MSL Home > For Librarians > For Public Librarians > Standards > Position Descriptions > Library Assistant

Library Assistant

Position

Library Assistant III - Public Services

Position Overview

A Library Assistant III - Public Services performs professional library functions requiring specialized knowledge and expertise in all areas of public library services. This position focuses on collection development, community outreach and reference duties. The Library Assistant III acknowledges and accepts the Library’s Code of Service, respects the Library’s confidentiality laws and maintains the integrity of the Lewistown Public Library.

Principle Priorities

Duties may be assigned or modified by Director.

General

  • Aspires to help patrons to become lifelong library users by introducing them to the wealth of library resources and enables them to use library services effectively.
  • Assists patrons in locating needed resources in all formats and provides assistance for Internet usage and computer programs within the Library.
  • Provides Reader Advisory and basic instruction for all ages, as requested, for print materials, Internet usage and computer programs.
  • Sustains the dignity of patrons by giving them correct, non-judgmental and complete responses to their informational needs. Provides help where needed and respects patron’s right to browse.
  • Interprets and applies typical library search strategies.
  • Informally assesses the community regularly to identify community needs and preferences.
  • Composes bibliographies, book reviews and press releases as requested.
  • Consults with peers on library matters, this may include staff meetings, workshops, Wired Montana listserve, other library listserves, professional gatherings and other resources.
  • Keeps current on new library materials and technologies.
  • Prepares correspondence/documentation on procedural or informational matters as needed or requested.
  • Keeps Director informed as to project progression, needs and outcomes. 
  • Collects data and compiles reports as requested.
  • Maintains and manages technological equipment (photocopier, printers, AV equipment, computers and reader/printer) requiring minimal servicing and accountability within the library, may train other staff on the use of this equipment as requested.
  • Handles monetary payments for fines, donations, ILL, etc.
  • Enforces library rules for the protection of library patrons and property.
  • Helps to maintain a neat, clean, functional and inviting library.  Provides a welcoming and safe atmosphere.
  • Participates in circulation tasks, which may include checkouts, record keeping, opening and closing routines, reserves, sorting mail and other tasks associated with circulating materials.
  • Plans, implements and follows through with procedural and informational duties and assists with library promotion and services as assigned.
  • Assists the public, on the phone or in person, on the use, availability and status of library materials.
  • Interacts with customers and staff in a courteous and professional manner and attempts to defuse and/or resolve potentially volatile or sensitive situations to ensure quality customer service.
  • Recommends books and other materials to be purchased for the collection.
  • Performs supervisory and professional duties requiring adherence to standards of accuracy, timeliness, tact and confidentiality.
  • Participates in continuing education programs related to library services and pursues Montana Library Certification.

Specific Priorities May Include

Collection Development Responsibilities

  • Researches, evaluates and oversees all adult acquisitions by reviewing, selecting, weeding and maintaining the materials.
  • Coordinates staff and patron recommendations and suggestions for adult library materials and considers the opinions and requests of patrons in the development and evaluation of the adult library services.
  • Orders all of the adult acquisitions through jobbers, suppliers and other sources.
  • Consults with technical services for assessing the best possible access to the collection by users.
  • Supervises and manages the magazine and newspaper collection.  This includes recording, labeling, distributing and weeding.
  • Appraises and evaluates gift items to maximize the benefit to the library’s collection.

Reference Responsibilities

  • Performs professional support service for patrons by undertaking difficult and complex informational and reference searches.
  • Assists the public in the use of the library, providing information services via the reference interview in person or by phone; locates materials through the use of catalogs, the collection, indexes, interlibrary loan, electronic database searching and/or referral to other agencies for reference information.
  • Recommends reference material acquisitions.

Community Outreach Responsibilities

  • Designs, develops, implements, and budgets Community Outreach programs for the Library.
  • Promotes the Library through all media sources regularly.
  • Coordinates the Community Outreach program with agencies being served.
  • Actively participates in pursuing alternative funding sources to help fund the Community Outreach program.
  • Supervises the purchasing of appropriate materials for meeting the needs of Community Outreach programs.
  • Consults and collaborates with peers in order to plan and develop community outreach programs appropriate for the Library.
  • Collects and compiles statistical data and pertinent reports about the Community Outreach programs.
  • Collaborates with Director about the direction and scope of the Community Outreach program and keeps the Director informed about the programs.

Other Assigned Duties May Include

  • Serving as backup person for other areas in the Library as needed.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

Supervision

 Under general supervision of the Library Director.

Responsibility for Work of Others

May supervise Library Staff when they are assisting with the essential duties of the Public Services Librarian.  May supervise volunteers or community workers as appropriate.

Knowlege, Skills and Abilities

Bachelor’s Degree is required; course work in library science is preferred. 4 years of progressive responsibility experience in a library environment is required. Must have skills in operating personal computers including automated information database, database creation, word processing, spreadsheets, and electronic software. A working knowledge of library standards and rules such as USMARC and AACR2 is essential. Must be familiar with library tools for evaluating, acquiring and maintaining library collections.  A working knowledge of office procedures is desirable.  Must be able to work easily with older adult populations.  Must be a capable public speaker. Must know how to use Online Public Access Catalog, electronic resources and other information technology sources to meet typical library needs. Must be able to demonstrate the ability to use 20 reference sources, to conduct a reference interview and be able to answer reference questions with authority and thoroughness to meet patron needs.  Must also know interlibrary loan processes and philosophy; OCLC protocol knowledge is desirable.

The position requires a commitment to service excellence; the ability to see the big picture of the Library; the ability to work well with others in a team; the ability to provide leadership and plan, prioritize and focus on what is critical; commitment to lifelong learning; recognition of the value of professional networking; and the ability to remain flexible and positive in a time of continuing change.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Physical requirements include ability to move around the facility, walk, sit, bend, climb, kneel, carry and stoop; Ability to use hand and finger motion with enough manual dexterity to use computers and handle library items; Lift up to 25#, or greater with assistance; and perform other efforts as identified with normal library work; must have the ability to communicate with patrons effectively; having the ability to talk with clarity, and be able to listen to patrons accurately; Must have specific vision abilities (adjusted) that include close and distance vision with good depth perception; reasonable accommodations may be available; Typing ability and computer skills are essential.

Duties are performed in surroundings where undesirable physical conditions and hazards are minor and controllable.