Library Assistants  

Category includes:  Part-time, flexible schedule, para-professional positions. Currently, 5 positions with each position having general duties and task to the overall running of the library and each position having individual responsibilities and tasks, i.e. cataloging, statistics, circulation tasks, supply ordering, social media tasks, content manager/coordinator, etc.)  

Overall Description of Duties: Under general supervision or the Library Director, performs paraprofessional and public contact work serving the library customers directly or indirectly.  Is responsible for the contributing to the orderly operation of the library.  Performs technical library work of routine nature as required. 

Serves as a reference librarian and as a teacher.  Provides consumer with reader advisory information, serves and assists all library patrons with technology related questions, problems, and issues.   Is customer-service focused.

Duties, Functions and Professional Abilities:

1. Reference Support:

• Assist patrons with reference and research needs.
• Assist patrons with technology access and basic operations of library hardware and software.
• Assist Library Director in planning and conducting workshops and other programs in the library or out in the community.
• Responsible for keeping abreast of the many aspects of KOHA and South Central procedures.  Is responsible for reading blogs, e-mails, wikis, signing up for list serves, reviewing any of the on-line tutorials, webinars, directories
• Remain actively engaged in keeping up with technology trends, keeping up with library trends, media trends

2. Collection and Materials:

• Considers condition of all materials handled and determines the appropriate procedure when warranted.  Follows best practices and KOHA developed procedures when handling library materials. May be personnel in-charge of handling of repairs of library materials and/or instructs and guides pages in repair of library materials.
• Catalogs and performs tasks related to the processing of periodicals.  Be they print or electronic.
• Processes rotating collections.
• Catalogs and performs tasks related to the processing of books, audio, and visual materials in accordance with LINK/KOHA consortium policies and procedures.
• Has the capabilities to purchase and abilities to download selections for a variety of e-devices as determined with Director.
• Assists in the weeding of the collections.

3. Administrative:

• Follows and enforces to the best of the situation policies, guidelines, and procedures. 
• Acts in a managerial fashion during their shift to all pages and volunteers.
• Keeps circulation statistics and records. Provides documentation of such in the form of reports.
• Responsible for many other duties in accordance with work load. Performs other duties as assigned.

4. Operations:

• Assists in training of pages and volunteers.
• Performs inventory of supplies as needed and orders/purchases library supplies as needed.
• Collects fines and fees.  Handles other cash transactions.  Responsible for counting and documenting the transaction drawer and the receipts if assigned.
• Responsible for answering phones and responding to E-mails.
• Performs various circulation desk tasks.  Checks in and out all library materials.   Makes phone calls or writes e-mails related to any notices that go out to the public dealing with library materials.  Issues library cards and shares with customer relevant information.  Follows library and KOHA procedures when handling materials.
• Works with all staff in the promotion of the library and the services of the library directly or indirectly. May be responsible for setting-up and maintaining displays.  Is responsible for general library appearance. May at times need to perform the tasks of cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, empting trash, etc.
• Completes opening and closing procedures.

5. Knowledge and Professional Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of library principles, methods, procedures, technology, goals and philosophy of service in general and specifically of this Library.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from patrons.
• Ability to follow and retain written and oral instructions.
• Ability to learn and teach pertinent technology-based skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of library patron information.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot library equipment properly.
• Ability to work independently, organize and prioritize work, respond to varied/changing work demands and make decisions as required along with the ability to be flexible on the job.
• Ability to travel to meetings, training, and workshops outside of library.
• Willingness to maintain skills in above-mentioned areas through active participation in appropriate continuing education activities.
• Interpersonal skills and ability to maintain and foster cooperative and courteous working relationships with the public, peers and director.
• Working knowledge of English grammar and spelling.

Physical Demands of the Position:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bending/ twisting and reaching.
• Far vision at 20 feet or further: near vision at 20 inches or less.
• Fingering: keyboarding, writing, sorting, shelving and processing.
• Picking up and/or lifting books and shelving books.
• Lifting and carrying 50 pounds or less.
• Pushing and pulling objects weighing 300-400 pounds on wheels.
• Sitting, standing, walking, climbing, stooping, kneeling, and crouching for a period of time.
• Talking and hearing using the telephone.
• Traveling outside the library.
   

Mental requirements:

• Ability to apply technical knowledge and interpret technical regulations and instructions.
• Ability to comprehend and follow instructions effectively verbally and in written form. For example information in manuals, on-line help, memoranda, reports and bulletins, etc.
• Ability to identify problems and opportunities; utilize information resources available when making decisions.
• Good communication skills.
• Good decision making skills.
• Basic mathematical skills – i.e. counting back change.
• Good planning, prioritizing skills and organizational skills, along with good problem solving skills.

7. Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Library course work or willingness to attend continuing education courses.
• Keyboarding and knowledge of a variety of basic computer software programs
• Work experience in serving the public desirable.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed and the responsibility of such work.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Approved by the Cambridge Comm. Library Board 9-10-2014

Direct questions to dir@cambridgelib.org or phone 608-423-3900

E-mail resume and cover letter to dir@cambridgelib.org

Mail resume and cover letter to Cambridge Comm. Library, 101 Spring Water Alley, Cambridge, WI 53523