Library Assistant I/II: Circulation & Customer Service

Library Assistant I/II - Circulation & Customer Service

Are you an excellent communicator who consistently offers a high level of customer service? Would you enjoy working as a primary representative in serving the public? Are you skilled in data entry and attuned to detail? If you are flexible and adaptable, have great interpersonal skills, and thrive on collaboration, please consider joining the dedicated team of professionals at the Humboldt County Library. Thoughtful problem solvers with a great work ethic are welcome. Humboldt County Library currently has an opening for Library Assistant I/II position at the Eureka Library with the Circulation Division.

This position is located at the Eureka Library, 1313 3rd Street, Eureka, CA. A typical schedule for this position is Tuesday through Saturday, 8am to 5pm with a one-hour lunch. The schedule may include some evenings.

Primary Functions

• Assist patrons with locating and checking items out
• Resolve account issues
• Set up the circulation desk, prepare cash drawers, and closing the building at the end of the night
• Create library accounts for new patrons and update information for existing patrons
• Answer circulation related questions in person and through email
• Compile statistics and report data
• Participate in department-wide committees

Qualities We Value

A desire to improve library services for people of all ages. Innovative and unconventional approaches to planning and problem solving. An attention to detail mindset that builds healthy rapport with co-workers, customers, and community members. A continual improvement-based approach to existing library facilities.

Team Oriented: Enjoys collaboration. Values diversity. Celebrates team members and their successes. Considers issues from multiple points of view. Communicates effectively with customers, staff, and library leadership. Brings passion and energy to the team.

Personal Accountability: Prioritizes accuracy and efficiency. Brings a drive for excellence. Demonstrates resourcefulness and creativity. Sees changes as opportunity. Likes to get things done. A 'will-do' attitude.

Examples Of Duties

• Locates materials for patrons, verifies bibliographic information and obtains materials from County or other local library systems.
• Sets up circulation desk for daily activities; prepares cash drawer and desk supplies; verifies accessibility to various databases.
• Checks library books and materials in and out utilizing a computerized on-line or manual system; explains County library circulation policies and procedures.
• Registers and issues library cards to patrons; checks patron status to verify registration, information; enters patron information to the appropriate database.
• Calculates and collects fines and other charges for overdue, lost or damaged books; clears patron records for borrowed books; records and balances daily receipts.
• Assists library professional staff and refers difficult or unusual problems to appropriate supervisory or professional staff members.
• Responds to basic patron requests for information and materials and provides such reference information as possible; refers questions of a more technical or detailed reference nature to appropriate staff members.
• Contacts patrons regarding overdue items and books and materials that are received; receives, verifies and releases materials for on-line reserve requests.
• Receives returned books and materials, reviews due dates and examines items for damages; sorts returned materials for return to local shelves or for shipment to other library locations.
• Unpacks and sorts daily book shipments and distributes as indicated; processes library materials for circulation, including jacketing, security tagging, bar coding and installing pockets and date due and route slips inside covers; may place orders for library materials.
• Operates computer to access, input, edit and/or remove bibliographic and other information from database; design and print labels and perform other related computer operations.
• Performs standard office support work such as answering telephones, maintaining files and operating standard office equipment, including computers, typewriters and copy machines.
• Maintains records and files related to library services activities and projects; prepares a variety of periodic and special library processing and activities reports for supervisory review.
• May direct the work of lower level and/or volunteer staff.
• May evaluate books and other materials for mending potential and determine whether damaged books should be sent out for complete re-binding.
• May repair or replace cut or torn pages, rebuild jackets, cut out damaged binding sections, repair or replace damaged hinges, re-glue and reset pages and use laminates and tapes to strengthen bindings.
• May assist in a variety of assigned special projects and services.

Qualifications

Knowledge of: General public library services, organization and functions. Books, authors and general reference sources in a variety of areas. Basic business data processing applications used in library support activities. Basic public desk etiquette and methods of providing information. Business arithmetic, including percentages and decimals. Standard office practices and procedures, including the use of standard office equipment.

Skill in: Interpreting and applying library procedures and policies. Making accurate arithmetic computations to determine overdue fees, cash balances and related tasks. Using sound independent judgment within established guidelines. Directing and instructing part-time and volunteer staff. Operating and using standard office equipment including a typewriter, copier, microfilm reader/printer, and computer and word processing equipment and software. Performing office support work, including keyboarding and filing. Understanding and following oral and written directions. Dealing tactfully and effectively with a variety of individuals, including patrons, library staff and the general public.

Other Requirements: Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as required. Desirable Education and Experience: A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is: Library Assistant I: One year of experience in EITHER providing basic support in a library, OR in public information and/or office support work.