PRINCIPAL LIBRARY ASSISTANT
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs technical and/or paraprofessional duties of considerable difficulty in one or more of the functional areas of librarianship; may take the lead over other lower-level library assistants; does other related duties as required.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
NOTE: Appointments may be made to positions requiring bilingual skills.
10926 - Bilingual in Spanish and English
SPECIAL SKILL: Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in Spanish and English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Coordinates activities of a library unit or section such as circulation desk, periodical section, shelving of library material, microfilm section, book processing section, or inter-loan section.
Follows established policies and procedures with responsibility for revising work methods or processes to increase efficiency.
Assists in issuing assignments and training of lower-level personnel.
Processes interlibrary loan requests by filing those received and requesting materials from other libraries.
Conducts established library programs such as story hours, preschool and school programs, programs for senior citizens, etc.
Assists patrons in locating and utilizing library material and equipment.
Instructs patrons on using the library’s online catalog, website, and other online resources.
Answers patrons’ inquiries regarding general reference and information topics, such as the library’s hours of operation, physical location of material, programs offered, technology assistance, etc.
Determines and prepares content and arrangement of library material for displays, exhibits, and special library programs.
Checks library email and keeps current with library news, announcements, programs, initiatives, etc.
Under the direction and oversight of a Librarian, continually reviews library material and discards obsolete books, films, periodicals, etc.
Charges and discharges library material to users.
Computes and collects fines, makes change, and inspects books and other library material and equipment for damage; performs basic repairs of audio-visual and other library equipment and accessories.
Reviews library membership applications for completeness as to name, address, and similar personal identification and records changes of such information.
Lists overdue library material and completes overdue notices for notifying patrons.
Compiles numerical reports on circulations, accessions, or other aspects of library operations.
Files or shelves material using the Dewey Decimal Classification System and alphabetical filing systems beyond the initial letter of a word.
Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
EXPERIENCE:
Two (2) years of library experience demonstrating practical knowledge of library functions, services, terminology, techniques, procedures, and standard tools (card catalog, microfilm, shelving, circulation systems, etc.).
NOTE: Successful completion of a two (2) year library technician course at an accredited college or university may be substituted for the above experience.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of functions and services provided by a public library.
Knowledge of library classification and filing systems.
Knowledge of basic arithmetic operations using whole numbers.
Knowledge of standard library reference tools.
Knowledge of the Dewey Decimal Classification System but does not have to memorize what each numerical classification represents.
Knowledge (paraprofessional) of typical library departments, functions, and services provided to the public.
Ability to communicate effectively and courteously with staff and the public.
Ability to perform extensive alphabetical filing beyond the initial letter of a word.
Ability to perform numerical filing beyond the initial digit of a sequence of figures.
Ability to assist in issuing assignments.
Ability to instruct and train lower-level employees.
Ability to maintain essential records and files.
Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
This job specification is applicable to the following title code:
