WebJunction

TOWN OF ENFIELD
LIBRARY DEPARTMENT
LIBRARY ASSISTANT

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: The Library Assistant performs many support activities involved in operating a library by assisting the professional librarians following established rules and procedures and policies. May assist in the administration of a branch in the absence of a professional librarian. Library Assistants generally work in both technical and user services. User services work is directly with the public to help them find the information needed. Technical services is acquiring and preparing material for use and dealing less frequently with the public. An employee in this class shall perform routine general library work and may acquire proficiency in only one of the general specialized areas of library work. Library Assistants may work on special projects.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general direction and supervision of the Head of Circulation who issues instructions, spot checks work or requires cross-checking by other personnel, but has some latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

In the administration of a branch or division in the absence of a professional librarian; participates in all the work at the circulation desk such as processing interlibrary loans, and reserves books, may supervise computer use and train others in the use of the computer; instructs patrons in the use of media and equipment and operates equipment, answers telephone, receives overdues, etc; orients patrons to the library by informing them of services available and the location of media, by recommending media and by explaining use of the Public Access catalog; records departmental statistics; ; maintains the record collection by placing orders as necessary; compiles and maintains suspension list; compiles and maintains reserved books, tag and take cash.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS: Provides reference services for patrons, assists in locating reference sources and instructs in their use; operates and maintains audiovisual equipment; may assist in the promoting of programs for patrons; maintains the collection by recommending what media will be mended or discarded and by shelf reading; performs related duties as required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, grasp, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, talk and hear. Hand-eye coordination necessary to operate computers and various office equipment. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop and crouch.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employee performs a variety of simple tasks following instructions provided.

The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, ABILITY: Computer skills, knowledge of computerized circulation system, ability to assist public in using personal computers and products on local area network.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES: Ability to deal with associates and the public in a courteous manner; ability to make decisions of other than a routine nature in order to meet controlling conditions; neat personal appearance; emotionally stable; pleasing manner.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Graduate from High School or equivalent and two (2) years clerical experience, preferably in a library.

This job description is not, nor is it intended to be, a complete statement of all duties, functions and responsibilities which comprise this position.

Library Assistant

Town Of Groton

Position Definition
Performs varied clerical work in issuing and receiving library books and periodicals; and assists patrons in the use of library services and facilities.

General Duties
Receives oral or written instructions from supervisor. Organizes work according to established procedures. Performs routine library services such as receiving and loaning books, returning books to shelves, and following up on overdue books and materials. Performs routine filing of books, periodicals, and other materials. Checks returned books for damage. Makes minor repairs to books and materials as needed. Computes and receives overdue fines. Assists persons in applying for library membership. Processes membership applications and issues membership cards. Maintains records of supplies and materials. Types cards, lists, reports, and other information. Operates computer terminal and auxiliary equipment in routine duties. Reports work accomplished to supervisor.

Additional Duties
Responds to general information requests by telephone or refers to Librarian. Reserves books and materials. Processes books and materials using Connecticard for inter-town loan program. Assists in preparation of book and document exhibits. Maintains special records or sections of the library as assigned by Supervisor. Performs related tasks as assigned.

Supervised By
Receives general supervision from a professional Librarian.

Qualifications Profile
The skills and knowledge required would usually be acquired with a high school education, college course work in Library Science and one year's experience in public library work.

License or Certificate
Not Applicable.

Career Possibilities
Promoted From: This is an entry level position.
Promoted To: Library Associate.

Library Associate

Town Of Groton

Position Definition
Performs responsible and varied para-professional work in issuing and receiving library books and materials, and assisting patrons in using library services and facilities.

General Duties
Receives oral or written instructions from supervisor. Plans work according to established procedures. Greets visitors to library. Responds to requests for information and assistance, or refers inquiries to a Librarian. Performs circulation control activities. Assists persons in applying for library membership and processes membership application and issues membership cards. Retrieves and operates equipment, prepares cards, lists, reports and other information. Performs routine cataloging of books and materials. Prepares posters, bulletin, displays, newsletters, public information releases to explain or promote use of Library and materials. Operates computer terminal and auxiliary equipment in routine duties. Reports work accomplished to supervisor.

