LIBRARY ASSISTANT FULL-TIME ONLY (PAY GRADE 15) AFSCME LOCAL 1607

Library Assistant

The Library Assistant is a paraprofessional position responsible for providing customer service, circulation support, materials handling, and general library assistance. Where Interlibrary Loan (ILL) duties are assigned, the Library Assistant also performs specialized tasks involving requesting, receiving, processing, and shipping materials through statewide and national resource-sharing networks. Work is performed under general supervision and requires accuracy, customer-service skill, and the ability to follow established procedures.

Public Service & Circulation

• Provide front-line customer service at the circulation desk, including check-in/check-out, patron registration, account updates, and basic readers' advisory.
• Assist patrons in locating materials, placing holds, and using the online catalog and self-service equipment.
• Explain library policies, fines, and procedures clearly and courteously.
• Maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and orderly public environment.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Support

• Process incoming and outgoing ILL requests using statewide resource-sharing systems (e.g., Delaware Libraries catalog, intra-system delivery) and national platforms (e.g., OCLC or shared consortia tools) according to established procedures.
• Verify bibliographic information, lender availability, edition accuracy, and delivery requirements for each request.
• Prepare materials for shipment to other libraries, including packaging, labeling, and documenting transactions.
• Receive, check in, and route ILL materials to borrowers; notify patrons of arrivals to ensure timely pickup.
• Monitor due dates and coordinate returns; track overdue loans and follow up with patrons or lending libraries.
• Maintain accurate ILL statistics, logs, and records for reporting purposes.
• Communicate with lending/borrowing libraries professionally to resolve issues (lost, damaged, unavailable items).
• Assist with workflow coordination and quality control for ILL activities during assigned shifts.

Materials Handling & Collection Support

• Sort and shelve library materials in correct order; perform shelf-reading and shifting to maintain organization.
• Pull materials for holds, deliveries, and ILL requests promptly and accurately.
• Assist with processing new materials (labeling, covering, barcoding) as needed.
• Help maintain displays, bulletin boards, and merchandising of materials.

Technology & Patron Assistance

• Troubleshoot minor equipment issues and report problems requiring repair or technical attention.
• Use the integrated library system (ILS) to manage circulation transactions and patron accounts.

Programming & Outreach Support

• Assist librarians with preparation for programs (room setup, materials prep, sign-in sheets).
• Help with program delivery for children, teens, or adults under guidance of professional staff.
• Support community outreach events by preparing materials or staffing tables under supervision.

Administrative Support

• Prepare routine reports such as daily cash logs, circulation statistics, and ILL activity summaries.
• Answer phone and email inquiries; respond to routine questions or route to appropriate staff.
• Assist with maintaining supplies, ordering basic materials, and general branch organization.
• Support enforcement of library policies with tact and fairness.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Knowledge of library circulation practices, materials organization, and basic public library operations.
• Skill in customer service, interpersonal communication, and working with diverse populations.
• Ability to use integrated library systems, computers, office software, and common library technologies.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to follow established procedures while recognizing when to seek guidance.
• Organizational ability to manage multiple priorities, including time-sensitive ILL activities.
• Ability to lift, sort, and move library materials efficiently.

Minimum qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required; or an equivalent combination of experience, education or training directly related to the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Two (2) years of customer service, clerical or library experience preferred.
• Experience with shipping, inventory or materials tracking desirable for ILL duties.

Additional requirements:

• Work performed in a public library setting with extensive contact with patrons.
• Requires standing, bending and lifting library materials (up to ~35 lbs.).
• Evening and weekend work required according to branch schedule.
• May involve travel to other branches or training locations within the County.
• Must pass a Class III County physical examination and a background check.