Library Assistant - Extension and Outreach Services

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This position will support outreach and extension services within the Extension Department by delivering library materials and services through regularly scheduled Bookmobile stops and other offsite outreach activities as part of a rotating service schedule. This position also provides circulation and customer service, operates library vehicles, assists with courier and administrative functions, and represents the library at events throughout the county.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

• Supports community access to library materials by staffing scheduled Bookmobile stops on a rotation and assists with the routine stocking, monitoring, and inventory management of library materials in vending machines.
• Participates in outreach initiatives outside of regular Bookmobile routes, including but not limited to, community events and special offsite visits, by assisting with service delivery, engaging with the public, and representing the library.
• Operates and drives library vehicles in a safe manner.
• Performs circulation functions including:
  • Issuing new library cards and processing registration forms.
  • Searching for overdue materials.
  • Pulling requested materials and routing them appropriately.

Assists patrons by:

• Answering directional and procedural inquiries.
• Advising patrons concerning the library and its services, resources, and policies.
• Gives instruction in the use of the on-line catalog and location of materials.
• Answering reference and other information requests.
• Answering incoming calls; providing guidance and assistance, routing calls to appropriate personnel or department; taking messages.
• Assisting and instructing patrons in use of public copiers.
• Prepares/Presorts items for reshelving and shelves items in the assigned area and other areas as necessary.
• Assists in changes of daily work schedule due to unexpected public demands.
• Prepares, packs, and handles library materials for delivery, including items for inter-branch transport and consortium libraries; acts as a courier by transporting materials, inter-office mail, and packages between the Main Library and branches. Assists with the handling and transportation of library materials and supplies using book trucks, bins, and hand trucks.
• Assists with routine care and upkeep of Bookmobile and Courier vehicles, including interior and exterior cleaning, checking fluid levels and tire pressure, and maintaining basic mileage and usage records; reports any concerns to supervisory staff.
• Maintains and monitors Extension Department supplies and ensures branches and departments receive requested materials.
• Provides administrative and clerical support, including answering and routing calls, taking messages, and performing routine office tasks such as monitoring equipment, refilling supplies, and emptying shredders.
• Tracks patron usage statistics as required.
• Maintains confidential patron records and preserves the confidentiality of all library records.
• Cross-trains to provide backup support for other positions and may fill in for other roles within the library system as needed.
• Maintains flexibility with workload, tasks, and schedule by assisting with adjustments due to unexpected public demands or staffing needs.
• May be required to work nights and weekends.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma
• One (1) year related experience, customer service or library work experience preferred.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent computer skills, including keyboarding, word processing, spreadsheets, and internet use; ability to perform detailed and precise work.
• Ability to adhere to library policies and procedures; ability to set priorities and manage workloads.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public and library staff; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to adapt to changes in daily work schedules and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to learn the Dewey Decimal System, automated circulation systems, and library policies and procedures; ability to handle money and make change accurately.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and demonstrate a safe driving record for the past five (5) years, with the ability to maintain a safe driving record throughout employment.
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.