Additional Duties
Receives and responds to general information requests by telephone or in writing. Reserves books and materials. Prepares books and materials and processes inter-library requests. Repairs minor damage to books, materials and equipment. Gives functional supervision to pages and other hourly workers in unit. Relieves other employees as directed by supervisor.

Supervised By
Receives general supervision from a Library Division Coordinator.

Qualifications Profile
The skills and knowledge required would usually be acquired with a Library Technical Assistant degree, and one year of public library experience. Ability to acquire skill to operate data processing equipment. Ability to type. Demonstrated ability to effectively handle public interaction.

License or Certificate
Not applicable.

Career Possibilities
Promoted From: Library Assistant.
Promoted To: Assistant Librarian or Librarian, conditional upon achieving minimum professional qualifications.

Library Technician I

Town Of Manchester

Reports To
Associate Senior Librarian

Job Summary
A person in this library position performs technical and other work such as cataloguing new acquisitions, the maintenance and use of the library collection and assisting customers in their search for materials and information. Traditional and computer dependent cataloguing, collection maintenance and search methods are used. The position may be assigned a regular schedule of varied days, nights and weekends as required to fulfill the operating hours of the library and all other library facilities. A Technician I works under the supervision of the Associate Senior Librarian, other section heads and periodically a Technician II. The work is subject to review according to the Town's personnel plan through observation, reports and the results achieved.

Essential Job Functions

• Assists customers in learning how to use the library's search tools. These include computer terminals, personal computers, computer based media, the card catalogue and diverse indexes in varied formats including CD-ROM.
• Technicians I locate desired materials in local and other accessible collections and answers customer questions.
• Oversees the appropriate use of library facilities.
• Helps establish and maintain a high customer service performance standard.
• Administers the library collection by cataloguing and entering assigned categories of materials on all relevant library catalogue systems.
• Makes purchase recommendations on books, videos and other library inventory acquisitions.
• Performs circulation desk duties including issuing library cards, checking collection materials in and out, collecting fines and handling complaints.
• Works in one or more sections of the library performing a representative range of duties and responsibilities in each i.e., in reference, circulation, children's, branch and community outreach.
• Develops displays and assists with library programs.
• Performs specialized and routine clerical tasks such as payroll preparation, data entry, preparing reports and payroll information, ordering materials and supplies, collecting revenues, cleaning and repairing damaged materials, and answering the telephone, providing advice and directing calls.
• Prepares statistical and other reports regarding library operations and use.

Other Job Functions

• Culls outdated, unused and damaged items from the collection.
• Keeps the collection inventory properly organized.
• May perform specialized duties such as driving the bookmobile van.
• Periodically supervises library assistants, program aides, pages and volunteers.
• Performs other tasks which assist in the use and proper care of the library and its resources and as may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skill And Ability

• Is able to work with a minimum of supervision individually as well as with others and regularly takes personal initiative to execute work responsibilities.
• Works in a pleasant and effective manner with customers, co-workers, other departments and agencies.
• Performs many routine and some specialized work in assigned areas of responsibility.
• Has a working knowledge of computers, automated search methods and effectively uses the various information access methods available in a contemporary public library with a high degree of proficiency and accuracy.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of library practices.
• Successfully completes on the job training in cataloguing, basic reference and one or more areas of library programming e.g., story telling.
• Has good customer service and public relations skills.
• Enjoys reading and using materials commonly found in libraries and helping others of all ages enjoy and use library resources.

