Library Assistant -III

Thank you for considering employment with the City and Borough of Sitka. The following information is provided to give potential applicants awareness regarding the job.

If a range of pay is advertised, starting pay is dependent on experience and qualifications aligned with job requirements.

The primary purpose of this position is to (1) assist the public, staff, and volunteers in the use of library facilities, equipment, computers, programs, services, collections, online catalog, and other resources over the phone, online, and in person, and (2) perform the full range of basic library support tasks such as collecting cash, data entry, maintaining statistics, receiving and processing library materials, recordkeeping while maintaining a safe and secure environment through monitoring of the patron’s adherence to library policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Under the direct supervision of the Library Director, the employee works independently on assigned duties and responsibilities.

All levels of Library Assistants perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• Serves as the initial contact for all patrons
• Prepares Library for opening and closing and maintains building security
• Performs circulation desk duties to assist patrons with their requests and directing patrons to the location of books and other library materials
• Provides reference services to patrons on a wide variety of subjects and educational levels
• Arranges and maintains library materials to ensure proper order on shelves
• Responds to questions and informs the public about library policies and procedures
• Resolves or refers patron problems and complaints
• Searches the library catalog and collections for holdings
• Performs basic maintenance on library materials and identifies materials in need of repair
• Performs basic maintenance repairs to library materials
• Performs routine technical processing and collection management tasks as assigned
• Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge of: depends on level of Library Assistant.

• General knowledge about books, reading, and use of libraries, obtained at the high school level
• English language alphabet and numbers to learn and use the Dewey Decimal system and other basic alpha‑numeric systems

• English language alphabet and numbers to organize materials using the Dewey Decimal system and other basic alpha‑numeric systems
• Standard library practices and procedures, including searching techniques
• Equipment used in library operations, including office equipment, electronic resources, media formats
• Integrated Library System and Internet services

• Operating a personal computer using standard software applications appropriate to assigned tasks, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint and other customized library‑related software
• Providing strong customer service to a diverse group of people with varying cultures and backgrounds
• Dealing with a wide range of persons, including situations in which individuals may be upset over an issue or disagree with a decision
• General mathematics, including the handling of cash
• Multi‑tasking but still able to focus on details
• Organizing and prioritizing tasks
• Writing correspondence, professional emails, and reports of a professional nature

• Communicate information and interact effectively with co‑workers and the public to maintain library policies and public safety
• Empathize and manage sensitive or contentious issues with patrons professionally
• Recognize and maintain confidential information
• Maintain professional and effective relationships with co‑workers and the community
• Work as a team with a results‑driven approach
• Communicate well with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non‑technical language
• Understand and follow oral and written policies, procedures and instructions
• Use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and oral instructions
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities…