Full-time Adult Library Assistant

POSITION:         Library Asst. - Adult Services     DEPARTMENT:         Library

SUPERVISOR:   Library Director                            CLASSIFICATION:   Hourly/Non-Exempt

PAY: Starting $16.75/hour

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Responsible for the management of the Adult Department. Performs a high level of professional and public contact work in serving patrons in the Adult Department, including collection development, computer support, readers’ advisory, and reference services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Administers the Adult Department in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Board of Trustees, under the general supervision of the Library Director.
2. Plans and monitors the work of the Adult Department, relating library collections and services to community needs.
3. Provides input to the Library Director for the annual budget preparation by recommending a library materials budget for the Adult Department. Also recommends equipment and other capital expense needs.
4. Maintains daily attendance, financial, and collection statistics.
5. Maintains reserve file for new books and enters reserves into the computer when the books arrive and are processed.
6. Maintains an “on order” file that is accessible to other staff working in the Adult Department.
7. Recommends the ordering of periodicals (for the annual order and as needed) for the Adult Department to the Library Director.
8. Updates and posts bestseller bibliography for patron use. Prepares other bibliographies, including new book list for publication in the local paper, and book displays in order to promote library material usage, as time permits.
9. Performs readers’ advisory and other patron assistance services for the Adult Department.
10. Answers reference questions.
11. Keeps staff assigned to the Adult Department informed about new materials, new procedures, problem situations, etc.
12. Coordinates annual weeding and inventory of the Adult Department collections.
13. Checks library materials in and out and performs other circulation tasks as needed and/or assigned.
14. Assists patrons with use of the online public access catalog, other public-access computers, and various software programs, photocopiers, and other equipment.
15. Responsible for displaying the latest issues of newspapers and magazines in the Adult Department.
16. Coordinates the maintenance, storage, and use of periodical back issues.
17. Serves as a back-up for the Main Desk or Children’s Desk as needed and/or assigned.
18. Reads professional journals.
19. Attends classes, conferences, and workshops as approved and/or assigned.
20. Keeps the Library Director informed of activities, issues, and problems concerning the Adult Department, and library business in general.
21. Performs other duties as assigned by the Library Director.
22. The City of Tomah has adapted rules and regulations established for the safety of its employees in the performance of their jobs.  It is the responsibility of every employee of the City of Tomah to follow safety rules and regulations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

1. Ability to project cheerfulness and helpfulness to patrons and staff.
2. Ability to work cooperatively with all staff members.
3. Ability to communicate clearly with patrons and staff.
4. Ability to create and maintain effective public relations.
5. Ability to provide training and direct the work of others in a positive manner.
6. Knowledge of library methods and practices, as well as a willingness to keep up with new library methods, practices, and trends.
7. Ability to understand library policies and procedures and apply them to library operations.
8. Knowledge of broad subject areas: arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
9. Ability to gather statistics, analyzes information, and writes reports.
10. Ability to use computer software and hardware and other library technology, as well as a willingness to keep up with new and evolving technology.
11. Ability to manage and maintain computer databases.
12. Ability to continually evaluate and improve library collections, services, procedures, and programs.
13. Ability to continually evaluate and improve personal work skills, knowledge, and abilities through active participation in appropriate learning experiences.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Communication Skills: effectively communicate ideas and information both in written and oral form.
2. Analytical Skills: identify problems and opportunities; review possible alternative courses of action before selecting one; seek out and utilize information resources when making decisions.
3. Problem-Solving Skills: develop feasible, realistic solutions to problems; recommend actions designed to prevent problems from occurring; and use good judgment in referring problems to the Library Director, as needed and as appropriate.
4. Planning & Organizational Skills: develop long-range plans to solve complex problems or take advantage of opportunities; establish systematic methods of accomplishing goals.
5. Reading Ability: effectively read and understand information contained in memoranda, reports, and bulletins.
6. Decision-Making: effectively evaluate or make independent decisions based upon experience, knowledge or training, without direct supervision.
7. Mathematical Ability: calculate basic arithmetic problems (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) without the aid of a calculator.
8. Time Management: set priorities in order to meet assignment deadlines.
9. Conflict Resolution: calmly, respectfully, and effectively communicate with patrons and staff to resolve conflicts; use good judgment to seek additional assistance if needed to resolve conflicts.

ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Inside work environment.
2. 40 Hours per week.
3. Regularly scheduled hours will be during hours the library is open, including evenings and weekends.

EQUIPMENT USED:

Computers (including stand-alone PCs, networked PCs, and network server PC), printers, digital cameras, scanner, typewriter, calculator, copy machine, fax machine, CD-ROM equipment, telephone, cash register, printing equipment, cameras, audio and video recording equipment, projectors, cassette players, VCRs and televisions, projection TV systems, other types of audiovisual equipment that are acquired by the Library, and building security systems.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

1. High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree with a Minor in Library Science desirable.
2. Two or more years of progressively responsible public library experience or its equivalent in relevant business experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Sitting, standing, walking, climbing, stooping, and repetitive movements.
2. Bending, twisting, and reaching.
3. Talking and hearing: use of the telephone.
4. Far vision at 20 feet or further; near vision at 20 inches or less.
5. Lifting and carrying; 50 pounds or less.
6. Handling: processing, picking up and shelving books.
7. Fingering: typing, writing, filing, sorting, shelving, and processing.
8. Pushing and pulling: objects weighing up to 80 pounds on wheels.
9. Mobility: travel to meetings and training events outside the library; outreach activities.

PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS:

Each employee must be committed to the goals of the department/city and communicate to the public the highest level of service, fair treatment, and ethical behavior.  Employees shall actively employ diligent care of department/city equipment and resources.  Employees must further a personal commitment to physically and mentally maintain the highest level of professional appearance and actions reflecting skill and enthusiasm in all assignments and duties. Employees must provide to the public a trust in the department by always being honest, fair, diligent, and courteous.