Description

Summary

Under general supervision, provides delivery of high-quality library services to the public. Staffs various service-circulation desks. Assists in managing the day-to-day activities in the library, maintains the library’s facilities and performs a variety of administrative and technical functions in support of Eagle Pass Public Library operations.

Distinguishing Career Features

The Library Assistant I is the first in a career path for community library services. The Library Assistant I provides circulation and customer service support.

Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Staffs the service points.
• Participates in opening and closing duties.
• Assists with library promotion, programs and events.
• Prepare or assist in preparation for and presentation of Library Programs (Story Hour, Summer Reading Program etc.)
• Monitors and empties book drops; cleans and disinfects library materials as needed; sorts and shelves library materials constantly; cleans and maintains library equipment and devices including shelving units.
• Provides assistance to patrons in placing and monitoring Inter Library Loan (ILL) requests; manages ILL process as assigned.
• Assists patrons with finding library materials and all library technology services, including public computers, online catalogs, mobile devices, software, and online services.
• Answers reference questions or refers reference inquiries to the Librarian Assistant II or III as appropriate
• Performs a variety of circulation duties, including answering calls, patron inquiries, check-in/out of materials, shelves and re-shelves books into proper alpha or numeric category, holds assistance, library card requests/issuance, material location, library fee collection, patron database maintenance, and meeting room reservations. Maintains routine files related to Library operations.
• Performs material preparation, repair, and removal as assigned; evaluates and recommends library items for repair, re-binding, and/or replacement and carries out those same tasks; processes new, donated, or withdrawn library materials.
• Shelves and re-shelves books into proper alpha or numeric category.
• Checks in periodicals received by the Library. Discards periodicals according to instructions. Displays or files periodicals as appropriate.
• Participates in library beautification efforts such as but not limited to displays, placing and aligning materials on shelves, furniture arrangements and cleanliness, and appearance of entry ways.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

Summary

Knowledge and Skills

Required knowledge includes Basic English and basic mathematics; knowledge of alphabetizing, indexing, and filing methods; knowledge of public library operations and services; knowledge of the principles and practices of quality customer service; knowledge of best practices for social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, Pinterest, etc. Required skill in communicating orally and by written word; skill in using current versions of commonly used office software; skill in operation of basic office equipment; skill in accurately performing a variety of clerical and technical library duties; skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with library patrons, staff, and volunteers.

Abilities

Required abilities include the ability to understand and interpret policies and to effectively communicate them to the public; ability to effectively listen to and communicate with library patrons to determine their needs; ability to learn basic library organization, terminology, materials, and software; ability to file alphabetically and numerically and to create and maintain electronic and manual files; ability to count money and make change; ability to follow oral and written instructions; ability to work as a member of a team; ability to deal tactfully, courteously and effectively with other employees, patrons of all ages and with the general public and convey a positive image of the City and its services; ability to remain flexible and positive in a constantly changing environment; ability to work irregular hours including evenings and weekends. Proficient in English language is required; bilingual is preferred.

Physical Abilities

Incumbent must be able to function indoors in an office and/or library circulation desk environment engaged in work primarily of a moderately active nature.  Requires hearing and speech ability for ordinary conversation and to project voice to a small group.   Requires sufficient manual and/or finger dexterity to type/keyboard and otherwise operate microcomputers and other office equipment.  Requires ambulatory ability to sit, walk, to move about office environs, and to lift and carry light to medium weight materials on an intermittent basis. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Education and Experience

The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some college preferred; one (1) year of public library/customer service experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses and Certificates

Requires a valid driver's license.

Working Conditions

Work is performed indoors with minimal exposure to health and safety hazards.

Municipal government providing public services for Eagle Pass, Texas.