Library Assistant

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, plus one (1) year of experience in a related field.
• Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:
None

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to stoop, bend, walk and reach heights of six (6) feet.
• Must be able to lift or pull book bags and equipment up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Must be able to push loaded book truck up to three hundred (300) pounds.
• Must have manual dexterity to operate computer keyboard.

Notes to Applicants
The Library Assistant will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of work flows and circulation and directing staff as needs change. They will provide excellent customer service to both internal and external customers, including all aspects of circulation and use of library services. They will be expected to explain and enforce library policies and procedures to the public and staff. They will create and maintain daily desk and work schedules for staff and volunteers. They will handle, report, and reconcile library funds; assist in the maintenance of the collection; and troubleshoot basic computer, printer, and copying equipment problems that arise, as well as perform general clerical activities.

APPLICATION INFORMATION :

• A detailed and complete job application is REQUIRED and helps us to better evaluate your qualifications. In completing your job application, please be sure to provide a COMPLETE employment history regarding any relevant experience that you would like for us to consider. This information will also be used to determine salary in the event that you are selected for this position. NOTE : A cover letter and/or resume will NOT be used to substitute for an incomplete job application.
• Please understand that your job application, cover letter, and resume will be used to measure or assess your written communication skills, including grammar and spelling, in helping us screen applications and determine candidates to be interviewed.
• Candidates who progress from the phone interview round to the in-person interview round may be required to complete two (2) assessments; one to measure writing skills and the other to measure oral/presentation skills.
• All new employees are required to attend City of Austin and Austin Public Library training as scheduled, and should arrange their outside schedules to accommodate such training.

IF YOU ARE SELECTED AS A TOP CANDIDATE :

• Verification of the minimum qualifications (Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, plus one (1) year of experience in a related field) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institute.

TRAVEL :

• If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

VETERAN :

• Veteran candidates will be required to provide a copy of their DD-214.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION :

• This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies of the same job title that may become vacant.
• The additional vacancies may include a difference in work location, workweek hours, and schedule.
• Filling additional vacancies from this posting is based on the business needs of the department.

The Austin Public Library reserves the right to close posted jobs and positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience delivering excellent customer service to a diverse clientele in a high-volume environment, particularly resolving complex customer service issues in person, via telephone, and via email, using a variety of information resources.
• Experience in cash handling, cash drawer reconciliation, and basic accounting principles.
• Experience directing the work of others and coordinating workflows in a busy, high-traffic, often-changing environment, including training staff and/or volunteers.
• Previous experience with an Integrated Library System, such as Sirsi WorkFlows or similar.
• Fluency in a language other than English

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Inputs library patron information into library automation system or other databases and monitors information input by other staff members.

Performs clerical activities such as answering telephones, sorting mail, filing, typing, and photocopying and mailing out materials. Develops work schedules and monitors timesheets and payroll for administrative and volunteer staff.

Handles, reports, and reconciles library funds.

Assists librarians in the maintenance of collection of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audiovisual and other materials; customer services; and research needs.

Sorts books, publications, and other items according to established procedures and return them to shelves, files, or other designated areas.

Troubleshoots basic computer, printer, and copying equipment problems that arise.

Acts as a liaison with Library vendors, delivery services and maintenance.

Instructs and assists staff and the public with using reference sources, automated information sources, software, and the internet. Explains and enforces library policies and procedures to the public and staff.

Answers routine inquiries and refers patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.

Locates library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, audio tapes, Braille volumes, and pictures.

Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, training, and guidance to others.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of money handling and accounting practices.
• Knowledge of books, electronic databases, internet resources, bibliographies and reference materials.
• Knowledge of equity, diversity, and inclusion principles and practices in libraries.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in customer service principles.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software, including Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to assist library patrons and other staff.
• Ability to provide high-level customer service.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to review materials to ensure accuracy, completeness and adherence to established formats and procedures.
• Ability to use library automation and the internet.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
• Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.