MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARY SYSTEM
JOB DESCRIPTION COLLECTION
SHREWSBURY PUBLIC LIBRARY
LIBRARY ASSISTANT
Definition
Routine
administrative and direct service work supporting various library services;
all other related work, as required.
Supervision
Work is
performed under the direct supervision of the Circulation Administrator and
the Library Director.
Performs routine and standardized duties, according to prescribed rules and
procedures, requiring attention to detail and accuracy.
Work Environment
Work is
performed under typical library and office conditions; workload is subject
to seasonal fluctuations; regular library schedule requires evening and
weekend work.
The employee operates standard office and library equipment.
Circulation duties require constant interaction with library patrons, in person, as well as by telephone, and require excellent customer service skills.
The employee has access to confidential patron records.
Errors could result in delay of service, monetary loss or expenditure of
time by other employees.
Essential Duties and
Responsibilities
The
essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as
illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The
omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the
position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the
position.
Assists patrons in the use of library facilities; answers inquiries on procedures in person and by telephone; provides basic direction, information and instruction; provides assistance with the use of computers and Internet networks.
Charges and discharges books and other materials, such as recordings, videos, and magazines in and out, using the library's computerized catalogue; examines library materials for damage; sorts materials; collects and records fines for overdue materials; updates patron information.
May provide basic information referral and services, providing factual
information, direction, or assistance with locating materials from outside
sources; searches computer files.
Assists patrons with application procedures for library cards; issues new
cards and replacement cards.
Files date due cards; processes reservations for passes and computer time.
Oversees the work of library pages, as needed.
Performs
similar or related work, as required, or as situation dictates.
Recommended Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
High school
diploma; one year of work experience; experience working with the public
preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill
Knowledge of
library policies and procedures, including automated circulation systems and
information technology. Knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System.
Ability to interact tactfully and appropriately with library patrons. Ability to work with detail and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to learn computer operations and related library databases. Ability to operate library equipment.
Customer service skills. Oral and written communication skills. Computer skills.
Physical Requirements
Moderate
physical effort is required to perform duties under typical library conditions.
Duties require extensive standing and the ability to walk, speak, hear, use
hands to operate equipment, push loaded book carts and reach with hands and
arms. Vision requirements include the ability to read routine documents and use
a computer.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.