Library Assistant - 32HR

The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for a Library Assistant position to provide service at Civic Center or Mission Branch Libraries, at the mobile library vehicles’ stops, at outreach events, or at other locations as needed. When assigned, the position will drive and work out of a mobile library up to 32 feet in size or vehicles of similar or smaller size, assist the public, and provide library materials and services, in community neighborhoods and at outreach events, schools and special events throughout Oceanside. The ideal candidate will have excellent customer service skills, be comfortable with driving oversized vehicles, and have bilingual (English/Spanish) ability. 

• Performs technical and public service paraprofessional duties in support of various sections withinthe Library, using the Library's integrated automated system and any other tools or resources needed
• Explains library policies and procedures
• As a lead worker, attends to any disruptions or disturbances in the library with confidence and using excellent communicative skills
• Performs a variety of paraprofessional duties
• Reviews work methods and recommend improvements
• As assigned, plans, organizes, assigns, and provides lead supervision to a small group of library personnel and volunteers

Also may be assigned:

• Plans work schedules
• Conducts on-the-job training for new library personnel
• Assists in tasks related to the library materials collection
• Provides general and specialized library assistance to patrons in person or by other communications including phone, email or other electronic means
• Maintains current and accurate library catalog and circulation data base records
• Assists the public in meeting their educational, informational, and recreational needs at the library 
• Assists customers with online and application access and ensures their technical needs are met
• Answers general reference and information questions and provides reader's advisory services to the public
• Participates in planning, preparing, and presenting programs, activities, and exhibits at library, community or outreach locations
• Monitors assigned collection of materials 
• Evaluates materials
• Recommends withdrawals and additions to an assigned collection and perform these tasks on approval by professional staff 
• Conducts library tours 
• Assists in publicizing all aspects of library service, including via social media 
• Conducts surveys, compiles statistics, and writes reports 
• Works at any Library location, including Mission Branch or Civic Center Library, mobile libraries or offsite/outreach locations as needed

When assigned to a bookmobile:

• Supervises the overall maintenance of the bookmobile
• Oversees and performs inspections on the bookmobile ensuring proper operation and condition of lights, tires, windshield, and related items
• Checks fluid level in engine and generators
• Fuels bookmobile; vacuums and cleans inside of bookmobile
• Drives book mobile to and from daily scheduled stops
• Checks books out to patrons using computer
• Checks in and shelves books
• Periodically checks shelves to ensure that books are in proper order 
• Registers patrons including data entry into the computer system 
• Helps patrons locate books on shelves
• Searches for books on the computer
• Places hold on books for patrons
• Turns books in to the Central Library for mending or repair 
• Loads and unloads books 
• Secures supplies for bookmobile
• Works on the circulation desk and performs paraprofessional duties in the Central Library and other branches as assigned.

 Knowledge of:

• Core library policies, procedures and administrative practices, including confidentiality of customer information, freedom of information, and intellectual freedom.
• Basic approaches to accomplishing Library or related tasks using software applications, coding or other computer skills, as well as integrated library systems.
• Library organization, principles, materials, practices, and common library terminology.
• Principles and practices used in the technical processing of materials in various formats.
• Cataloging, classification, and resources utilized in a library.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Principles and practices of lead supervision.
• Principles of business letter/email writing and basic report preparation.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation as it relates to the performance of paraprofessional library tasks.

• Perform paraprofessional library tasks, including participating in the development of educational, informational, cultural, and recreational library programs.
• Instruct, coordinate and schedule clerical library staff.
• Evaluate work methods and recommend improved procedures.
• Provide a high level of customer service in an often fast-paced, high demand environment.
• Solve problems quickly and with consideration of all people or circumstances involved.
• Interpret general library policies, procedures, and operation of facilities to the general public and staff, and resolve customer issues with these policies.
• Deal tactfully and efficiently with the public, exercising independent judgment.
• Apply software, automation, or related skills to internal or external customer service.
• Operate a variety of standard office hardware and software for imaging, printing, and transmitting material, and related tasks.
• Maintain and update accurate records and files.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Work independently and efficiently with attention to detail and organization.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

License: When assigned to the bookmobile, possession of a valid Class C Drivers License is required. Experience driving a motor vehicle as large as a van or pickup truck is highly desirable.