Library Assistant

City of Sunnyvale • Sunnyvale, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Sunnyvale is seeking to fill the position of a regular full-time Library Assistant at the Lakewood Branch Library with a friendly, confident, energetic, and highly motivated individual who possesses excellent customer service, technical and interpersonal skills. The ideal candidate will have experience working closely with the public and coordinating workflow in a fast-paced library circulation environment. They will possess leadership skills and demonstrate the ability to provide excellent customer service to members of the public and staff alike. Key responsibilities include providing customer service to patrons, resolving customer service issues, guiding staff with work assignments, supporting and leading programming, and monitoring and troubleshooting self-check, automated materials handling and other technology. Under general supervision, the Library Assistant provides general library services to patrons through a broad range of paraprofessional, technical, and public assistance, and performs other work as required. Library Assistant is the entry level classification in the Library Assistant series. Library Assistants perform routine paraprofessional and technical duties which require a general knowledge of library functions and services and the ability to learn and use basic library tools, technology, methods, and procedures. With experience, Library Assistants assume greater initiative and independence of action in responding to the needs of patrons and in working with library materials. The Library Assistant classification is distinguished from the higher-level Senior Library Assistant in that the latter has a greater level of responsibility, complexity of duties assigned, latitude of decision making, and supervises library pages and volunteers.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or tested equivalent
• One year of increasingly responsible library experience which includes or is supplemented by in-service training or college level courses in library science.
• Knowledge of library terminology.
• Knowledge of standard library procedures, policies and organization.
• Knowledge of library materials and resources.
• Knowledge of integrated library systems and automatic material handling systems.
• Knowledge of library functions including circulation, reference, administration and technical services.
• Knowledge of record keeping and filing systems.
• Knowledge of current office procedures, methods and equipment.
• Ability to communicate with the public clearly, accurately and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to perform library clerical work of moderate difficulty.
• Ability to organize and maintain filing systems.
• Ability to work independently without close supervision or as part of a group or team.
• Ability to provide lead direction to others.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to learn the use of library automation systems automatic materials handling systems, and computer-based technology.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to the public, citizens, and other City employees.
• Ability to sort or file alphabetically and numerically.
• Ability to maintain records, logs and databases.
• Ability to understand and use Dewey Decimal System.
• Ability to follow written or verbal instructions and procedures.
• Ability to observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
• Ability to operate a computer and use word processing and spreadsheet software, assisting staff as needed.
• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license and a safe driving record or the ability to supply alternative transportation as approved by the hiring authority.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working closely with the public and coordinating workflow in a fast-paced library circulation environment.
• Leadership skills.
• Ability to speak other languages that represent the demographics of the community.

Responsibilities

• Leads, trains, schedules, and assists in the evaluation of clerical staff and volunteers in assigned area.
• Maintains good public relations; answers routine questions, and assists patrons in the use of library facilities, technology, and resources.
• Solves basic problems involving procedures, staff, and patrons.
• Assists in developing, implementing, and maintaining work unit procedures.
• Prepares and maintains statistical reports, records, and lists.
• Monitors, orders, and receives library supplies.
• Trains patrons and staff on use of library and library-related technology and equipment.
• Participates in meetings, committees, tasks forces, and workshops.
• May interpret library policies to staff and the public.
• Registers new patrons by verifying identification, ensuring that the registration form is complete and entering appropriate information into the database.
• Collects library fees and operates cash register.
• Opens and closes circulation operations following established procedures.
• Processes daily cash receipts and prepares bank deposits.
• Generates patron notifications and paging lists.
• Processes damaged, claims returned, and interlibrary loan materials.
• Monitors and troubleshoots circulation automation equipment including materials handling and self-check out systems.
• Performs copy cataloging and classification of library materials.
• Modifies, deletes, adds, and imports/exports bibliographic and item records to ensure accuracy of library catalog information.
• Processes library materials including magazines and serials.
• Provides customer service to library patrons in person, via phone or email, including basic reference information regarding library materials.
• Refers complex questions requiring advanced knowledge to appropriate library staff.
• May assist with developing and leading library programs, story times, and classes.
• May participate in outreach events to register patrons for library cards and promote awareness of library services.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Classic CalPERS members have 4% of the employee contributions paid by the City, leaving only 3% for the employee to contribute.
• Retiree medical benefits available

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED