PRINCIPAL LIBRARY ASSISTANT
   
 DEFINITION

         Under very general direction, performs technical and/or
   paraprofessional duties of considerable difficulty in one or more of
   the functional areas of librarianship; does other related duties as
   required.

   NOTE: The definition and 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.

 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 interloan section.

          Follows established policies and procedures with
   responsibility for revising work methods or processes to increase
   efficiency.

        Issues assignments and trains subordinate personnel assigned to
   such units.

          Processes interloan requisitions for library material between
   area/branch libraries and the main library ensuring that material
   requested is in accord with requisition using card catalog system,
   microfilm files, bibliography references, topical files, reference
   catalogs, and locally established reference files.

          Conducts programs for which objectives and general procedures
   have been established or outlined such as story hours, preschool
   programs, and programs for senior citizens, convalescents, ethnic
   groups, and school students.

         Answers patrons' inquiries pertaining to library hours,
   physical location of library material, offices, or personnel
   including explanation of basic index systems (for example, card
   catalog, readers' guide, microfilm, and topical files).

         Determines and prepares content and arrangement of library
   material for displays, exhibits, and special library programs.

         Examines collections of books, films, periodicals, and so forth
   to weed material for purpose of discarding due to obsolescence.

        Charges and discharges library material to users.

         Computes and collects fines, makes change, and inspects books
   for damage.

         Reviews library membership applications for completeness as to
   name, address, and similar personal identification and records
   changes of such information.

        Lists overdue library material from card files and completes
   overdue notices for notifying patrons.

         Compiles numerical reports on circulations, accessions, or
   other aspects of library operations using basic arithmetic.

         Performs filing or shelving tasks involving the use of the
   Dewey Decimal Classification System and alphabetical filing systems
   beyond the initial letter of a subject or topic.

   Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic
   and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by
   the agency, office, or related units.

   REQUIREMENTS:

        EDUCATION: AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

          Two (2) years of experience demonstrating practical knowledge
   of library functions, services, terminology, techniques, procedures,
   and standard tools (card catalog, microfilm, shelving, circulation
   systems, and so forth.)

                                  OR

        Satisfactory completion of a two-year library technician course
   at an accredited college or university.

        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 basic arithmetic using whole numbers.

             Knowledge of standard library reference tools
   (encyclopedia, periodicals, atlas, readers' guide, and card catalog
   system).

             Knowledge of the Dewey Decimal Classification System but
   does not have to commit to memory what each numerical classification
   represents.

             Knowledge (paraprofessional) of typical library
   departments, functions, and services provided the general public.

             Ability to speak clearly, concisely, and courteously.

             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 issue assignments.

             Ability to instruct and train subordinate employees.

             Ability to learn 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, or 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 as long as
   they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable
   accommodation is made to their known limitations. 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:
Job
Spec
Code
Variant
State,
Local or
Common
Class of
Service
Work
Week
State
Class
Code
Local
Class
Code
Salary
Range
Note
02822
L
C
  
N/A
12
-

This job specification is for local government use only.
Salary range is only applicable to state government.
Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions.

CAH   11/18/1996