Library Assistant (Part-Time)

City of Downey; Downey (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Downey is seeking three part-time Library Assistants to support Public Services, Adult Literacy, Children’s and Community Engagement units. Duties include reference help, shelving, cataloging support and program assistance.

Hours vary; the library operates Mon–Sat with evening and weekend possibilities. Candidates should enjoy public interaction and be dependable, flexible and professional, with basic computer and clerical skills.

Qualifications

• Basic reference and reader advisory skills.
• Experience with library catalogs and periodical indexes is helpful.
• Knowledge of MS Office applications and online resources.
• Bilingual Spanish/English is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist the public with book catalogs, periodical indexes and other catalogs.
• Provide basic reference services at the Information Desk.
• Assist in catalogs and processing of books and non-print materials.
• Support Adult Literacy, Friends programs and other library activities.
• Assist with age-level program activities and events.

Skills

Customer service

Flexibility

Problem solving

Dependability

Professionalism

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

College coursework desirable

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word)

Internet Explorer

Job description

Library Assistants are utilized in all units of the library and are assigned to a single unit at the time of hire. We are currently seeking three (3) part-time Library Assistants to fill roles in our Public Services (Circulation and Shelving) and Community Engagement (Programming and Outreach) units.

Administration:

Perform clerical duties to assist in the administration of the library including, but not limited to, purchasing, budget oversight and personnel support.

Adult Literacy:

Perform clerical duties to assist in the administration of the Library’s Adult Literacy program, and help in the design and delivery of literacy-related programs.

Children’s:

Assist children and caregivers with basic reference services and support the planning, promotion, and implementation of library programs for children and families.

Community Engagement (Programming and Outreach):

Supports the planning, promotion, and implementation of library programs for teens and adults, special events, marketing initiatives, community outreach, and the Teen Volunteer Program.

Public Services (Circulation and Shelving):

Assists in the supervision of Library Aides, responsible for the shelving and circulation of library materials, provide basic reference services at our Information Desk, provide first-level response support for patron-related issues, and assist patrons with library equipment.

Technical Services:

Perform acquisition-related tasks, and cataloging, processing and repair of library materials.

We're looking for candidates who:

Enjoy working with the public; are flexible; are curious and have the ability to solve problems; are dependable; maintain professionalism and work with all types of personalities in a variety of situations.

This is the entry level class in the library paraprofessional series. The class is distinguished from the Senior Library Assistant class by the duties performed according to broadly defined procedures and under general supervision.

The Downey City Library is a community centered public library committed to serving the informational, educational and recreational needs of the residents of Downey. The Library is open to the public 54 hours per week (Monday-Saturday). The Library offers a wide variety of materials, programs and services to individuals of all ages.

Working Hours:

The Library is currently open Monday through Thursday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and closed on Sunday and Holidays. Work schedules are determined based on the needs of the organization and may include evening and Saturday hours.

NOTE:

• Temporary/Part-time appointments do not qualify for City benefits, except for those required by law.
• The City does not belong to the Social Security system; however, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings.
• The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings.

Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandated CalPERS employer contributions; therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary / part-time employment with the City of Downey.

There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification. Depending on assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists the public in the use of book catalogs, periodical indexes and other catalogs.
• Answers reference questions and gives readers advisory services.
• Performs simple and/or difficult bibliographic searches using a library computer system.
• Assists in catalogs and processing of books, serials and non-print materials.
• Processes Interlibrary Loan requests.
• Provides clerical support for Adult Literacy, Friends programs and other library activities.
• Assists in the compilation of order lists for books and other library materials prior to selection.
• Provides administrative backup for professional and para-professional service.
• Assists other para-professional and professional staff in the various age-level program activities and events.
• Assists with and/or develops a unit age-level program activity, under the general direction of a Librarian.
• Provides direction over the work of subordinates in routine and clerical matters.
• Performs administrative tasks associated with circulation, processing, cataloging and all other patron services.
• Operates library equipment.
• Assists patrons in use of library equipment.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Education:

High school graduate or equivalent.

Completion of college level course work from an accredited college or university is desirable.

Experience:

One (1) year of experience involving public contact and/or computer training, preferably in a library.

Experience supervising staff and/or marketing and social media experience is desirable.

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of sound business communication; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation; training/instructional techniques; of alphabetical, numerical and library filing systems; principles, practices and techniques of business relationship management and customer service; time management and organizational skills; library procedures, policies, and techniques.

Ability to:

Work in a detail-oriented, fast-paced environment and demonstrates exceptional teamwork, self-initiative, time-management and communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; communicate with a variety of people in various situations, interact effectively with vendors of public access equipment, using diplomacy, persuasion, patience, courtesy, and tact; interpret and apply policies and procedures; understand and follow oral and written instructions; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; ability to relay instructions or information to others; possess proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word, plus Internet Explorer.

Bilingual skill in Spanish/Englishdesired.

LICENSE:

Position requires access to reliable and efficient method of transportation as travel may be required by duties.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in an office setting/library environment and requires sitting and/or standing for prolonged periods of time, and the use of a personal computer, including keyboard and screen. An incumbent interfaces with the public in person. An incumbent may push a book cart, twist, squat, bend, stoop, walk, climb a ladder or step stool, reach, lift, and move library materials and other related items weighing up to 30 pounds.

SELECTION/TESTING PROCESS:

All applications and supplemental information will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted at the time of filing to determine the level and scope of the candidate's preparation for the position. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" or attaching a resume is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Those applicants, who most closely match the desired qualifications, will be invited to participate in the examination process which will consist of the following components.

An appraisal examination weighted 100%. The appraisal examination may consist of performance testing and/or an oral interview to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to an employment offer, a comprehensive background investigation is conducted, including fingerprinting. A pre-placement medical exam, including a drug screen will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at [phone] at least 72 hours in advance.