Library Assistant-Reference (40 hrs per week)

Department: As Assigned

Pay Grade: 106

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision of assigned supervisor, this position is responsible for delivering quality customer service that exceeds patron expectations.  Library Assistants are responsible for performing  all duties associated with the general functions of day-to-day tasks in support of public service functions.  Assignments may occasionally involve specialized tasks at library locations, including but not limited to: circulation support, reference services, planning and instructing library programming or providing support for children’s services.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Delivers quality customer service that exceeds patron expectations.

• Provides general information and reader advisory, using a variety of print and online resources; elevates questions to appropriate staff as necessary; Provides assistance with general information inquiries and requests.

• Performs daily branch opening and closing procedures. 

• Provides circulation services; staffs information desks as assigned.

• Assist with receiving and preparing all library materials as necessary for circulation at the branch level.

• Shelves library materials; Maintains shelf appearance by straightening, shifting, and ensuring items are in correct order. 

• Maintains library materials by mending, shelf reading, and weeding on condition. 

• Assists with marketing library collection, services, and programs through displays and exhibits. 

• Assists patrons with basic troubleshooting of common software products, operating systems, browsers, public fax machines, computers, printers, and photocopiers; elevates issues to senior staff as necessary.

• Performs cash handling. 

• Provides assistance in the use of electronic resources. 

• Provides assistance in the use of basic computer programs (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Suite, etc.). 

• May prepare and present programming under guidance of supervisor.

• May act as Person-In-Charge in the absence of senior staff, as assigned.

• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Requires a high school diploma or equivalent; and six (6) months of customer service experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Familiarity with today’s public libraries (services, materials, and programs).

• Familiarity of Integrated Library System (PINES preferred).

• Experience working in a library or educational environment is preferred.

Licenses or Certifications:

Valid driver’s license and insurability required.

Special Requirements: 

None.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:   

• Commitment to exceeding customer expectations.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Skill in effective communication.

• Ability to follow detailed instructions.

• Enthusiasm and Flexibility.

• Collaboration and Teamwork.

• Ability to learn basic library system practices and procedures; and arrangement of materials using Dewey Decimal System.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is typically performed with the employee sitting at a desk, standing for extending periods, or bending/stooping. The employee must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds routinely,  climb stairs, stand for extended periods of time, extended walking within and outside branch locations, reach, bend, and stoop. Full range of hand and finger motion is required for data entry purposes. If applicable, the ability to distinguish color is required. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: 

• Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. The amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.

• Climbing: Ascending or descending stairs, ramps, and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized.

• Manual Dexterity: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.

• Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discrimination in sound. 

• Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees

• Speaking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including the ability to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately and concisely.

• Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.

• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.

• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable someone with a qualifying disability to perform the essential functions of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Typical office/library environment. Some fluctuations in building temperature related to HVAC problems can cause uncomfortable periods of heat or cold.  Some periods of elevated noise levels. Some stress related to the type of work being performed may be encountered e.g., pressure related to periods of high-volume activity and multiple demands. 

Live Oak Public Libraries has the right to revise this job description at any time. This 

 description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.