental/divisional policies and the City's Personnel Policies and Procedures.
• Covers the service desk in other library Divisions as directed by the Supervisor.
• Performs other duties consistent with assigned Division responsibilities at the direction of the supervisor.

Division-Specific Position Functions:

Adult & Information Services Division:

• Oversee the efficient operation of the AIS Division in the absence of senior Division members, demonstrating leadership and accountability.
• Assists in preparation for opening and closing of the Division depending on assigned work schedule.
• Assists patrons with copying and printing.
• Assists patrons with public computers.
• Compiles bibliographies on selected topics at the direction of the Supervisor.
• Retrieves and processes periodicals and newspapers in a timely manner, property-stamping and filing them according to designation.
• Assists with, develops, and executes library programs and events as assigned. Plans and facilitates activities that engage diverse audiences, ensuring programs align with library goals and community interests. Handles all aspects of program execution, including setup, presentation, and cleanup, while providing excellent service to participants.
• Assigns patrons to study rooms and monitors their usage, ensuring fair access for all. Utilizes good judgment in managing room assignments, including the need to bump patrons when necessary. Handles conflicts or disputes with tact and professionalism, maintaining a positive and equitable environment.
• Instructs patrons in the use of the online computer catalog and other linked databases, such as online computer catalogs of other libraries, magazine article databases, electronic encyclopedias, and other sources.
• Answers reference questions in person and by telephone by identifying and retrieving correct information and appropriate sources.
• Utilizes the Library print and electronic sources to retrieve information for patrons and instructs them in the use of various print and electronic reference aids; escorts patrons to areas of the Library and assists them in retrieving the requested materials.
• Provides technical assistance to patrons and staff in the use of digital devices, including troubleshooting issues related to hardware, software, and connectivity.
• Provides instruction and assistance to patrons and staff in the use of Library equipment, ensuring efficient and effective operation.
• Utilizes cloud storage services to efficiently store, edit, and share work-related documents and files. Collaborates with colleagues by managing access and permissions, ensuring seamless communication and document sharing across the team.
• Guides patrons in uploading, downloading, and managing files across multiple platforms and devices.
• Assists in the use of online services such as eBooks, digital audiobooks, and library databases, ensuring patrons can effectively navigate and utilize these resources.

Circulation Division:
Circulation Division Section Management:

• Oversee the operation of the Circulation Division in the absence of the Circulation Supervisor.
• Address questions or problems from patrons, college students, faculty, staff, and other Library users that cannot be resolved by a Library Assistant I or Library Assistant II.
• Assists in preparation for opening and closing of Library depending on assigned work schedule including balancing the cash register at the close of business and following established procedures; opens library doors in the morning.

Patron Assistance:

• Register patrons and verify addresses, type notices, and handle re-registration for patrons with expired, lost, or damaged cards.
• Assist patrons with checking in and out of circulating materials.

Administrative and Clerical Tasks:

• Set and distribute work schedules for Circulation Section staff.
• Assist the Circulation Supervisor in recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers and temporary help.
• Handle blocked accounts, including assessing fines for damaged and lost materials.
• Compile, maintain, and report statistics as directed.
• Prepare various reports, correspondence, and documents.

Customer Service:

• Stock circulation desk and lobby kiosk with informational materials.
• Ensure the proper handling and shelving of returned materials.

Other Duties:

• Train new employees in the Circulation Division as assigned by the Circulation Supervisor.
• Attend staff meetings, PPLC Circulation SIG meetings, and other relevant workshops and training opportunities.
• Strive to maximize effective and diplomatic communications within the library and with the general public.
• Perform technical tasks requiring special skills, knowledge, or training such as material repair.
• In the absence of the Circulation Supervisor, schedule and supervise Circulation Staff and volunteers and handle problems that arise

Qualifications

Required Skills/Abilities:
Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma. Minimum of two (2) years related library experience. Proficient in the use of personal computer systems. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions. Ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, in a clear and courteous manner to the public and other staff members. Ability to work varying daily work schedules.

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations:
Possession of a valid Florida Driver's License.

Physical Requirements:
May require lifting and carrying books and other Library materials weighing up to approximately twenty-five (25) pounds. Ability to set up program rooms for library programs, including, but not limited to setting up tables, chairs, and operating the movable walls.

Working Conditions:
Performs professional and administrative work in an office environment and within the Library facility.
Supplemental Information

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable fully qualified applicants with disabilities to perform these essential functions. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
At the City of Seminole, we recognize that your employee benefits are an important part of your total compensation package. We value our employees, and our competitive benefit packages show our commitment to attracting and retaining the very best talent. This summary is designed to give you a quick overview of our benefits package.

• Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• Voluntary Benefits through AFLAC
• Paid Vacation Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Holiday Leave
• Deferred Compensation Plans
• Longevity Bonus
• Educational Reimbursement
• Educational Incentive Pay
• Florida Retirement System - Pension or Investment Plan
• Use of Seminole Recreation Center
• Employee Assistance Program