MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARY SYSTEM

JOB DESCRIPTION COLLECTION

Reuben Hoar Library, Littleton

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Library Technician XE "Library Technician"                                      JOB GRADE: x

SALARY RANGE:                                   MINIMUM           MAXIMUM

          HOURLY                              

          WEEKLY                                     

          ANNUALLY                               

CATEGORY:  Operative/Technical

DEFINITION:

          Work relating to the acquisition, processing  and circulating of library materials, and to assisting   patrons with their needs; all other related work as required.
 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

          Works under the general supervision of a Senior Librarian.

          Performs varied duties in accordance with prescribed procedures which require constant attention to detail and accuracy.

          Has constant contact with library patrons and other department personnel.

          Has access to confidential information.

          Errors could result in financial loss, delay or loss of service.

          Light and occasional moderate physical effort required in performing duties including carrying books and audio-visual equipment

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Circulation

1.       Works at circulation desks when scheduled.

a.      Circulates, renews and checks in materials for patrons

b.      Registers new borrowers and updates borrowers' records in database

c.      Telephones patrons about reserves and Interlibrary Loans.

d.      Schedules use of Meeting Room, display case, internet and word processing computers and passes

e.      Shelves when Page is not available

f.       Handles with incoming telephone calls

g.      Places holds for materials desired by patrons.

h.         Takes interlibrary loan requests and ensures accuracy of request.

 i.       Evaluates the need for repair of returned materials.

2.       Prepares overdue notices, collects moneys due.

3.       Records daily statistics.

4          Reads shelves and keeps them orderly.

5         Performs opening and closing procedures including;

a.        controlling light and heat

b.       checking circulation desk for adequate and appropriate supplies

 c.      listening to and setting answering machine, taking action on messages

d.       emptying book drop

 e.      checking locks and building security

 f.       putting computers off/on line

g.       ensuring safety of patrons

h.       turning elevator on and off

i.        putting flag out and bringing it in

6.   Assists in keeping circulation desk area and book shelves clean and orderly.

7.  Assists patrons with use of copier and fax machines and Internet and  CD-ROM computer software.

Reference

1.       Answers directional questions and tries to answer reference questions.  Refers                  advanced/complex reference questions to Senior Librarian

2.       Provides readers' advisory service.

3.       Assists patrons with use of public access catalog and CD ROM databases.

4.       Helps prepare bibliographies.
 

General

1.       Takes responsibility for continuing development of job skills.

2.       Performs other tasks as assigned.

Some library technicians  may:

1.       Help repair books and other materials..

2.       Assist with processing of new materials.

3.       Sort and distribute mail.

4.       Check in and process periodicals.

5.       Read shelves, shift books in crowded areas.

6.       Assist in preparation and processing of Regional  materials.

 7.      Maintain new books shelves.

8 .      Assist in inventory of collection.

9.      Assist in preparation of bulletin boards and displays.

10.    Enter data on spreadsheets or  in databases

11.    Maintain records of cash collected in donations, copier fees and articles for sale.

12.    Choose books for and circulate books at nursing home and other outreach sites.

13.    Maintain file of materials being considered for purchase.

RECOMMENDED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience

          High school education, minimum one year of library experience, familiarity with Dewey Decimal System, ability to file alphabetically and numerically.  Keyboarding ability and willingness to learn use of computer circulation system and personal computer operation.

Knowledge. Ability and Skill

         Working knowledge of library principles and procedures, including Dewey Decimal System, knowledge of books, authors and titles. Ability to deal with the public in a courteous and tactful manner. Ability to understand and follow instructions and to work independently when required. Skill in typing and in the use of a computer and other standard office machines. Ability to learn and adapt to new procedures and techniques.

From Dictionary of Occupational Titles:

"249.367-046 LIBRARY ASSISTANT (library) alternate titles: book-loan clerk; circulation clerk; desk attendant; library attendant; library clerk; library helper

Compiles records, sorts and shelves books, and issues and receives library materials, such as books, films, slides, and phonograph records: Records identifying data and due date on cards by hand or using photographic equipment to issue books to patrons. Inspects returned books for damage, verifies due-date, and computes and receives overdue fines. Reviews records to compile list of overdue books and issues overdue notices to borrowers. Sorts books, publications, and other items according to classification code and returns them to shelves, files, or other designated storage area. Locates books and publications for patrons. Issues borrower's identification card according to established procedures. Files cards in catalog drawers according to system. Repairs books, using mending tape and paste and brush, and places plastic covers on new books. Answers inquiries of nonprofessional nature on telephone and in person and refers persons requiring professional assistance to LIBRARIAN (library) 100.127-014. May type material cards or issue cards and duty schedules. May be designated according to type of library as Bookmobile Clerk (library); Branch-Library Clerk (library); or according to assigned department as Library Clerk, Art Department (library).
GOE: 11.02.04 STRENGTH: L GED: R3 M2 L3 SVP: 5 DLU: 82"

Physical Demands: Strength = Light (2 on a scale of 1 to 5)

GED:   Reasoning = 3 ( on a scale of 1 to 6)    Same level as  Police Aide
Mathematical = 2(on a scale of 1 to 6)   "         "    "     Dispatcher, Police Aide                             
Language =  3  (on a scale of 1 to 6)      "         "    "    Police Aide, Administrative Clerk   

         Specific Vocational Preparation:  Over 6 mos. up to and including 1 year

          From MA Board of Library Commissioners FY1998 Annual Report Information Survey Instructions, Definitions for Position Classifications, pg. 12:

          Library Technicians - Perform circulation, processing, or public service duties (not general clerical work) under supervision.  Typically do not have supervisory responsibilities.