Senior Library Assistant-Branch Coordinator

County Of Humboldt; Arcata (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Humboldt County Public Library is seeking a Senior Library Assistant - Branch Coordinator to oversee operations at multiple branch libraries, including Trinidad, Arcata and Blue Lake. You will supervise staff, manage circulation services, and assist patrons with collections and reference questions.

The role requires paraprofessional library experience, strong customer service, and ability to coordinate branch activities, programs and daily operations. Evening/weekend flexibility is required.

Qualifications

• One year paraprofessional library experience providing direct patron services.
• Familiarity with library procedures and public desk etiquette.
• Ability to supervise staff and volunteers and plan coverage.

Responsibilities

• Directs and reviews work of staff at Trinidad, Arcata and Blue Lake libraries.
• Provides checkout, return, registration and circulation desk services.
• Uses and updates library databases and processes materials for circulation.
• Assists patrons with locating materials and answering reference questions.
• Participates in hiring, budgeting input and performance evaluations.

Skills

Supervision

Public library services

Reference sources

Data processing

Desk etiquette

Arithmetic

Education

Paraprofessional library experience

Tools

Library databases

Job description

Senior Library Assistant - Branch Coordinator

Humboldt County Public Library

The Library

We serve the residents of Humboldt County. The Library is supported by property taxes and governed by the County Board of Supervisors. The Humboldt County Library System (HCL) comprises 11 libraries and one bookmobile providing community-wide access to books, databases, magazines, audiobooks, movies, internet resources, and government and historical documents. The Eureka Library functions as the operational headquarters for HCL and serves as a distribution center for many of the materials and services that support the library system as a whole. The Humboldt County Library has committed coworkers, outstanding public service benefits, and Sundays and Mondays off. Apply to join the team!

Job Highlights

• Assigns, directs and reviews the work of operational staff for the Trinidad, Arcata, and Blue Lake branch libraries
• Performs paraprofessional library and public contact work;
• Provides checkout, return, registration and circulation desk services at a branch library;
• Uses and updates computer data bases; performs related work as assigned. Other duties include:

Work Locations

• Blue Lake Library 111 Greenwood Ave. Blue Lake, Ca 95525
• Trinidad Library 380 Janis Ct. Trinidad, Ca 95570
• Arcata Library 500 7th St. Arcata, Ca 95521

Work Hours

Tuesdays - Saturdays, 8am - 5pm, with a 1-hour lunch, including some evenings.

Definition

Under direction, assigns, directs and reviews the work of operational staff for a branch library; performs paraprofessional library and public contact work; provides checkout, return, registration and circulation desk services at a branch library; uses and updates computer data bases; performs related work as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

• Provides work direction, training and work review to library support staff and volunteers.
• Plans, schedules and assigns support and volunteer work to maintain desired service levels during library hours.
• Participates in the hiring of assigned staff, recommending selection for management approval.
• Provides input into the budget process for the assigned branch.
• Provides input into performance evaluations, counsels employees and recommends disciplinary action and other personnel decisions.
• Works closely with community and volunteer groups to enhance the provision of services.
• Develops and implements specific library programs tailored to the needs of the community served.
• Locates materials for patrons, verifies bibliographic information and obtains materials from County or other local library systems.
• Sets up circulation desk for daily activities; prepares cash drawer and desk supplies; verifies accessibility to various data bases.
• Checks library books and materials in and out; explains County library circulation policies and procedures.
• Registers and issues library cards to patrons; checks patron status to verify registration information; enters patron information to the appropriate data base.
• Calculates and collects fines and other charges for overdue, lost or damaged books; clears patron records for borrowed books; records and balances receipts.
• Responds to patron requests for information and materials and provides such reference information as possible; refers questions of a more technical or detailed reference nature to appropriate staff members and locations.
• Is responsible for the security and the maintenance of the assigned facility.
• Maintains records and files related to library services activities and projects.
• Contacts patrons regarding overdue items and materials that are received; receives, verifies and releases materials for reserve requests.
• Unpacks, sorts and distributes book shipments; processes library materials for circulation.
• Receives returned books and materials; sorts returned materials for return to local shelves or for shipment to other library locations.
• Operates computer terminal and other standard and library office equipment to access and modify various databases; performs general office support and typing work.

Knowledge of

• Basic supervisory principles and practices.
• General public library services, organization and functions.
• Books, authors and general reference sources in a variety of areas.
• Basic business data processing for library support activities.
• Basic public desk etiquette and methods of providing information.
• Business arithmetic, including percentages and decimals.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including the use of standard office equipment such as a typewriter and an adding machine.

Skill in

• Planning, assigning, directing and reviewing the work of paid and volunteer staff.
• Interpreting and applying library procedures and policies.
• Preparing clear, concise and complete reports and other written material.
• Maintaining accurate records and files.
• Coordinating multiple projects and meeting critical deadlines.
• Making accurate arithmetic computations to determine overdue fees, cash balances and related tasks.
• Exercising sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Operating and using standard office equipment including a typewriter, word processor, microfilm reader/printer, and/or computer equipment.
• Dealing tactfully and effectively with a variety of individuals, including patrons, library staff and the general public.

Other Requirements

• Must possess a valid California driver's license.
• Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as required.

Desirable Education and Experience

One year of paraprofessional library experience providing direct patron services at a level equivalent to the County's class of Library Assistant II.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

Medical Examination

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

Other Examinations

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

Licenses

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's license.

Probationary Period

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

Employment Eligibility

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

Disaster Service Workers

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Provisions Statement

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.