Library Assistant

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

CUSTOMER SERVICE AND STAFF TRAINING

• Provide excellent customer and informational service.
• Respond to information requests that are in person, over the phone, via chat, social media, or other virtual media in order to answer questions, locate information, and train the public in using the library's resources; refer questions to a Librarian when appropriate.
• Assist in training and leading the work of clerical staff and volunteers; assist in training new staff.
• Participate with or lead work groups or assigned committees.

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT/CONTENT CREATION

• Assist Librarians with the selection, weeding and replacement of materials in the collection.
• Prepare and place orders for library resources including books, periodicals, standing orders and alternate format materials.
• Provide copy cataloging and classification for library resources in all formats; upgrade and edit existing catalog records; download bibliographic and authority records into the library's integrated library system.
• Compile or contribute to booklists, bibliographies, training guides and web resources prepared by staff committees.

PUBLIC PROGRAMMING AND OUTREACH

• Assist in preparing and implementing programs and/or outreach activities for a variety of communities and cultural groups of all ages.

PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT

• Contribute to the library's community service and enrichment goals by promoting public awareness of library services and programs and representing the Library.
• Assist in locations or programs that focus on services to specific age groups, such as children and teens, or to special populations, such as the home-bound or target language populations.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with patrons, neighborhood organizations, and the greater population served by Multnomah County Library, in library locations and community settings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

LEVEL AND TYPE OF WORK AND/OR SUPERVISION:

Library Assistant

• Journey level
• Paraprofessional
• Perform the full range of duties, working independently, applying well-developed subject knowledge, and exercising judgment and initiative.
• Receive occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise.
• Fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.
• Work is reviewed based on compliance, appropriateness, and effectiveness in meeting goals and deadlines.
• Receive general supervision from manager or staff.
• May exercise technical and functional supervision over staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. Requirements are determined at the time of recruitment based on responsibilities of the individual position and business needs of the department.

Library Assistant

Training and experience for journey level, paraprofessional classifications are typically equivalent to an associate's degree and one (1) to four (4) years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. (Equivalency 3-6 years of qualifying training and/or experience).

Depending upon assignment, candidates may be required to pass a criminal background check, have a valid driver license, and/or additional training, licenses, or certificates.