Library Paraprofessional

Respond and provide assistance to library customers in the use of library services and equipment; participate in developing, preparing, coordinating, scheduling and providing special library programs for both adults and children; assist in collection development activities; provide technical services to library system including catalog database management, processing and preparing new materials for distribution, receiving and verifying invoices and providing leadership to staff performing library functions.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

1. Assist library customers, both in person and by telephone, regarding requests for materials, services and information, how to locate information needed, use of equipment such as computerized catalogs, internet access and computer programs, and handling inquiries or issues.
2. Participate in developing, preparing, coordinating, scheduling and providing special library programs for both adults and children including book discussions, educational tours, outreach visits, reading programs, story time, etc.; prepare and maintain displays of library materials for circulation.
3. Assist in collection development activities; suggest titles to be ordered; enter orders online; perform routine database maintenance; prepare incoming materials for circulation.
4. May lead or participate in the more technical and complex library activities including policy explanation and enforcement, checking materials in/out, issuing/replacing library cards, updating and maintaining databases, processing interlibrary loan requests, troubleshooting, and instructing staff in performance of assigned tasks.
5. Perform technical services catalog database maintenance functions related to acquiring new library materials; utilize online database; find, export, edit and add records to library system catalog; generate, print and submit vendor purchase order; provide ongoing maintenance to reflect current library holdings.
6. Receive and verify invoices for incoming library materials; verify orders, quality and condition of incoming materials; generate claims for items not received and/or defective items.
7. Process and prepare new materials for distribution to branch libraries; generate and attach appropriate labels; prepare items for circulation; enter items into electronic library catalog to verify accuracy.
8. Generate lists of customer holds to be picked up, overdue items and billed items; load updated information into computer server, generate lists, notify customers by mail, email or telephone.
9. Assist librarians and vendors with information and supplies; provide vendor supplies; provide vendor information on processing; supply barcodes, location labels, rubber stamps and genre labels to vendors; provide vendors with processing procedures and instructions for bibliographic records for books and media.
10. May maintain branch inventory of office supplies; monitor supply levels, anticipate needs; place orders as assigned.
11. May coordinate and maintain the contents of special centers in libraries, their collections and kits.
12. Operate, maintain and supervise the use of various library, office and computer equipment; as necessary train staff and library customers in use of equipment.
13. Assist with the planning and implementation of library special events or activities.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Attend special library meetings regarding assigned activities and various library programs and services; provide recommendations for improved service delivery methods.
2. Perform duties of staff member in charge, as assigned.  
3. Prepare, maintain and update analytical and statistical reports; enter data into database and prepare reports.  
4. May lead, train and review work of volunteers, pages, temporary staff and other staff performing a variety of branch library functions; may identify and recommend training opportunities.

Education and experience directly related to the minimum requirements below may be interchangeable on a year for year basis.

Associate's degree from an accredited college or university; and 

Three (3) years of experience in an academic, public or special library, bookstore environment, or direct customer service; and

To include one (1) year of lead or supervisory experience. 

Major coursework in library sciences preferred.

Customer service, educational program development, or social services experience preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:  
Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License or the ability to obtain within ninety (90) days from date of hire.  
Possession of a City Operator’s Permit (COP) within 6 months from hire date.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.Environmental:
Library environment; exposure to computer screens.

Physical:
Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for standing, walking, reaching, kneeling, climbing, and pushing carts one-hundred (100) pounds or greater; light to moderate lifting and carrying of forty (40) pounds or greater.