Library Assistant I

The Palos Verdes Library District is accepting applications for a part-time Library Assistant I/ Page to join our Circulation department.

The Palos Verdes Library District is a nationally recognized, award-winning public library system that operates three libraries and a teen Annex serving the 68,000 residents of the four cities on the beautiful Palos Verdes Peninsula. We collaborate with our community to create environments for learning and inspiration, and to share the unique history of the Peninsula. The Palos Verdes Library District’s role as the community's center for discovery, lifelong learning, and personal enrichment for all is supported by a strong emphasis on community engagement and a robust network of community partners. As an Independent Special District, the District’s $9.1 million budget is funded primarily by a dedicated allocation of local property taxes, and is governed by a publicly elected Board of Library Trustees.

The Library Assistant primarily performs duties and activities related to library materials processing, sorting, shelving, and retrieving. Duties may include responding to customer inquiries; providing clerical support; assisting with the maintenance of library collections; and assisting with opening and closing procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provide a high level of customer service.
• Provide assistance to patrons by answering basic questions about library operations and the location of materials and refers customers to appropriate library staff and departments.
• Assists customers with the operation of copiers and fax machines including issuing refunds and performing minor and routine maintenance on copy machines when necessary.
• Operates computer software: integrated library system, email, Microsoft Office.
• Sorts and shelves all library materials using different filing systems.
• Checks shelves and corrects placement of books (shelf reading) and makes necessary corrections; maintains cleanliness and orderliness of shelves; shifts library material by relocating items as required.
• Retrieves library materials from interior and exterior books drops, including branch deliveries.
• Relocates library materials as required.
• Processes hold requests.
• Keeps library premises clean and in good order, clears the library of customers at closing, collects loose books and materials, performs item counting and sorting.
• Searches shelves for lost or missing materials. Searches for library materials utilizing missing, claims returned, or in-transit reports.
• Lifts and transports boxes of books and materials.
• Spot-checks books and materials for needed repair and identifies worn or damaged items for withdraw or replacement.
• Manages the workflow of the sorting room by ensuring that materials are reshelved efficiently according to department priority.
• Provides lead direction, training, and work review for volunteers.
• Processes new and current books, materials, and periodicals.
• May be required to work at any PVLD branch when assigned, including working split shifts at different branches.
• Participates in District wide training for new equipment, technology and service.
• May participate in the District’s Passport Services and either provide assistance to or act as a Passport Acceptance Agent.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public, volunteers, vendors, contractors, and District staff, in person, and over the telephone.
• Alphabetic and numeric systems for classifying and organizing library materials.
• Standard library practices and procedures including circulation.
• Applications of automated library circulation systems.
• Basic record keeping principles and procedures.
• Basic principles and practices of data collection and report preparation.
• Basic arithmetic principles and cash handling.
• Basic principles of supervision and training.
• Modern office practices, methods and computer equipment.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Principles, practices, and techniques of effectively dealing with the public and public relations.

Ability to:

• Accurately sort and organize library materials using alphabetical or numerical classification systems.
• Retrieve, shelve, and relocate library materials.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
• Use English effectively to communicate orally and in writing.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records.
• Access, retrieve, enter, and update information using a computer terminal.
• Organize own work and set priorities within procedural guidelines and work with speed and accuracy.
• Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment and copy machines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the workday. Respond well to change and be flexible in performing assigned tasks.

EDUCATION, LICENSE AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to the completion of the tenth (10th) grade and some experience, paid or unpaid, in a library setting is desirable. Previous computer experience is desirable. Must be sixteen (16) years of age or older. Applicants under the age of eighteen (18) who are required to attend school must provide a valid California Worker’s Permit prior to appointment.

Physical Demands

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This classification requires continuous walking between work areas and prolonged standing in work areas. Finger, hand, and arm dexterity is needed to retrieve, process, and store library materials, as well as to enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator, and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach, as well as push and pull heavy book carts of up to 100 pounds to retrieve and store materials. Positions in this classification frequently lift and carry library materials that typically weigh less than 50 pounds.

Environmental Elements

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Occasionally, incumbents may have to visit other branch libraries and may be exposed to inclement weather conditions and hot and cold temperatures. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Working Conditions

Required to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

THE PALOS VERDES LIBRARY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
From: Palos Verdes Library