REFERENCE ASSISTANT - LIBERTY BRANCH

The purpose of the class is to perform specialized, advanced para-professional library work in assigned service or administrative area of the County Library, and to perform routine library functions and clerical work as required. The class works within a general outline of work to be performed, develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

The tasks listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional tasks related to the type of work of the class as necessary. Opens and closes assigned branch or department; performs related security procedures. In charge of branch library or department in the absence of supervising Librarian. Completes daily technical services functions, including the organization, processing, and maintenance of library materials. Participates in the development of Library policies and procedures; assists in developing, recommending, and implementing policies and procedures in Technical Services/Cataloging. Performs cataloging functions according to established guidelines and formats; resolves cataloging problems as they arise. Communicates with other libraries to manage, organize, and process Interlibrary Loan materials (ILL). Participates in entering cataloging information into computer database; reviews entries for accuracy and completeness; prepares computer-generated reports as required. Performs all activities necessary to prepare materials for use, such as plastic jackets, labels and identification stamps; assigns material codes, shelf locations, bar codes and branch designations to all materials; distributes materials to branches. Identifies and repairs damaged materials. Assists the public in a professional and courteous manner. Receives and responds to public inquiries, requests for assistance and complaints in areas of responsibility. Staffs the public service desks. Interprets Library policies and procedures to the public. Provides answers to reference questions; directs patron to appropriate informational resources and/or assists patron in researching topics, as necessary. Assists library patrons in using various resources and equipment of the library, including computer hardware, software and Internet. Performs shelf maintenance including shelving materials and shelf reading. Assists in training new or volunteer staff assigned. Maintains accurate and up to date records and prepares a variety of routine reports as required. Keeps supervisor informed of all issues and concerns encountered. Trains, assigns, and supervises volunteers. Receives and deposits monies using the cash register; generates receipts and reconciles money daily; prepares reporting paperwork. Assists co-workers with duties as required. Performs routine clerical work as required, including but not limited to entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, assembling materials, answering the telephone, typing reports and correspondence, etc. Attends training, meetings, seminars, and/or workshops to enhance job knowledge and skills. Performs other related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS:

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

INVOLVEMENT WITH DATA, PEOPLE, AND THINGS:

DATA INVOLVEMENT

Requires gathering, organizing, analyzing, examining or evaluating data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information.

PEOPLE INVOLVEMENT

Requires giving information, guidance or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants.

INVOLVEMENT WITH THINGS

Requires handling or using machines, tools or equipment requiring moderate instruction and experience, such as complex computer database software.

COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS:

REASONING REQUIREMENTS

Requires performing skilled work involving set procedures and rules but with constant problem-solving.

MATHEMATICAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires using addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, and/or calculating ratios, rates and percentages.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Requires reading technical instructions, procedures, manuals, professional publications, and charts to solve practical problems; composing routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires doing specialized technical or entry-level professional work requiring general understanding of operating policies and procedures and their application to problems not previously encountered; application of specialized technical or professional principles and practices or the use of a wide range of administrative methods in the solution of problems; requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate results and occasional exposure to unusual pressure.

VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE PREPARATION:

VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in library science, liberal arts, or a closely related field from an ALA-accredited college or university.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Two (2) years of related work experience.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

Must possess a valid state driver's license.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT REQUIREMENTS:

PHYSICAL AND DEXTERITY REQUIREMENTS

Requires light work that involves walking or standing much of the time and involves exerting up to twenty (20) pounds of force on a recurring basis, or skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs on repetitive operation of mechanical or electronic office or shop machines or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy. Must be able to lift twenty-five (25) pounds and meet other physical demands of shelving books and materials, including pushing loaded book trucks; stooping, bending or stretching.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

The job risks exposure to no known environmental hazards.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

The job requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, hearing and speaking ability, and color perception.

JUDGMENTS AND DECISIONS:

Responsible for guiding others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine.

ADA COMPLIANCE:

Pickens County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations. DISCLAIMER: This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Position : 540007 Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL Location : PICKENS COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM #J-18808-Ljbffr Pickens County, South Carolina