Rev. 2/98

City of San José

CLASS PURPOSE
   Under general supervision, performs paraprofessional library work of moderate difficulty and may supervise clerical support at branch libraries or small technical units at the Main Library. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESULTS (Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.)

• Assists patrons in locating and identifying requested materials; assists customers in reserving books.
• Serves as resource person for computer terminal operation and for library terminology, policy, and procedures for the branch or unit.
• Schedules use of facilities by community groups; participates in developing and conducting programs and community public service activities for the branch library or unit.
• Participates in developing branch library or unit policies and objectives.
• Resolves sensitive problems with customers such as fines for damaged or overdue materials, inappropriate conduct within the branch library, issuance of cards, and questions about freedom of information.
• Supervises and facilitates the ordering, receiving, processing, and distribution of library materials; prepares information for materials selection; maintains resource files; provides cataloging information; conducts the exchange of materials between library systems.
• Supervises, trains, assigns, monitors, and evaluates the work of clerical staff; participates in selection of clerical staff for the unit.
• Accounts for revenue from fines, book sales, and gifts; verifies balances and reports; prepares statistical information to be used in developing portions of the budget.
• Promotes the library's ability to provide effective public service by facilitating courteous, efficient circulation of materials and other direct services to customers.
• Serves on library committees as assigned.
• Makes recommendations for the selection of materials and/or participates in the development of the branch library collection.
• Provides customers with basic references and reader's advisory service through a variety of search tools.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
   This is the first class in a two-level Library Assistant series. Incumbents perform technical and para-professional work and may supervise at branch libraries or small technical units at the Main Library. This class differs from the next higher class of Senior Library Assistant in that the latter supervises all levels of clerical staff for a larger support operation or for a major system-wide support service, and may supervise Library Assistants.

QUALIFICATIONS
   Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of library science, including filing systems, Dewey Decimal System, circulation and filing systems, reference sources, customer assistance, and other library services.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.
• Ability to supervise, direct, train, and evaluate the work of a clerical staff.
• Ability to work effectively with fellow co-workers and solve difficult interpersonal problems.
• Ability to promote and maintain effective public relations with all sectors of the community.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service.

• Knowledge of library materials collection in the San Jose system.
• Knowledge of San Jose Library automated circulation system.
• Knowledge of library organization, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to interpret and implement library rules, procedures, and policies.
• Ability to schedule work for a variety of shifts.
• Ability to coordinate committee assignments.

Education
  Completion of two (2) years of undergraduate course work from an accredited college or university in library technical courses or related fields.

Experience
  Two (2) years experience performing increasingly responsible library clerical work.

Acceptable Substitutions
   Two (2) years experience working at the Library Clerk level or higher, which includes public service desk experience, can be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Formerly Library Assistant II(7/80), (Rev. 11/83), (Rev. 6/30/86), (Rev. 2/98)6221s001.doc