Physical And Mental Effort/Environmental And Working Conditions

• Assists library customers in their use of the library performing work which is moderately physically demanding and administers the library collection wherever materials may be located including obtaining and replacing books from shelving in the stacks and on all levels, walking and standing for extended time periods (two to four hours) and carrying a reasonable selection of materials between places where they are stored and places where they are used within library facilities and property.
• Is able to communicate effectively orally, in writing and by listening in the modes of speaking with small groups, providing directions and in preparing notes and reports.
• This work requires the ability to work directly and personally with personal and office computers, associated peripheral equipment and related library application programs.
• He/she must be able to hear normal sounds, distinguish sound as voice patterns and communicate through human speech.
• Recurring intellectual effort is required to maintain a current knowledge of library resources, literature and information resources.

Minimum Training And Experience
A candidate for this position must have graduated from high school, have three years of library or related experience and prior computer training and experience. An Associates Degree in Liberal Arts or Library Technical Services with one or more years of library experience is preferred.

(The above description is illustrative. It is intended as a guide for personnel actions and must not be taken as a complete itemizing of all facets of any job.)

Library Technician II

Town Of Manchester

Reports To
Associate Senior Librarian

Job Summary
A person in this library position performs advanced technical and other library work involving the maintenance and use of library collection and assisting customers in their search for materials and information. Traditional and computer dependent collection maintenance and search methods are used. The position may be assigned a regular schedule of varied days, nights and weekends as required to fulfill the operating hours of the library and all other library facilities. A Technician II works under the general supervision of the Associate Senior Librarian or other section head and periodically provides supervision and direction to Technicians I, library assistants and pages. The work is subject to review according to the Town's personnel plan through observation, reports and the results achieved.

Essential Job Functions

• Locates desired materials in local, regional and other accessible collections and answers customer questions.
• Advises customers about library materials, how to effectively use the library and oversees their appropriate use of library facilities.
• Helps establish and maintain a high customer service performance standard.
• Manages the library collection by cataloguing books and other materials on all library systems, culling outdated, unused and damaged items from the collection, keeping the collection inventory properly organized and recommending collection purchases in specialized areas based on reader interest and reviews.
• Trains and, on recurring basis, supervises library assistants, Technicians I, pages and volunteers.
• Oversees branch and other library facility operations when assigned.
• Performs the full range circulation desk duties including issuing library cards, checking collection materials in and out and collecting fines.
• Works in one or more sections of the library performing a representative range of duties and responsibilities in each i.e., in reference, circulation, children's, branch and community outreach.
• Prepares statistical and other reports regarding library operations and use.
• Acts in the place of supervisors and other more highly trained librarians in the absence of that person.

Other Job Functions

• Assists customers in learning how to use the library's search tools. These include computer terminals, personal computers, computer based media, the card catalogue and diverse indexes in varied formats including CD-ROM.
• Performs other tasks which assist in the use and proper care of the library and its resources as may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skill And Ability

• Works independently and takes initiative to successfully execute work responsibilities.
• Works in a pleasant and effective manner with customers, co-workers, other agencies and departments.
• Understands computers, automated search methods and works proficiently and accurately with the various information access methods utilized in a contemporary public library.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of library science principles and practices.
• Successfully completes on the job training in cataloguing, basic reference and one or more areas of library programming e.g., story telling.
• Enjoys reading and using materials commonly found in libraries and helping others of all ages enjoy and use library resources.

Physical And Mental Effort/Environmental And Working Conditions

• Assists library customers in their use of the library performing work which is moderately physically demanding and administers the library collection wherever materials may be located including obtaining and replacing books from shelving in the stacks and on all levels, walking and standing for extended time periods (two to four hours) and carrying a reasonable selection of materials between places where they are stored and places where they are used within library facilities and property.
• Able to communicate effectively orally, in writing and by listening in the modes of speaking with small groups, providing instruction, directions, and in preparing notes, memorandum and reports.
• This work requires the ability to work directly and personally with personal and office computers and associated peripheral equipment and library related application programs.
• He/she must be able to hear normal sounds, distinguish sound as voice patterns and communicate through human speech.
• Recurring intellectual effort is required to maintain a current knowledge of library resources, literature and information resources.

