Library Assistant

City of Palm Desert•Palm Desert, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Palm Desert is seeking part-time Library Assistants to support daily library operations. This role includes performing routine circulation tasks—such as checking materials in and out—and completing behind-the-scenes duties to ensure library resources are well-organized and accessible. Library Assistants will also help introduce patrons to library services, demonstrate account management tools, and provide basic support with the library’s technology resources. The position requires learning and applying established library policies and procedures to make sound decisions during interactions with patrons and colleagues. Under general supervision, Library Assistants perform a wide range of technical and clerical tasks, including circulating materials, maintaining and organizing library collections, supporting library programs and services, and delivering excellent customer service. Assistants also help with routine activities essential to the day-to-day functioning of the library, along with other duties as assigned. This part-time position is 19 hours per week and requires a flexible schedule that includes a combination of daytime, evening, and weekend shifts.

Requirements

Completion of twelfth grade (high school diploma or equivalent) is required.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
Knowledge of library automation systems.
Knowledge of library materials circulation routines and equipment.
Knowledge of library organization, policies and procedures, and terminology.
Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
Knowledge of principles and techniques of telephone and interpersonal etiquette.
Knowledge of collecting payments by processing cash, and credit payments and making change for cash customers.
Knowledge of general purpose, routines, procedures, and services of a public library system.
Knowledge of principles and methods employed for delivery of quality customer service.
Knowledge of techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
Knowledge of techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
Ability to organize materials in numerical, chronological, or alphabetical order.
Ability to learn basic library services and functions.
Ability to respond to requests and inquiries from the public.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to work accurately, consistently, and dependably at a fast pace during times of high volume.
Ability to effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with the media, governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
Ability to establish and maintain accurate databases, records, and files.
Ability to organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
Ability to effectively use computer systems, software, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Ability to use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Nice To Haves

Completion of 60 semester units from an accredited college, with a focus on Liberal Arts, Library Science, or a related field, is preferred.

Responsibilities

Check out library materials to patrons; receives, returns and renews circulated materials; collects fees; inspects returned materials for damages; and repairs materials; register new patrons; process materials prior to shelving; file and shelve materials; check and empty the book drop on a regular basis.
Respond and apply exceptional customer service to patron in-person and telephone requests for library materials, services and information; assist patrons in completing request for materials both available and not available in the local collection; assists library patrons with simple informational or directional requests and refers patrons to appropriate staff.
Assist patrons in navigating computer sign-up and login processes and using library equipment such as copiers and printers.
Compile statistics and data on information as requested; maintain a variety of records; produce information as requested.
Input data into library computer systems; make corrections; add or delete entries on bibliographic records; correct author and subject entries; search for missing books as necessary.
Maintain neat appearance of public and work areas by straightening chairs, picking-up material from tables, straightening materials on book and audio-visual shelves.
Retrieve books and materials from storage or other parts of the library.
Assist library users with routine location questions; refer users to other staff members as appropriate.
Plans and participates in the preparation of displays and exhibits, and maintains the library displays; assists in planning and implementing programs and activities.
Assists individuals requesting information, seeking services, or in resolving issues.
Perform general clerical work; type a variety of documents; answer phones; enter information into computer; maintain files and records; process and distribute mail.
Operate various office equipment, including computers, telephone systems, cash registers, copy machines, facsimile machines, and other related equipment.
Assists with documenting department internal operating procedures.
May serve as back-up to the Visitors Center; may training volunteers.
May make presentations to employees, community members, and library patrons; may assist in community outreach.
Performs other duties as assigned.