Library Associate

Description And Essential Functions

To lead and perform a wide variety of complex customer service and library duties in a public library setting; to assist Library guests in making effective use of the Library's resources, collections and programs; to provide technical training to guests and staff as needed; and to perform related duties as assigned.

To lead and perform a wide variety of complex customer service and library duties in a public library setting; to assist Library guests in making effective use of the Library's resources, collections and programs; to provide technical training to guests and staff as needed; and to perform related duties as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: greet guests and provide directional assistance; explain library circulation policies and procedures to patrons, and assist them with check out, computer, printer, or other equipment problems; check patron status to verify registration information; issue library cards; calculate and collect fines and other charges for overdue, lost or damaged books or audio/visual materials;
  
  contact patrons regarding overdue items, books and materials that are received; respond to patrons request for information and materials; assist guests with basic reference questions as needed; refer more difficult reference to appropriate professional staff members; assist library guests with utilizing public access computers effectively including registering, reserving, printing, and accessing data and office applications; check library books and materials in and out using a computerized on-line system;
  
  assist and advise guests in the use of library equipment and resources; set up circulation desk for daily activities; prepare cash drawer and desk supplies; record, balance, and verify daily receipts; maintain records and files related to library service activities and projects; prepare a variety of periodic and special library processing and statistical reports; receive, verify and release materials for on-line reserve requests;
  
  unpack, check, and sort daily book shipments and distribute as indicated; train library aides, volunteers, and less experienced staff as needed; receive returned books and materials, review due dates and examine items for damages; sort returned materials for return to local shelves or for shipment to other library locations; operate standard office equipment and perform general clerical and typing work;
  
  order supplies; conduct story hours and assist with guest library programs; perform reader's advisory assistance to guests using local materials, online resources, and other appropriate tools; review materials and recommend additions and deletions to collections, withdraw materials as needed per established guidelines; organize work, set priorities, and follow up to ensure coordination and completion of assigned work; refer difficult or unusual problems to appropriate supervisory and/or professional staff members;
  
  build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer services; and perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

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

• Bachelor's degree (120 units) from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Liberal Arts, Library Information Systems, or related field; AND at least one (1) year of full-time paraprofessional library experience or two (2) years of increasingly responsible full-time customer public service experience; OR
• Associate's degree (60 units) from an accredited college or university with major course work in Liberal Arts, Library Information Systems, or related field; AND at least two (2) years of full-time paraprofessional library experience or three (3) years of increasingly responsible full-time customer public service experience; OR
• Completion of a minimum two (2) years coursework culminating in a certificate or diploma in Library Sciences (Specialty or Foreign educational programs); AND at least two (2) years of full-time paraprofessional library experience or three (3) years of increasingly responsible full-time customer public service experience; OR
• Completion of at least 30 units from an accredited college or university with major course work in Liberal Arts, Library Information Systems or related field; AND at least three (3) years of full-time paraprofessional library experience or four (4) years of increasingly responsible full-time customer public service experience.

License or Certificate: Possession of a valid California driver's license.

Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

/ Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Knowledge of: general municipal library services, organization and functions, including Dewey decimal system; basic public desk etiquette and methods…