Library Assistant - I

The current vacancy is a full-time position assigned to the Auburn branch; however, this list may be used to fill future vacancies. Working hours will generally be Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and will also require weekend and evening shifts. This vacancy will have an emphasis on customer service as well as programming for young adults. The ideal candidate will be familar with technology and e-resources, be comfortable working collaboratively in a team environment, and be able to comfortably embrace change and show flexibility.

To perform paraprofessional library work in support of the County library system and provide various library services to professional library staff and the public; to assist with meeting customers’ information needs for library materials, which include identifying and locating materials and information by researching and interpreting print, on-line and other sources; and to assist with collection development activities.

This is the entry-level class in the Library Assistant series.  This class is distinguished from the journey level by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series.  Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters allocated to the journey level.  Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.  Employees work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks. 
 

Receives immediate supervision from management or professional staff.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Use reference interview to assess library patrons needs and assist them in understanding and effectively utilizing library services and resources.
• Perform a variety of work requiring specific knowledge of library practices and procedures. 
• Respond by telephone, fax, electronically and in-person to general questions and specific reference inquiries.
• Research and interpret print, on-line and other sources as needed; place holds as requested.
• Perform Selector duties relative to reading, researching and making lists of recommendations for purchase throughout County system; and assist with collection development by making suggestions of new library materials, creating book lists, ordering library materials, weeding, repair and replacement of library materials.
• May process, catalog, and prepare new books and other materials for circulation; establish and maintain collection files and records; conduct and oversee inventories of books and other library materials; maintain bibliographies and create book lists.
• Check books and other materials in and out of library; shelve books and review shelves for mis-shelved materials; weed shelves for outdated or worn materials.
• Compute, collect, receipt and record monies collected for overdue, lost or damaged materials.  
• Act as liaison with cooperative libraries, Friends of the Library, and community groups in absence of Branch Librarian; process interlibrary loan requests.
• Develop, coordinate and conduct various special programs and community outreach activities such as story time, summer reading programs and library tours; provide library customers with information about community resources.
• Operate various library-related equipment, information systems, and general office equipment. 
• Train the public to use and understand information and technology resources.
• Perform clerical duties as assigned.
• May train, schedule and oversee library pages, clerks, and volunteers.
• Adhere to safety policies and procedures.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• May secure library materials through inter-library loans; search appropriate databases and identify materials; request materials from appropriate sources, process materials for distribution to customers; respond to requests from other libraries for inter-library loans; may work with inter-library loan representative to obtain materials.
• Attend professional workshops, seminars and conferences.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

It is the applicant's responsibility to identify in their application materials how they meet the Minimum Qualifications listed below.

Experience: One year of public library experience.

Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in a discipline related to the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position.

• Relevant, equivalent experience (performing the same or similar job requiring similar knowledge, skills, and abilities) may be substituted for the required education as determined by the Personnel Department.
•  Applicants receiving their degree outside the United States must submit proof of accreditation by a recognized evaluation agency.

License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

NOTE: Preference may be given to applicants possessing a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

 

Library Assistant I

Knowledge of:

• Standard library practices, techniques and terminology; basic services, policies and procedures associated with a public library.
• Public library collection, including general reference sources and services.
• General procedures involved in receipt, circulation and storage of library materials.
• General library classification and filing systems.
• Computer applications in a library environment.
• Modern office procedures and methods.
• Principles and practices of work safety.
• Arithmetic and basic mathematical calculations. 
• Principles and practices of training.
• Research and organizational methods and techniques

Ability to:

• Intermittently, review documents related to library operations; observe, identify and problem solve library operations and procedures; understand, interpret and explain library policies and procedures.
• Perform specialized clerical and para-professional library work; interpret and apply basic library procedures and policies.
• Use a library automated system, library databases, and the Internet.
• Maintain confidentiality of customer records.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Conduct effective reference interviews to ascertain library customer needs and link them to appropriate resources; understand and carry out a variety of both oral and written instructions; work fairly and courteously with the public; and work effectively with interruption.
• Work in a standard office environment, using standard office equipment and computer systems.  Sit at desk and/or stand for long periods of time. Intermittently bend, twist, reach, grasp, kneel or squat while shelving, opening boxes or moving equipment; see and read handwritten and printed materials and a computer screen; write and use keyboard to communicate and to enter circulation and collection data; communicate in person and by telephone; file, lift and carry weight up to 50 lbs; push handcart up to 50 lbs.
• Work weekend and evening shifts as assigned.
• Plan, organize and conduct programs and training sessions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Best Qualified Screening (PASS/FAIL)

An application appraisal screening MAY be conducted to select a reasonable number of the best-qualified candidates. The criteria for this screening is listed as preference language under the note in the Minimum Qualifications section.

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.  Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants for regular full and part-time positions must pass a medical examination which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation. Applicants for extra help positions may be subject to a drug screening. All applicants must sign a constitutional oath, submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S. and be fingerprinted. For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, be bonded or undergo a background check.

All new permanent employees, with the exception of sworn law enforcement and management, shall be required to join the employee organization or pay an 'Agency Fee' as a condition of employment.

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Placer County now offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please visit our website at: http://www.jobaps.com/placer/sup/abfreenames.asp.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment and retaliation is prohibited and that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or ordinance. Please contact the Personnel Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Personnel Department.

Click here to view benefits for General bargaining unit