Library Assistant

Position Type:
CLASSIFIED/INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT

Date Posted:
6/9/2026

Location:
JOHN P THOMAS ELEMENTARY
Richland County School District One, South Carolina
Classification Description


Classification Title: Library Assistant
FLSA: Non-exempt
184 days
Salary Range: $21,138.51 - $36,686.36


General Statement of Job
Under occasional supervision, performs moderately complex clerical and paraprofessional work required for the circulation of library materials and equipment in a school library or media center. Assists students in their use of the library. Reports to the Media Specialist or School Librarian.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Functions:

• Assists students and faculty in finding and selecting books, periodicals, and non-print resources; answers basic reference questions.
• Assists with the operation of library audio-visual equipment and computers; sets up and maintains computers in classrooms and laboratories; installs and maintains software.
• Conducts basic circulation duties, including checking books in and out of the library, shelving books and periodicals, reserving books for teachers, logging students in and out of the library, and issuing and receiving audio-visual equipment and materials.
• Processes new materials; affixes barcodes and spine labels and inserts security devices.
• Prepares book orders and supply requisitions for audio-visual materials, periodicals and general supplies. Helps to keep inventory of materials.
• Computes and distributes overdue notices and maintains related records.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date records of expenditures.
• May schedule and distribute TV/VCR equipment to classrooms and make arrangements for viewing of ITV/ETV or taped programs at teachers' requests.
• Instructs and assists in the supervision of student helpers and volunteers.
• Assists in maintaining appropriate student behavior in the library.
• Assist with book fairs, Accelerated Reading, schools ideas, and media events.
• Receives, reviews, prepares and/or submits a variety of documents, such as billing invoices, book lists, purchase orders, newspaper copy, inventory reports, overdue notices, library passes, annual reports, Accelerated Reader reports, etc.
• Interacts and communicates with departmental supervisors and co-workers, school and District administrators, teachers, other school personnel, students, student helpers, volunteers, parents, sales representatives, etc.
• Complies with all federal laws, state statutes, Board policies, administrative rules, and directives.

Additional Duties:

• Maintains a neat and orderly library; designs and prepares displays; assists in preparing and displaying bulletin boards and student work.
• Scans local newspapers for articles about students and faculty, and makes copies and distributes as appropriate.
• Conducts general clerical duties as required, including typing reports and correspondence, copying and filing documents, processing mail, answering the telephone, etc.
• Repairs books and periodicals as necessary.
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Education and Training
Requires 60 college credit hours or a passing score on the Para-Professional Examination, and one year of library or general clerical experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.


Minimum Qualifications and Standards Required
Physical Requirements:
Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines and equipment, including a computer, audio-visual equipment, typewriter, adding machine, telephone, etc. Must be able to exert up to ten pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work; must be able to remain on feet for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift/carry weights of up to twenty-five pounds.

Data Conception:
Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communication:
Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving assignments and/or directions from supervisors and giving instructions to helpers.

Language Ability:
Requires the ability to read a variety of policy and procedure manuals, reference materials, etc. Requires the ability to enter data into computer and prepare reports, records, correspondence, etc., with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Must be able to speak with poise, voice control and confidence and to articulate information to others.


Intelligence:
Requires the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagrammatic form, to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in or from standardized situations. Requires the ability to make independent judgments in the absence of supervisor, and to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information and the ability to comprehend and implement basic office machinery functions.

Verbal Aptitude:
Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with persons of varying educational backgrounds.

Numerical Aptitude:
Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to determine percentages and decimals, to determine time. Must be able to use practical applications of fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion.

Form/Spatial Aptitude:
Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information.

Motor Coordination:
Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using automated office equipment and communications machinery.

Manual Dexterity:
Requires the ability to handle a variety of items including computer keyboards, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.


Color Discrimination :
Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.

Interpersonal Temperament:
Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal levels of stress when confronted with an emergency or tight deadline.

Physical Communication:
Requires the ability to talk and/or hear (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to hear and understand communications through a telephone.

Performance Evaluation Criteria
Job Knowledge:
Is knowledgeable in the methods, policies and procedures of the District pertaining to specific duties of the Library Assistant. Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Has thorough knowledge of the organization of the department and of related departments and agencies. Has considerable knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of Richland District One and other governmental agencies. Has the ability to comprehend, interpret and apply regulations, procedures and related information. Has knowledge of clerical procedures and practices. Is able to learn fundamental library principles, methods and techniques. Is skilled in applying a responsible attention to detail as necessary in preparing records, reports and correspondence. Has knowledge of the principles and practices of bookkeeping. Has knowledge of the computer and other technical terminology used within the department. Has skills in the use of computers. Knows how to operate and maintain a variety of office equipment as necessary in the performance of daily activities. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Is able to use independent judgment in performing routine and non-routine tasks. Knows how to perform duties in a courteous manner and with the utmost integrity in the best interest of the public. Is able to read and interpret policy and procedure manuals, reference books, and other materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Is capable of working under stressful conditions as required. Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Is able to offer assistance to fellow employees and student helpers as necessary. Has good organizational, technical and human relations skills. Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. Has knowledge of the standard tools, materials and practices of the trade. Has skills in the care and use of required tools and equipment. Is able to make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment.


Quality of Work:
Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with all District departments, co-workers and the public.

Quantity of Work:
Performs described "Specific Duties and Responsibilities" and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets standards and expectations of the District.

Dependability:
Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, District policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Remains accountable to assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance:
Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to District policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests .

Initiative and Enthusiasm:
Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountability. Strives to anticipate work to be done, and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment:
Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur, and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation:
Accepts supervisory instruction and direction, and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified (i.e., poor communications, variance with District policy or procedures, etc.). Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the District.

Relationships:
Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and staff for mutual and district benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all District employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staff and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the public so as to maintain good will toward the District and to project a good district image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the District. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the District. Interacts effectively with higher management, professionals and the public.

Coordination of Work:
Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.


Safety:
Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the District and various regulatory agencies. Sees that standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.