WILL CLOSE AFTER 150 COMPLETED APPLICATIONS OR JUNE 27, 2024, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.Effective July 1, 2024 salary range: $3,692 - $5,182 MonthlyClass specifications are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties and responsibilities associated with specified positions. Therefore, specifications may not include all duties performed by individuals within a classification. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.
DEFINITION:
Under general supervision, learns and performs a wide variety of technical and library support services related to patron assistance, circulation, acquisitions, and processing; learns and demonstrates a full understanding of all applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties; performs customer service duties as assigned; performs other related duties as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
Library Assistant I
The Library Assistant I is the entry level position in the library system, Central and Whittwood Branch, in which incumbents perform the more routine library service functions, including circulation desk duties, selection and preparation of materials, acquisition and routing of materials, weeding and shelf-reading books, and assisting in the preparation of programs. Initially under closer supervision, incumbents learn to perform functions within established guidelines. As experience is gained, there is greater independence of action within established guidelines. This classification is distinguished from the next higher level classification of Library Assistant II by the performance of work requiring a lesser degree of library operations.
Library Assistant II
The Library Assistant II is the journey level position in which incumbents are expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned library support duties. Incumbents may provide direct supervision over volunteer staff in the assigned service areas such as technical services, youth services, and circulation. This class is distinguished from the next higher classification of Library Assistant III in that the latter performs the more complex work and may provide lead supervision.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:
Library Assistant I
Receives immediate supervision from the Library Services Manager, Supervising Library Assistant, or assigned higher level staff. May exercise direct supervision over assigned part-time or volunteer staff.
Library Assistant II
Receives general supervision from the Library Services Manager, Supervising Library Assistant and/or assigned higher level staff. May provide functional and technical supervision over assigned staff.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (include but are not limited to the following)
Assists patrons at the Circulation Desk; checks in and checks out materials; prepares materials for return to the circulating collection; registers new patrons; collects fines; calculates and records receipt of fees; resolves collection issues; keeps record of the daily patrons.
Assists with Children's room activities; monitors the need for new reference materials and the deletion of old reference materials; assists with maintenance of the Reserve system; sends withdrawn reference books to other libraries.
Processes books; assists with requests for materials not available in local collection; shelves and straightens books; prepares displays, bulletin boards, and bibliographies; assists with special programs, including the summer reading program; creates forms, flyers, etc. for library programs.
Assists patrons and explains the use of computers as well as other related equipment available for general public use, including internet terminals and associated printing equipment.
May be assigned the responsibility of acquisition, receiving, and tracking library materials; performs activities related to the processing of purchase orders, accounts payable and receivable; prepares a variety of statistical reports; balances cash receipts; processes library payroll documents.
Assists in the coordination of basic public service functions, including organizing story hours, class visits, reading programs, and assisting readers with library resources; sets up displays and other public services activities.
Assists in updating and maintaining the Library's and Branch Library collection; orders, invoices, receives, and tracks materials selected; operates and maintains a variety of computer systems related to library services and record keeping; posts, files, maintains, and enters records; compiles data and prepares summary reports.
Assists in the selection and processing of incoming materials for use in the Library collection; selects materials for various sections of the collection; orders books from distributors; downloads cataloging records from a database; may assign proper classification numbers and subject headings.
Inspects returned materials, including books, publications, and audio-visual materials for damage; performs minor mending, cleaning, and repair of materials as necessary; processes audio-visual materials; operates audiovisual equipment and maintains related records and materials.
Assists in weeding and shelf-reading; removes designated materials from the collection; reorganizes shelved materials through visual inspection.
Demonstrates a full understanding of applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties.
Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, State/local agencies, City management and staff, and the public. Delivers excellent customer service, skilled in communication to connect with our diverse community in proactive and innovative ways.
OTHER DUTIES: (include but are not limited to the following)
May assume the role of Volunteer Coordinator, which includes interviewing, scheduling, and training volunteers, and preparing volunteer recognition activities.
Effective customer service techniques in a wide variety of situations with a diverse customer base.
May be exposed to confidential and privileged information during the course of duties, which should be maintained as such.
Performs other related duties as required.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading written reports and work related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, drag, and push files, paper, documents, and book carts weighing more than 25 pounds is also required.
Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
The City of Whittier encourages applications from qualified individuals with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and California Fair Employment and Housing Act. Individuals who require accommodation in the application or testing process should contact the
Human Resources staff at least 5 days prior to the application deadline or 5 days prior to the testing process so that a reasonable accommodation may be made. Persons requesting a reasonable accommodation will be required to provide documentation of such need. Seeking or receiving an accommodation by the City will have no negative impact on an individual's
application or employment.
QUALIFICATIONS: (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)
Education and/or Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Library Assistant I/II. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of:
Library Assistant I
One year of responsible office experience, including or supplemented by training in the clerical occupational field or completion of library technical courses.
Library Assistant II
In addition to the above, one year of progressively responsible general library experience and completion of library technical courses.
License/Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid class C California driver's license.
KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS: (The following are a representative sample of the KAS's necessary to perform essential duties of the position. The level and scope of the knowledge and abilities listed below vary between the I and II levels.)
Knowledge of:
Standard library routines, procedures, and services; standard library automated circulation and borrower services; library cataloging and classification systems; applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices, and equipment; modern office equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling, and grammar; and occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Ability to:
Perform a variety of technical and library support services related to patron assistance and customer service; use coding and other technical cataloging standards; maintain confidentiality of sensitive information; interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; plan, read, interpret, and record data accurately; organize, prioritize, and follow up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Skill to:
Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing, internet, and specialized library software applications.