Minimum Training And Experience
A candidate for this position must have a two year or Associate's Degree as a Library Technical Assistant or a related field from an accredited college or school beyond high school and three years of library work experience. A Bachelor's Degree in Library Science or Liberal Arts from accredited college or university and one or more years of varied library experience including some supervision is preferred. A person in this position must have a demonstrated proficiency in the use of a computer keyboard, terminal and/or work station, the ability to run commonly available library equipment and a strong knowledge of library computer based resources.

(The above description is illustrative. It is intended as a guide for personnel actions and must not be taken as a complete itemizing of all facets of any job.)

Library Clerk

New Fairfield Library

Supervisor
Children's Librarian, Assistant Director, Director. Takes direction from Circulation Clerk

Hours of Work
Part Time, Union

Primary Function
Performs a variety of library circulation and clerical procedures with a heavy concentration of public contact

Qualifications, Education, Experience, and Skills Required

• One year clerical or library experience
• High school graduate
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions
• Ability to learn Dewey Decimal system, automated circulation system, and library circulation policies and procedures
• Ability to create courteous pleasant first impression of library
• Ability to establish good patron rapport
• Flexibility to deal with multiple and extra unexpected tasks and patrons simultaneously
• Basic typing/computer skills
• Ability to learn media/computer operations

Specific Duties

• Performs all circulation desk duties using computerized system
  • Check materials in/out/renew materials
  • Reserve materials
  • Collects fines and tallies daily
  • Issues new patron cards/updates cards
• Performs all opening/closing procedures in work area/public areas
  • Turn on/off all computers/copiers/printers
  • Empty book drops
  • Turn on/off lights, heating controls
• Notifies patrons about reserved materials
• Answers phone and routes calls as necessary
• Performs basic reference work or refers it to librarian in charge
• Assists patrons in locating materials through OPAC or ILL
• Obtains mail; sends mail; delivers/picks up interdepartmental mail
• Obtains newspapers from source when necessary
• Process magazines for circulation in absence of circulation clerk
• Assists with library programs and displays; registration, signs, crafts, book lists, etc.
• Assists with book orders
• Prepares, repairs, and withdraws, materials
• Shelves materials/reads shelves
• Performs any duties designated by librarians in assigned work area

Library Assistant
Adult Services

Public Library

General Statement of Responsibilities
Provides friendly, high quality customer service to Library clients under the direction of the Head of Adult Services.

Responsibilities

• Assists at the Reference Desk by answering in-person and telephone inquiries.
• Assists clients with computer services, including CD-ROM, public access computers, and online catalog terminals.
• Maintains community activity, statistical and vertical files, government documents and college catalog collections.
• Participates in Adult programming and special events.
• Performs at service desks as assigned.
• Performs other tasks as assigned.

Necessary qualifications

• High school graduate minimum, college work completed or graduate preferred.
• Requires good interpersonal skills, communications skills, and the desire to provide excellent customer service.
• Solid writing and computer skills are also required.

ADA concerns
The Library Assistant assigned to Adult Services may be a person with partial visual or hearing disability. Adaptive technology may be used to communicate with others, although the Library Assistant assigned to Adult Services must be able to communicate by telephone and read print and nonprint materials for reference purposes. Physical challenges may be posed by the reaching, bending and lifting that characterizes reference and reader's advisory functions. This position will also participate in the more rigorous physical tasks and require the wide communicative abilities necessary to the Library Assistant assigned to Circulation.

Library Clerk I

Russell Library

Position Definition
Performs increasingly responsible and varied clerical-administrative work in an assigned unit; issues, receives and circulates library books and materials; performs clerical services in cataloging, classification and maintenance of books and materials; and assists patrons in using library services.

