Library Assistant (Temporary/Part-Time)
Apply Here Job Description :
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Library Assistant positions are utilized in the Information Services, Literacy Program, Shelving and circulation Unit, and Technical Services. An ideal Library Assistant should have experience working in public libraries and should also be familiar with QuickBooks and Eden, with experience managing budgets of at least $2 million.
This is the entry level class in the library paraprofessional series and may be assigned to the following areas:
Information Services performs reference service using a wide variety of books, videos, compact disc, and magazines. The unit also plans and implements programs for children and youth from preschool age through 12th grade.
The Literacy Program provides free, confidential literacy instruction for any adult, eighteen (18) years of age and older, in the Downey area to encourage family literacy and to encourage lifelong learning.
Shelving & Circulation Unit supervises shelvers and circulation aides as they return work to the circulation desk, return materials to the shelves, monitor the Library and assist patrons with equipment.
Technical Services performs acquisition, cataloging and processing of library materials and maintenance of the librarys bibliographic utility. This is the entry level class in the library paraprofessional series. The class is distinguished from the Senior Library Assistant class by the duties performed according to broadly defined procedures and under general supervision. Work is not generally reviewed and changes in procedure or exceptions to work must be handled as they arise.
The Downey City Library is a community centered public library committed to serving the informational, educational and recreational needs of the residents of Downey. The Library is open to the public 54 hours per week (Monday-Saturday). The Library offers a wide variety of materials, programs and services to individuals of all ages.
Working Hours: The Library is currently open Monday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and closed on Sunday and Holidays. Work schedules may vary per week which may include evening and Saturday hours. Incumbents must be able to work an average of twenty-four (24) hours in the morning/ afternoon/ evening and on rotating Saturdays.
NOTE: Temporary/Part-time appointments do not qualify for City benefits, except for those required by law. The City does not belong to the Social Security system however, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings.
Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandated CalPERS employer contributions therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment with the City of Downey.
There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification. Depending on assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:- Assists the public in the use of book catalogs, periodical indexes and other catalogs.
- Answers reference questions and gives readers advisory services.
- Performs simple and/or difficult bibliographic searches using a library computer system.
- Assists in catalogs and processing of books, serials and non-print materials.
- Processes Interlibrary Loan requests.
- Provides clerical support for Adult Literacy, Friends programs and other library activities.
- Assists in the compilation of order lists for books and other library materials prior to selection.
- Provides administrative backup for professional and para-professional service.
- Assists other para-professional and professional staff in the various age-level program activities and events.
- Assists with and/or develops a unit age-level program activity, under the general direction of a Librarian.
- Provides direction over the work of subordinates in routine and clerical matters.
- Performs administrative tasks associated with circulation, processing, cataloging and all other patron services.
- Operates library equipment.
- Assists patrons in use of library equipment.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Library Assistant assigned to the Circulation & Shelving Unit may perform the following:
- Supervises, organizes tasks and sets priorities for staff in the absence of the Supervising Library Assistant provides input on appraisal of their performance.
- Supervises Library Aides in the Computer lab and Circulation desk as needed.
- Monitors the Library to encourage appropriate behavior understands, adheres and diplomatically enforces the librarys disruptive behavior policies.
- Assists in the recruitment, selection, hiring and training of entry level staff.
- Assists patrons in use of library equipment, such as photocopiers, copy card machines, change machine and Wi-Fi as needed.
Library Assistant assigned to Information Services (including Childrens Services) may perform the following:
- Answers Reference, informational and directional questions from patrons in the Library and on the telephone.
- Assists the public in locating books, periodicals, audio-visual and electronic resources.
- Performs data entry and clerical tasks in developing flyers, booklists and other library materials.
- Provides readers advisory assistance to children, teens and adults.
- Assists staff in developing and presenting story times and other library programs.
- Directs Library volunteers in clerical and support activities.
Library Assistant assigned to Literacy Office may perform the following:
- Maintains grant management records in Excel and the Citys accounting software.
- Creates flyers and promotional materials using Publisher, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.
- Maintains a tutor student database in Access.
- Assists with the planning and organizing of literacy events, including author visits, support meetings, recognition events, book discussions and family nights.
- Contacts students and tutors for all events.
- Assists tutors and students with daily requests for supplies and information.
- Maintains a well-stocked office to ensure timely distribution of materials.
- Shares responsibility for Literacy and Training office in the absence of the supervisor.
Library Assistant assigned to Technical Services may perform the following:
- Receives catalogs and processes newly purchased library materials with attention to accuracy and timely delivery rates.
- Acts as the back-up for all acquisition functions, including weekly electronic ordering and invoicing.
- Assists in processing of Interlibrary Loan requests.
- Works with relational databases, such as OCLC and Horizon, and meta-data items, such as MARC bibliographic records for acquisitions and cataloging.
QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:Education: High school graduate or equivalent.
Completion of college level course work from an accredited college or university is desirable.
Experience: One (1) year of experience involving public contact and/or computer training, preferably in a library.
Experience supervising staff and/or marketing and social media experience is desirable.
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of sound business communication correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation training/instructional techniques of alphabetical, numerical and library filing systems principles, practices and techniques of business relationship management and customer service time management and organizational skills library procedures, policies, and techniques.
Ability to: Work in a detail-oriented, fast-paced environment and demonstrates exceptional teamwork, self-initiative, time-management and communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing communicate with a variety of people in various situations, interact effectively with vendors of public access equipment, using diplomacy, persuasion, patience, courtesy, and tact interpret and apply policies and procedures understand and follow oral and written instructions establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work ability to relay instructions or information to others possess proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word, plus Internet Explorer.
Bilingual skill in Spanish/English desired.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
LICENSE:
A valid California Class C Drivers License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions may be required.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in an office setting/library environment and requires sitting and/or standing for prolonged periods of time, and the use of a personal computer, including keyboard and screen. An incumbent interfaces with the public in person. An incumbent may push a book cart, twist, squat, bend, stoop, walk, climb a ladder or step stool, reach, lift, and move library materials and other related items weighing up to 30 pounds.
SELECTION/TESTING PROCESS:
All applications and supplemental information will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted at the time of filing to determine the level and scope of the candidates preparation for the position. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification.
Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating See Resume or attaching a resume is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.
Those applicants, who most closely match the desired qualifications, will be invited to participate in the examination process which will consist of the following components:
An appraisal examination weighted 100%. The appraisal examination may consist of performance testing and/or an oral interview to assess the applicants knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to an employment offer, a comprehensive background investigation is conducted, including fingerprinting. A pre-placement medical exam, including a drug screen will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment.
Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance.
