Library Assistant (Part-Time, Goleta Valley Library)

ABOUT THE POSITION
The City of Goleta welcomes applications for the position of Library Assistant (Part-Time) at the Goleta Valley Library (temporarily operating at 6500 Hollister Avenue, Suite 105 during construction)! The ideal candidate will be a team player with strengths in the areas of customer service and attention to detail. The primary responsibilities of the Library Assistant include assisting patrons with a variety of information needs, providing programming and collections support, and completing a range of circulating procedures. The position is approximately 15 hours per week and will work no more than 999 hours in each fiscal year. The anticipated schedule is expected to include weekday, evening, and weekend shifts. 

DEFINITION
To lead and perform a wide variety of technical and clerical library work including cataloging and circulating material for a specific function of the library; to perform technical and clerical work in support of various sections of the library; and to provide general information and assistance to library patrons.
 
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Incumbent will perform the full range of tasks and duties assigned including assisting with programming, acquiring and cataloging library materials, and training staff.  Employees within this class are distinguished from the Library Technician series by the performance of a more limited range of complex paraprofessional tasks assigned, such as the variety and complexity of work, extent of program development, evaluation responsibilities, and independence of action.The following duties are typical for positions in this classification.   Incumbents may not perform all listed job functions, nor are all listed duties necessarily performed by everyone in this class depending upon business need and changing business practices:

• Provide exemplary customer service to all individuals by demonstrating a willingness to be attentive, understanding, responsive, fair, courteous, and respectful, and to actively participate in maintaining a positive customer service environment.
• Check out library materials to patrons; check in and prepare materials for return to the circulating collection; register new patrons.
• Respond to patron in-person and telephone requests for library materials, services, and information; provide assistance for general reference queries; assist patrons in completing requests for materials not available in the local collection.
• Participate in the training of staff; answer and resolve public questions; communicate library policies and address incidents as needed.
• Input data into library and computer systems; process new library materials; add or modify entries on item records; search for materials as necessary.
• Engage in financial transactions with patrons, such as facility reservations, payment of fees owed, and donations.
• Perform general clerical work; type a variety of documents; answer phones; enter information into computer; maintain files and records; receive donated materials; process and distribute the mail.
• Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer, typewriter, telephone system, cash register, copy machine, and other related equipment.
• Assist in monitoring, ordering, and receiving supplies; maintain files of equipment and supplies.
• Participate in the preparation and maintenance of displays and exhibits; assist with seasonal and ongoing programs and activities.
• Assist in preparing and conducting storytime's, outreach, and other youth programming with oversight from the Children’s Librarian.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Education, Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
 
Education:

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

 
Experience:

• One year of library experience.

 
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of:

• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Basic mathematical principles.

 
Ability to:

• Learn basic library services and functions.
• Learn library terminology.
• Type at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:
  • Sitting or standing for extended periods of time 
  • Operating assigned equipment
• Maintain effective audiovisual discrimination and perception needed for:
  • Making observations
  • Communicating with others 
  • Reading and writing
  • Operating assigned equipment