Library Assistant II

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under general supervision, this position performs work requiring the application of basic library practices and technical skills to assists patrons at the public service desk. Reports to Librarian I.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs tasks at the circulation desks, to include, checking books in and out, recording item status, registering patrons for borrowers card and preparing books to be shelved; utilizes computerized data entry equipment to prepare and maintain various files and records; determines location and status of books and materials; utilizes data entry equipment to prepare and maintain various files and records, circulating materials, and assists in the maintenance of computer equipment and programs, and prints reports.

Reserves books and other materials as requested by patrons; notifies patrons of availability of reserved materials; determines the status of borrowed materials, overdue fines and fees, and prepares and mails overdue notices; accepts and documents overdue payments.

Performs reference assistance and tasks such as instructing readers in the use of reference tools such as bibliographies and computer catalogs; answers reference questions and requests; selects books by the box for delivery to outreach patrons.

Assists in conducting special library programs for school children and other groups; maintains a quiet and orderly environment for library patrons; serves as the contact person for maintenance; opens or closes library location when needed; manages, schedules and provides direction to volunteers; advises patrons of library rules, regulations, programs and services.

Performs other related work as required. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.

Knowledge of Job: Has working knowledge of books, magazines, and related materials available to the public. Has some knowledge of standard office and administrative practices. Is skilled in data entry, typing and operating general office equipment. Is able to maintain clerical records. Is able to follow established procedures and perform work requiring some detail. ls able to instruct patrons in the use of various office machines and library reference materials. Is able to lift and carry objects of moderate weight. Is able to perform a variety of tasks with frequent interruptions. Is able to exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with library patrons and the general public. Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

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 interacts within department and division, and with co- workers and the general public.

Quantity of Work: Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Essential Job Functions."

Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policies, standards and prescribed procedure s. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance: Attends work regularly and adheres to city 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 and 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 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 with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice 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 city policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and imp rove cooperation between all staff persons within the department.

Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all department employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the public to maintain good will toward the department, and project a good departmental image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons. Interacts effectively with fellow employees, supervisor, 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 meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events.

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

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Graduation from high school or the equivalent and two (2) years of public library work experience, including operation of library computer systems; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and sex offender registry check. Individuals in this position cannot be listed as having a founded child abuse or neglect complaint.

Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including computers, typewriters, calculators, copiers, cash registers, etc. Must be able to exert up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 15 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are for Light Work.

Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or composite characteristics (whether similar 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 instructions, assignments or directions from supervisors.

Language Ability: Requires the ability to read a variety of correspondence, reports, literature, forms, etc. Requires the ability to prepare statistical lists, receipts, forms, logs, etc., using prescribed formats. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control and confidence.

Intelligence: Ability to apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists, to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in writ ten, oral, diagrammatic or schedule form.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, and follow oral and written instructions.

Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas to add and subtract, multiply and divide and utilize decimals and percentages.

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

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

Manual Dexterity:Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as office equipment and book trucks. 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 stress and when confronted with persons acting under stress.

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

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) REQUIREMENTS

The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

This is a class description and not an individual position description. A class specification defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

EEO Cat: 5

Pay Grade: 14