Senior Library Assistant

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Coordinates, supervises and participates in the daily operations of the main branch of the County Library system.
 
Trains, schedules, provides lead direction of, and evaluates the work of other Library Assistants, extra-help staff and volunteers as assigned.
 
Assists in planning and implementing Library programs and services.
 
Assists in the selection of new books and materials for the Library's collection.
 
Prepares newly acquired library materials for processing and shelving.
 
Performs basic cataloging work.
 
Performs circulation work, including checking materials in and out of the Library, maintaining circulation statistics, processing returned materials and preparing them for reshelving.
 
Collects, stacks, shelves and reshelves library materials.
 
Accepts and receives payments for overdue or lost materials and maintains related records.
 
Processes library card applications and issues library cards; maintains records of current patron information.
 
Receives, researches and responds to patrons' reference requests; locates and provides requested materials and information; refers complex reference questions to County Librarian as necessary.
 
Assists and instructs patrons in the proper use of library equipment and reference sources.
 
Reserves library materials and notifies patrons of their availability; initiates and processes inter-library loan requests.
Performs various tasks related to the selection, ordering, purchasing, distribution and use of books and other materials; reviews and recommends the acquisition of new materials for the Library's collection; weeds out-dated materials from the collection.
 
Orders books, materials, equipment and supplies for Library use.
 
Monitors the condition of books and materials and performs necessary binding and repairs.
 
May provide hands-on support in the maintenance of Internet services and computer equipment used in the Library system; coordinates the maintenance of the on-line computer operating system.
 
Assists in planning and preparing library displays.
 
Assists in promoting Library activities and services to the public.
 
Assists in researching and preparing grant applications for program and project funding.
 
Receives and responds to inquiries, requests for assistance, concerns and complaints from the public regarding library programs, services and policies.
 
Prepares and/or assists in preparing a variety of reports and correspondence related to Library operations, including budget reports, as assigned.
 
Opens and closes the facility at appropriate times in accordance with Library security policies.
 
Coordinates and/or participates in special projects as assigned.
 
Performs assigned duties for the County Librarian as required in his/her absence.
 
Performs general administrative / clerical work as required, including preparing reports and correspondence, attending meetings, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, answering the telephone, etc.
 
Attends training, meetings, workshops, conferences, etc., as necessary to enhance job knowledge and skills.
 
May travel to attend Library-related functions.

Experience:
Four years of increasingly responsible sub-professional library experience, or two years as a Library Assistant II in Mariposa County.
 
Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in literature, liberal arts, library or social science or closely related field. A copy of your college transcript(s) must be attached to your application.
 
Substitution:
Additional sub-professional full-time equivalent library experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for up to two years of the required college education.

Additional Requirements:
Possession of a valid California driver’s license or reliable transportation to and from assigned work areas is required. 

Under certain circumstances, the Human Resources Director may accept a valid driver's license from another state if applicant acknowledges his/her intent to acquire a California driver's license within three months by signing an acknowledgement form.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:
Pertinent laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
 
Basic principles and methods of library organization, services, technologies and equipment.
 
Dewey decimal classification system and related cataloging and indexing systems used by libraries and publishers.
 
References and sources for identifying and locating materials to fill requests or for use by special populations.
 
Library terminology.
 
Information systems and automation systems as applied to library activities.
 
The use of the Internet for employee / patron research and reference assistance.
 
Principles of training and supervision.
 
Report and business letter preparation techniques.
 
Modern office practices and technology, including the use of computers for data and word processing.
 
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
 
Basic mathematics; bookkeeping methods.
 
Safe work practices.
 
Public / community relations techniques.
 
Ability to:
Understand and apply pertinent laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
 
Provide basic reference services to Library patrons.
 
Train, coordinate, supervise and review the work of others.
 
Exercise sound, independent judgment with minimal supervision.
 
Build and maintain positive working relationships with others.
 
Exhibit leadership skills including critical thinking and creativity.
 
Display excellent communication skills and be capable of promoting the library and advocating for its needs.
 
Research advanced reference questions.
 
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, determine consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Effectively use computers for word and data processing, records management, specialized library applications and Internet research.
 
Type accurately at a rate required for successful job performance.
 
Assist in maintaining a positive public image of department programs and services through contact with the news media and the general public.
 
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
 
Prepare clear and concise records and reports.
 
Perform mathematical computations with accuracy.
 
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
 
Deal effectively with patrons with special needs, or in confrontational situations.
 
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a normal office / library environment. 
 
TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires the ability to sit at a desk for long periods of time and intermittently walk, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb and reach while performing office duties; lift and/or move weights of up to 40 pounds; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls.  Must be able to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading and writing, and operating office equipment.  Must be able to use a telephone to communicate verbally and a keyboard to communicate through written means, to review information and enter/retrieve data, to see and read characters on a computer screen.

THE SELECTION PROCESS
All interested applicants must complete and submit a job application including any required supplemental questionnaires, and attach any required documentation. For those who meet the minimum qualifications, a competitive evaluation of the training and experience described on your application or supplemental questionnaire, a written examination, a structured oral interview, a performance rating, or a combination of any of these, may be performed. You will be scored based on that competitive evaluation. This process may be altered if there are ten or less applicants that qualified.