Library Associate I - Main Library Circulation Department

Under general supervision, performs various clerical support duties to assist in the operation of the library. Incumbents' primary responsibilities include the shelving of books; working at the circulation desk to assist patrons with borrowing and returning library materials; or preparing new materials for circulation. Responsible for accuracy and quality of own work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Charges, renews and discharges circulating materials; places items on hold as requested.
   1. Explains procedures to patrons as necessary;
   2. Collects fines;
   3. Retrieves materials from book drops;
   4. Inspects returned items for damage and sends to technical services;
   5. Cleans returned items as necessary;
   6. Prints out holds and sets aside requested materials for hold shelves as items are checked in to system;
   7. Enters on-hold requests into computer system;
   8. Applies library circulation policies, including registration eligibility and borrowing privileges.
2. Returns books and materials to appropriate location and straightens books on shelves according to established procedures.
   1. Places materials on book carts;
   2. Places materials in bins for branch libraries;
   3. Places materials in correct location shelving.
3. Access and processes various circulation-related reports through computer system, including but not limited to picklist, expired holds, and missing reports; searches for items on reports from their various locations throughout the library.
4. Prepares new books and other materials for circulation by:
   1. Preparing RFID tags and affixing to materials;
   2. Updating status in computer;
   3. Distributing to appropriate section of the Library.
5. Provides assistance to patrons with basic directional and general information questions and in locating materials as necessary.
6. Provides assistance with inventory process as needed.
7. Performs general clerical/office duties such as entering applications for library cards into computer system, filing and answering the telephone.
8. May drive the library van to branch libraries to pick up and return material.
9. Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
   1. Frequently interacts with others in the work unit, the public, vendors or across departments to exchange basic fact information as requested or as necessary to perform job duties;
   2. Often interacts with others in the work unit, the public, vendors or across departments to exchange detailed and/or technical information where the ability to explain concepts is exercised.
   3. Serves on library teams and committees as assigned.
10. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.
11. When an emergency declaration has been made by City of Fargo administration, performs duties as required by the Incident Commander for the duration of need. Duties may require:
    1. Work in locations other than standard library locations.
    2. Work outside of standard library hours of operations.
    3. Work with physical requirements beyond that of regular library functions, if able.

High school diploma or its equivalent (G.E.D.) and one year of related experience serving the public, such as retail, clerical or library work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. May be required to possess a valid driver's license.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Knowledge of basic library practices and procedures including alphabetizing and the Dewey Decimal Classification System;
• Skill in basic computer terminal operation sufficient to enter and retrieve information;
• Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms, and strong customer service skills;
• Skill in basic mathematics sufficient to collect fines.

Daily work involves frequent handling, lifting, carrying, and moving of library materials, book return bins, and book carts. On a weekly basis, work involves loading and unloading library materials to a vehicle and driving the vehicle to library branches. The work requires frequent computer use and frequent moving between buildings and rooms. The job may involve dealing with members of the public who are emotionally charged over an issue. There is precise attention to detail.

Activities include stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, digital dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions. 

Medium Work: Physical demands are normally those associated with medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 pounds of force frequently or constantly.