Library Assistant

City of Orange; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Orange is seeking a part-time Library Assistant for Reference Services to support public patrons with information and program needs in the Orange Public Library. You will assist with book searches, circulation tasks, and basic research requests, ensuring a welcoming, helpful environment.

Grounded in strong customer service, this role requires effective communication, accuracy in records, and collaboration with staff during programs and outreach events.

Qualifications

• Completion of twelfth grade and one year library experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Library Science or related field is highly desired.
• Ability to learn library systems and assist patrons.

Responsibilities

• Interprets and applies library policies and procedures for patrons and staff.
• Advises and assists library patrons in the use of library services and tools.
• Establishes and maintains effective customer service for library patrons.
• Completes or supervises completion of complex clerical duties including records and research.
• Assists with development of library collections, including ordering and inventory.
• Prepares library exhibits and displays.
• Assists with library programming including story times and book clubs.
• Participates in community events and outreach activities.
• Prepares signs, fliers, pathfinders and other customer aids.
• May supervise clerical staff and volunteers.

Skills

Customer service

Reference assistance

Public information

Communication

Teamwork

Multitasking

Record-keeping

Story times

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Library science coursework/degree (preferred)

Tools

Library circulation system

Office software

Computer literacy

Job description

JOIN THE CITY OF ORANGE AS A PART-TIME LIBRARY ASSISTANT!

Important Recruitment Information:

The Orange Public Library is looking for a part-time Library Assistant for Reference Services.

Under general supervision, performs complex paraprofessional library work; provides general information and assistance to the public; participates in the activities of a specialized library function; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Receives general supervision from a Senior Library Manager or other library management staff. May exercise technical or functional direction over clerical staff and volunteers.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Interprets and applies library policies and procedures for patrons and staff; accesses and retrieves information for library patrons and staff as requested.


• Advises and assists library patrons in the use of library services and tools.


• Establishes and maintains effective customer service for library patrons and provides customer service training for staff.


• Completes or supervises completion of a variety of complex clerical duties including maintaining detailed records, verifying accuracy of information, researching discrepancies and record information.


• Assists with the development of library collections, including ordering, withdrawals, and inventory controls.


• Prepares library exhibits and displays.


• Assists with library programming including conducting story times, book clubs, and special events.


• Participates in community events and outreach activities.


• Prepares signs, fliers, pathfinders,book lists, and other customer aides.


• Assists in the development of a variety of library-related literature-based and educational programs and activities. Participates in meetings, committees, or projects intended to enhance services or promote consistent policies and procedures across the department.


• Participates in professional meetings, workshops, and conferences and continuing education programs as appropriate.


• May exercise functional and technical supervision over assigned library clerical, part-time, and volunteer personnel.


• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Applications of automated library circulation system.


• General principles of public library services and programs.


• Library classification and cataloging, and bibliographic terminology and practices.


• Basic principles and practices of data collection and report preparation.


• Principles, practices and techniques of public relations, community outreach and service promotion.


• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including administrative policies and procedures.


• Record keeping principles and procedures.


• Modern office practices and technology, including personal computer hardware and software applications related to the work.


• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.


• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.

Ability to:

• Perform varied library work accurately and under minimal supervision.


• Access, retrieve, enter, and update information using a computer workstation.


• Organize work and manage projects and programs, including story times.


• Learn, interpret, and apply Federal, State, and local, administrative and departmental laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.


• Schedule and coordinate projects; set priorities; adapt to changing priorities.


• Perform routine clerical work, including maintenance of appropriate records, mathematical calculations, and compiling information for reports.


• Operate modern office equipment, including library computer system and equipment, copiers, printers, software programs, and cash register.


• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.


• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.


• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.


• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.


• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to the completion of twelfth (12th) grade and one (1) year of library experience. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Library Science or a related field is highly desired.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver License with satisfactory driving record and proof of acceptable automobile insurance at the time of appointment and throughout employment in the position is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This classification primarily works indoors and requires frequent standing in work areas and walking between work areas. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and shelve materials. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representative in interpreting and enforcing department policies and procedures.

WORKINGCONDITIONS

This position requires regular and reliable attendance and the employee’s physical presence at the workplace. May be required to work various shifts, including, but not limited to, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All employees of the City of Orange are designated by both State law and City ordinance to be “Disaster Service Workers.” In the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees’ normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.

CITY MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES

Incumbents in all City positions are expected to exhibit the behavior characteristics reflected in the City's Mission, Vision, and Values statements in the performance of their duties; the city of Orange is committed to excellent service for our residents, businesses and visitors; As an organization, the City of Orange is the leader in delivering the highest-level of service to meet current and future needs of the Community. The City's values include Teamwork, Integrity, and Excellence