Library Assistant I - Fairfax Branch

At the County of Marin, our employees overwhelmingly report feeling their work is meaningful, they like the work they do, and they are proud to tell people, “I work for the County of Marin.” Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture here. Read on to find out more about this opportunity.


The Marin County Free Library (MCFL) is a special taxing district that operates ten branch libraries in Marin under the authority of the Board of Supervisors. It provides public library services to the residents of the unincorporated areas of the County and the cities of Corte Madera, Fairfax, and Novato.

The Marin County Free Library is an innovative and dynamic civic institution that is committed to providing exceptional services to a community that cares deeply about the library and encourages the library to assume a critical role in supporting the community to be resilient, equitable, and progressive. MCFL is committed to racial equity and the inclusion of those with multiple perspectives and backgrounds in our decision making.

There is currently one part-time, 20 hour per week vacancy for a Library Assistant I (LA I) in the Fairfax Library. Candidates who meet the requirements for this position may be considered for future vacancies in other branch locations while this list remains active. We encourage you to apply now if you are interested in Library Assistant I assignments in any MCFL branch.

The Fairfax Library is a busy regional branch serving a wide range of patrons. The Library Assistant I answers directional and informational requests, proactively assists patrons in locating and selecting books and other materials and performs basic catalog searches. The position utilizes the circulation system to enter and retrieve information, register patrons, locate, charge and discharge library materials, and processes reserves and interlibrary loan requests. 

All Library Assistants work onsite at an MCFL Branch and are key members of our branch library teams, responsible for extensive patron support with expertise in circulating library materials. The Library Assistant I assists patrons in finding information or refers patrons to appropriate staff; explains library policies and services to the public; and instructs customers in the use of library equipment, including online computer terminals. Additionally, they support a variety of operational and organizational functions such as sorting and shelving various types of library materials and equipment and opening and closing the branch.

Candidates will be expected to work a schedule that includes Saturdays and Wednesday evenings.  

Our Highly Qualified Candidate: 

• Is enthusiastic and customer-service oriented. 
• Communicates effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds in a busy public service environment
• Stays calm and focused even when called upon to multi-task or deal with challenging patron interactions.
• Is comfortable working with new and evolving forms of technology and has experience assisting others with technology needs.
• Demonstrates great attention to detail.
• Possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both orally and in writing
• Can work individually and/or collaboratively with team members and personnel at all levels of the organization.
• Bilingual skills are also highly desirable.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Customer services techniques and practices.
• Basic practices and procedures of a public library system.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment.
• Standard telephone use and etiquette.
• Principles and practices for dealing with the public.
• Business arithmetic.
• Basic computer applications related to the work.
• Record keeping practices.
• Some knowledge of books, authors and library practices is highly desirable.

Ability to:

• Learn library policies and patron and office procedures.
• Learn to operate varied computer keyboards and to utilize library and other on-line software programs.
• Understand and follow written and oral directions.
• Organize own work and set work priorities.
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations, including collecting and accounting for money collected.
• Collect, search, process and interpret basic data.
• Interpret, apply and explain library policies and procedures.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Typing at a net rate of 30 words per minute from printed copy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the knowledge and abilities listed in the class specification. Typically, equivalent to graduation from high school and one year of office retail or library support work. Experience in using computer systems is desirable.

Special Requirements: Candidates selected are subject to fingerprinting by the Sheriff's Department and must pass a Department of Justice LiveScan background check prior to appointment.

Bilingual Testing/Certification: To be eligible for a bilingual differential, the successful candidate must possess bilingual skills and must demonstrate proficiency in both Spanish and English prior to appointment.  A bilingual proficiency exam will be administered to ensure the candidates possess the appropriate skill level to meet the requirements. 

If you have questions concerning this position announcement, please contact Alisa Samuel at Alisa.Samuel@marincounty.gov.