General Duties

• Receives oral or written instructions from a supervisor.
• Organizes work according to established procedures.
• Performs clerical or technical tasks in assigned unit.
• Performs circulation and information tasks at main or children's desks.
• Greets visitors to library.
• Assists library patrons in use of library materials.
• Responds to requests for assistance or refers inquiries to a professional librarian.
• Monitors reading rooms to assure suitable reading environment.
• Assists persons in applying for library membership.
• Processes membership application and issues membership card.
• Enters and retrieves member and circulation information by computer terminal in a computerized circulation system.
• Processes the loan and return of books, periodicals, audiovisual equipment and related circulation materials.
• Sorts and shelves books, newspapers and periodicals.
• Computes and receives overdue fines.
• Follows prescribed routine in receiving compensation for overdue, damaged or lost library items.
• Prepares posters, bulletins, and newsletters to promote use of library and materials.
• Performs varied clerical cataloging and clerical administrative work in technical services.
• Assists in cataloging author and title cards, and subject cards.
• Types information on catalog cards.
• Inspects returned books, materials and equipment for damage.
• Makes minor repairs to books, documents, periodicals, and materials as needed.
• Returns equipment to storage.
• Maintains records, logs, or other statistical information in assigned unit.
• Prepares statistical information for completion of reports.
• Reports work accomplished to a supervisor.

Additional Duties

• Relieves other employees as directed by supervisor, including responsibility for a unit in the temporary absence of a professional librarian.
• Receives and responds to general information requests by telephone or in writing.
• Receives and processes mail and deliveries.
• Reserves books and materials.
• Prepares books and materials for interlibrary loan.

Supervised By
Receives general supervision from a professional librarian or a designated supervisor.

Qualifications Profile

• The skills and knowledge required would usually be acquired with a high school education, and some experience in public library work, or any relevant combination of education, experience and training.
• A working knowledge of library principles and practices.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or schedule form.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide all units of measure.
• Ability to type accurately.
• Ability to acquire skill to operate word and data processing equipment.
• Ability to meet and relate to the public and staff members in a positive and constructive manner.

License or Certificate
Not Applicable.

Note: The above tasks and responsibilities are illustrative only. The description does not include every task or responsibility.

Library Technical Assistant
(General)

Russell Library

Position Definition
Performs responsible and varied para-professional library duties or clerical-administrative work; assists patrons in using library services and facilities; and maintains materials of a specific unit or library division. 

General Duties

• Receives oral or written instructions from a professional librarian or division head.
• Plans work according to established procedures.
• Prioritizes tasks within work assignment.
• Allocates work to library assistants, clerks and pages.
• Performs work in special unit, including children's, circulation, reference, technical services or as assigned. Maintains specific materials, supplies or equipment.
• Responds to patrons', students' or visitors' requests for information and assistance, or refers inquiries to a professional librarian.
• Performs routine cataloging.
• Leads group activities, including story-telling or information sessions.
• Participates in selection of materials by making suggestions.
• Uses computer terminal in entering and retrieving information in library database and automated accounting systems.
• Charges and discharges library books, materials, and equipment.
• Inspects returned books, materials and equipment for damage.
• Follows prescribed routine in receiving compensation for overdue, damaged or lost library items.
• Assists persons in applying for library membership.
• Processes membership applications.
• Types cards, lists, reports, and other information.
• Participates in inventory of books and materials.
• Performs routine shelving and purging of books, materials etc.
• Prepares materials to promote use of library.
• Reports work accomplished to supervisor.

Additional Duties

• Performs special duties as assigned, including basic reference, ordering of materials, maintenance, etc.
• Performs duties in all library divisions as needed.
• Reserves books and materials.
• Makes minor repairs to books, materials and equipment.
• Relieves other employees as directed by supervisor, including responsibility for a unit in temporary absence of professional librarian.
• Assists in training of new employees and volunteers.
• Performs related tasks as assigned.

Supervised By
Receives general supervision from a professional librarian. 

Qualifications Profile

• The skills and knowledge required would generally be acquired with an Associate's degree in Library Science, three years experience in public library work, or any equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Knowledge of basic office procedures, including filing, scheduling, posting and basic bookkeeping.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to acquire a working knowledge of regulations and procedures pertaining to library responsibilities.
• Ability to type accurately.
• Ability to maintain accurate files and records.
• Ability to perform accurate mathematical computations.
• Ability to deal cooperatively with others.
• Ability to acquire skill to operate word and data processing equipment.

