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Senior Library Assistant

City of Oceanside
3 days ago
Full-time
On-site
Oceanside, California, United States
$55,744 - $74,672 USD yearly

Introduction

THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
 
 
The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for the position of Senior Library Assistant. There is currently one vacancy in the Oceanside Public Library- Support Services. Reporting to a Principal Librarian, the Senior Library Assistant will ensure that the Library's Collection Management (acquisitions, cataloging and technical processing) workflow is efficient and productive, as well as providing frontline customer service supervision. 

The ideal candidate should be prepared to:
  • Provide stellar customer service to both staff and patrons
  • Help maintain the Library’s Integrated Library System
  • Act as a primary contact for Collection Management vendors
  • Get excited about change and new approaches to the Library’s work
  • Work collaboratively with all Library units 
  • Create plans to improve workflows and processes
  • Serve as an effective and responsive leader to the Collection Management team
The position will function effectively in a fast-paced, highly fluid working environment while managing internal and external responsibilities.

Examples of Duties


  • Daily Operations
    • Plans, prioritizes, assigns, supervises, reviews, and participates in the daily operation of a large clerical and technical Library unit, such as circulation-related public services at the Civic Center Library or the Collection Management unit for the Library Department.
    • Establishes schedules and methods for performing work and providing assigned services.
    • Identifies resource needs, reviews those needs with appropriate management staff, and allocates resources accordingly.
    • Provides daily oversight of assigned circulation-related operations and activities at Mission Branch Library and bookmobiles to ensure unified application of Library policies and procedures.
    • May be required to work at any Library location, including Mission Branch Library, Civic Center Library, mobile libraries, or offsite/outreach locations as needed.
  • Supervisory Functions
    • Participates in the selection of clerical library staff.
    • Provides or coordinates staff training.
    • Works with employees to correct deficiencies.
  • Library Technology and Automation Systems
    • Uses the Library’s integrated automated system and other tools or resources needed to accomplish tasks.
    • Participates in the administration of the Library’s automation system.
    • Develops procedures for reports and oversees routine reports.
    • Diagnoses and resolves equipment, software, or connectivity problems in coordination with Library, Information Technology, and vendor staff.
  • Library Technical Services & Collection Management
    • Performs technical, paraprofessional, and clerical duties in support of various sections within the Library.
    • Oversees or performs the maintenance and processing of library materials and related duties.
    • Oversees or performs copy cataloging of new library materials.
    • Oversees assigned specialized functions, including inter-library loan services or holds.
    • Monitors assigned collections of materials.
    • Evaluates materials for discard, replacement, or repair.
    • Recommends withdrawals from and additions to assigned collections.
    • Oversees or assists with rotation of materials available on bookmobiles.
  • Customer Service and Reference Duties
    • Provides general and specialized library assistance to patrons in person, by phone, by email, or through other electronic means.
    • Delegates or searches for special requests as needed.
    • Assists the public in meeting educational, informational, and recreational needs at the Library.
    • Answers general reference and information questions.
    • Provides reader’s advisory services to the public.
    • Conducts Library tours.
    • Assists customers with online and application access and ensures their technical needs are met.
  • Policy, Procedures, and Customer Conduct
    • Interprets and applies Library policies and procedures.
    • Attends to disruptions or disturbances in the Library with confidence and excellent communication skills.
    • Ensures consistent application of Library policies and procedures across assigned service areas.
  • Records, Data, and Reports
    • Compiles statistics and writes periodic and special reports.
    • Monitors and maintains current and accurate library catalog and circulation database records or data.
    • Writes emails, memos, and other correspondence related to assigned duties.
    • Conducts surveys.
  • Programs, Outreach, and Publicity
    • Participates in planning, preparing, and presenting programs, activities, and exhibits related to the area of assignment.
    • Assists in publicizing all aspects of library service, including through social media.
    • Supports offsite, outreach, bookmobile, and other Library service locations as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

  •  Principles and practices of supervision and training
  • 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.
  • Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
  • Library organization, principles, methods, materials, practices, and common professional 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 of business letter/e-mail writing and basic report preparation.
  • English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation as it relates to the performance of paraprofessional library tasks.
Ability to:
  • Plan, direct, and coordinate assigned function.
  • Supervise, organize, and review the work of assigned staff.
  • Participate in the selection, training, and evaluation of staff.
  • Evaluate work methods and recommend improved procedures.
  • Interpret and explain City and Library policies, procedures, and operation of facilities to the general public and staff and resolve customer issues with these policies.
  • 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.
  • 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 data.
  • 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.
  • Perform paraprofessional library tasks including participation in the development of educational, informational, cultural, and recreational library programs.
Experience:  Three years of technical and clerical experience in a public library. Some experience in a direct customer service role is required.
 
Training:  Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade, supplemented by specialized training in library skills or services, such as on-the-job training or remote learning. Additional education such as formal postsecondary courses, a professional certificate or Associate degree in Library/Information Technology; Communications, Education or Human Services; or Digital, E-commerce, or Software-related studies; or related fields; is highly desirable.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) ability is highly desirable

Working Conditions and Selection Process

Environmental Conditions:  Library environment; extensive public contact. 

Physical Conditions:  Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time, working in a library setting, and operating office equipment; visual acuity to read small print, computer screens, and other printed documents; speaking and hearing to exchange information. Must possess the physical strength and flexibility to bend, squat, reach above shoulder level, kneel, push/pull and lift up to 30 pounds (books, media, equipment, etc.).

Special Conditions:  Positions may require working some weekend and evening hours; may be required to adjust work schedule to meet library needs.

Selection Process: All properly completed applications will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process.  Failure to provide all required application material will result in disqualification from the selection process.  The process may include any combination of the following: a written exam, oral exam, and/or skills assessment to further evaluate job related qualifications.  Candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list and will remain eligible for employment consideration for a minimum of six months.

Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a background reference check (including fingerprinting) and a medical examination.  Drug screening may be required.
 
RÉSUMÉS ARE NOT ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS, BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.

CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION PACKAGE.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.  ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.