SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE
The Reference Assistant position requires an outgoing, creative, energetic person to provide adult services in a public library setting and should have experience working with adults and youth as well as knowledge of theories and techniques relating to literacy skills and customer service is desirable. Receives close supervision from regular library staff.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Assists the Reference Librarian, as assigned.
- Assists patrons with location and use of materials within the library.
- Instruct and assist patrons in the use of public access computers, software, and other devices.
- Assists in accurately and professionally taking phone messages and inquiries.
- Responds to public inquiries, including reference and reader’s advisory questions, in a courteous manner; provides assistance to patrons in using library software, provides information within the scope of their individual knowledge, and refers to Circulation Supervisor as appropriate.
- Assists in designing and making bulletin boards and other library displays.
- Assists with collection responsibilities, as assigned, such as the selection and de-selection of collection materials.
- Assists with covering the circulation desk when necessary, including check-in/out of items and issuance of library cards.
- Assists with daily clerical duties.
- Assists in maintaining a neat, presentable, and professional library atmosphere.
- Assists with daily and weekly cleaning.
- Shelves library books and materials quickly and accurately.
- Enforces Library rules.
- Assists in monitoring Library security, safety, and health conditions.
- Maintains an ethical and respectful attitude regarding patrons and staff.
- OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Must be available to work flexible hours, including evenings and on Saturdays.
- Must feel comfortable preserving and advocating patron privacy and their right to freedom of information.
- Must be a highly motivated team player with ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with all levels within and external to the organization.
- Must have valid Nevada driver’s license or be able to obtain one if hired.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA’s)
An employee in this position must have the following knowledge, skills, abilities upon application:
- Possesses any combination of experience and education that would likely produce the required knowledge and abilities.
- Artistic ability in creating public displays.
- Knowledge of appropriate techniques in working with patrons of all ages and providing excellent customer service.
- Ability to communicate effectively, patiently, and courteously with library employees, supervisor, patrons, and other community members.
- Ability to handle multiple activities or interruptions at once and to work positively and effectively within a team model.
- Ability to accomplish given tasks in a time effective manner.
- General knowledge of computers, office equipment, and various craft tools.
- General knowledge of the Dewey Decimal Classification System and the Library of Congress subject headings.
- Willingness to provide professional quality work at all times.
- Ability to work without supervision and is a self-starter.
- Promote goodwill between the library and the general public/stakeholders.
- Answer the telephone courteously, routing calls and taking messages as required.
- To represent the library and county professionally in all areas.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
An employee in this position must meet the following physical requirements upon application:
- Work is performed in an office setting. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.
- The employee is frequently required to talk or hear; sit; use hands to finger; feel or operate objects or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee may frequently be required to stand or walk for long periods of time. Must frequently lift and/or move up to 40 lbs.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
- Frequent interruption to planned work activities should be expected.
- Environment is generally clean with limited exposure to conditions such as dust, fumes, noise or odors. Tools and equipment used include personal computer, printer, scanner, telephone, calculator, copy machine, fax machine, postage machine and other associated office equipment. Incumbent may occasionally use additional or specialized equipment, such as Virtual Reality headsets, “Game Stations”, STEM Kits, microform/film reader and printer, typewriter, laminator, satellite monitor and recorder, tape recorder, multimedia projector. and similar devices.