License or Certificate
Not Applicable.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility

Library Assistant

Sherman Library

Job Summary
The library assistant helps keep the library running smoothly during daily operations. Performs responsible and varied clerical work in circulation, interlibrary loan, materials processing and shelf maintenance. Assists patrons in finding information and using library services and facilities.

Reports to
Director.

Principle Responsibilities and Duties

• Helps establish and maintain a high customer service performance standard.
• Opens and closes the library. Turns on or off computers, lights, heating or air conditioning.
• Performs full range of circulation desk duties including issuing library cards, checking materials in and out, reserving books, collecting fines, and answering the phone.
• Advises patrons about library materials and computers and oversees appropriate use of the facility.
• Responds to requests for information from patrons in the library, through email and by phone or refers inquires to director.
• Assists in training and supervising staff and volunteers.
• Processes new books, audio books and videos including verifying book deliveries, checking invoices, labeling and covering materials and entering data into the computerized catalog.
• Manages the library collection by culling outdated, unused and damaged items, keeping shelves properly organized, selecting material from Middletown State Library and recommending purchases based on reader's interests and requests.
• Picks up and processes mail.
• Oversees Interlibrary Loan program including ordering, sending and receiving materials and maintaining monthly statistics.
• Maintains inventory and orders supplies.
• Accepts book donations for the book sales.

Additional Duties

• Assumes responsibility of daily library operations in absence of director.
• Has knowledge of upcoming adult and children programs, book sales and other events.
• Performs special duties as assigned.
• Attends workshops and conferences.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates a working knowledge of library principles and practices.
• Understands computers and automated library systems.
• Works in a pleasant and effective manner with patrons, co-workers, and volunteers.
• Works independently and takes initiative to successfully complete duties.
• Enjoys reading and using other library materials and helping others of all ages enjoy library resources.

Library Assistant

Town Of Somers

Position Definition
Performs responsible and varied clerical library work in the functional areas of circulation, ordering, and shelf maintenance.

General Duties

• Receives oral or written instructions from supervisor.
• Organizes work according to established procedures.
• Performs clerical or technical tasks in various units as assigned.
• Performs circulation and information tasks at main or children's desks.
• Greets visitors to library.
• Assists library patrons in use of library materials.
• Responds to requests for assistance or refers inquiries to a librarian.
• Assists persons in applying for library membership.
• Processes membership application and issues membership card.
• Enters and retrieves member and circulation information in circulation and membership records.
• Processes the loan and return of books, periodicals, audiovisual equipment and related circulation materials.
• Sorts and shelves books, newspapers and periodicals.
• Computes and receives overdue fines.
• Follows prescribed routine in receiving compensation for overdue, damaged or lost library items.
• Prepares posters, bulletins, and newsletters to promote use of library and materials.
• May assist in cataloging author and title cards, subject cards, and in typing information on catalog cards.
• Inspects returned books, materials and equipment for damage.
• Makes minor repairs to books, documents, periodicals, and materials as needed.
• Returns equipment to storage.
• Maintains records, logs, or other statistical information in assigned unit.
• Prepares statistical information for completion of reports.
• Reports work accomplished to a supervisor.

Additional Duties

• Relieves other employees as directed by supervisor, including responsibility for a unit in the temporary absence of a professional librarian.
• Receives and responds to general information requests by telephone or in writing.
• Receives and processes mail and deliveries.
• Reserves books and materials.
• Prepares books and materials for interlibrary loan.

Supervised By
Receives general supervision from the Librarian.

Qualifications Profile

• The skills and knowledge required would usually be acquired with a high school education, and some experience in public library work.
• A working knowledge of library principles and practices.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or schedule form.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide all units of measure.
• Ability to type accurately.
• Ability to meet and relate to the public and staff members in a positive and constructive manner.

License or Certificate
Not Applicable.

Note: The above tasks and responsibilities are illustrative only. The description does not include every task or responsibility.