Library Assistant

Paraprofessional Library Position

Paraprofessional library position, which involves performing various administrative, clerical, public service or technical services tasks in assigned Section of the Library. Duties involve a variety of tasks which are performed in accordance with established Library policies, procedures, and practices, but which require the application of independent judgment, creative thinking, and clerical knowledge. During occasions of local emergencies, this position shall be required to perform emergency tasks which may result in extended work hours as well as extended periods of time away from family members. The anticipated schedule for this position will be:

Sundays: 12 pm - 5:15 pm

Mondays: 3:15 pm - 8:15 pm

Tuesdays: 2 pm - 6:45 pm

Wednesdays: Off

Thursdays: Off

Fridays: Off

Saturdays: 10 am - 3 pm

Examples of duties include:

• In Circulation, performing responsibilities including creating and maintaining library patron accounts, checking in and out library materials, carefully checking returned materials for damages and missing pieces, checking damaged materials out to repair as needed, etc.
• In Youth Services, performing responsibilities including assisting library patrons with reference and reader's advisory inquiries, developing and presenting programs for youth and families, creating and preparing craft activities, sorting and shelving library materials, creating and preparing program flyers and posters, etc.
• Greeting the public in a professional and courteous manner, both in person and on the telephone, and answering questions and providing information as appropriate, or directing patrons to appropriate library personnel as needed.
• Providing general information regarding the Library and its services to patrons at the Circulation Desk and referring patrons to appropriate personnel for assistance and/or to other areas of the Library, as requested, in a professional and courteous manner.
• Facilitating inter-library loan of materials by way of record-keeping, making request/holds online preparation of materials for courier or re-shelving, notification of patrons, checking out, checking in, and tracking requested materials.
• Compiling, maintaining, and reporting statistics regarding patron inquiries, author and title searches, and materials used in the Library daily.
• Monitoring reserve lists/requests for current status and update into the computer as appropriate.
• Assisting patrons with checking in and checking out of books and other materials.
• When appropriate, responding to reference and reader advisory inquiries in person and by telephone, and referring patrons to other library personnel when appropriate.
• Demonstrating knowledge of the library collection, including basic reference and electronic resources.
• Conducting tours and assisting with library programs.
• Compiling bibliographies on selected topics at the direction of supervisor.
• Checking in periodicals and newspapers daily, properly stamping and filing them according to designation.
• Printing overdue notices daily and preparing them for mailing.
• Assisting with unlocking and locking of program rooms when users arrive and depart as needed.
• Assisting patrons with copiers and printers.
• Assisting patrons with public computers.
• Circulating and shelving St. Petersburg College reserve materials for courses.
• Stocking informational materials at desk and kiosk.
• Shelving returned books and other materials; reading shelves and checking for missing books.
• Preparing a variety of related reports, correspondence, and documents.
• Overseeing emptying of book drop numerous times daily, including checking in of materials.
• Assisting in preparation for opening and closing of Library and computers depending on assigned work schedule; sorting books, tapes, and other materials for check-in according to library of origin; preparing materials for return to other libraries by Pinellas Public Library Cooperative and St. Petersburg College couriers; shelving video tapes, CDs, audios, books; opening/closing safe; distributing or securing cash, receipts, etc., including balancing of cash register at close of business and in accordance with established procedures; opening library doors in morning.
• May train new employees in the Circulation Section as assigned by the Circulation Supervisor.
• May perform physical processing of books to make "shelf ready" (stamping, attaching labels, pockets, book covers, monthly change of "new book" status, etc.).
• May perform cleaning, mending or minor repairs to books and other materials.
• Tracks service desk and workroom supplies; informs supervisor when supplies are needed.
• Attends staff meetings as scheduled.
• Attends workshops and training opportunities appropriate to position.
• Demonstrates knowledge of computer skills, including proficiency in keyboarding, Microsoft Suite and appropriate knowledge level of Integrated Library System (ILS).
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of all departmental/divisional policies and procedures and the City's Personnel Policies and Procedures.
• Strives to maximize effective communications between assigned personnel, other employees throughout the City, and the general public.

Performs other job related duties that are consistent with assigned Division responsibilities.

Required skills/abilities include graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma; or an equivalent combination of education and library experience. Proficient in the use of personal computer systems. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions. Ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, in a clear and courteous manner to the public and other staff members. Ability to work varying daily work schedules. Ability to utilize a computer with proficiency in keyboarding skills and a working knowledge of standard computer applications such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Power Point, etc. Licenses, certifications or registrations include possession of a valid Florida Driver's License. Physical requirements include ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing. Ability to utilize a computer with proficiency in keyboarding skills. May require lifting and carrying books and other Library materials weighing up to approximately twenty-five (25) pounds. Working conditions include performing professional and administrative work in an office environment and within the Library facility.

Standards for professional appearance include looking clean, neat, well-groomed and dressed safely and appropriately for the work being done. Employees are expected to use good judgement in their appearance and grooming, keeping in mind the nature of their work and the professional image that we wish to project to our community as representatives of the local government.

Guidelines for professional appearance include:

• Clothing should be neat, clean, appropriate for the workplace, professional, and should not constitute a safety hazard.
• Personal appearance includes good personal hygiene.
• Facial hair should be clean-shaven or be well-groomed. (This does not supersede any departmental standards regarding facial hair.)
• Visible body piercings or adornments shall be limited to two earrings per ear, unless approved by the City Manager. Other visible body piercings, including but not limited to: nose piercings, gauges, lip piercings, tongue piercings, eyebrow piercings, are prohibited.
• Jewelry may be restricted for safety reasons, based on the position.
• Hair styles should be neat, professional, and appropriate for the workplace. Hair dye, if used, should be selected from the range of naturally occurring hair colors.

Conditions apply to visible tattoos including:

• Tattoos shall not be visible above the collar level of a crew neck tee shirt
• Tattoos on the hand shall not extend past the first knuckle, closest to the wrist. Tattoos on the palm of the hand are not permitted. One discreet tattoo in the form of a solid, single color ring, not to exceed 8 mm in width, is permitted on the wearer's ring finger (not thumb), between the first and second knuckle of the finger.
• The display of unprofessional or offensive tattoos or brands, (nudity or violence, sexually explicit or vulgar art, words, phrases, profane language, symbols to incite negative reactions, initials or acronyms that represent criminal or oppressive organizations) are strictly prohibited.
• The Department Head or City Manager reserve the right to require any tattoo to be covered.

The City of Seminole does provide medical and religious accommodations. Employees who would like to request additional information regarding religious or medical accommodations in the workplace may contact the Human Resources Director.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job