Library Assistant I Jobs

The Palos Verdes Library District is a public library system that operates three vibrant libraries serving the 68,000 residents of the four cities on the beautiful Palos Verdes Peninsula. We collaborate with our community to create inclusive environments for learning and inspiration, and to share the unique history of the Peninsula. The Palos Verdes Library Districts role as the community's center for discovery, lifelong learning, and personal enrichment for all is supported by a strong emphasis on community engagement and a robust network of community partners. As an Independent Special District, the Districts $10 million budget is funded primarily by a dedicated allocation of local property taxes, and is governed by a publicly elected Board of Library Trustees.

The Position

The Palos Verdes Library District (PVLD) is seeking a Library Assistant to join our team as a Part-Time Page.

The Library Assistant primarily performs duties and activities related to library materials processing, sorting, shelving, and retrieving at the Peninsula Center Library. Assignments are generally limited in scope and within the design and procedural framework established by higher-level employees. Duties may include sorting and shelving, retrieving library materials from book drops, following opening and closing procedures, responding to customer inquiries and providing routine to complex staff support.

This posting will close at 5:00 p.m. on August 4, 2023. Applications will only be accepted online. Applicants are urged to apply early to ensure you have time to resolve any technical issues you may encounter.

Essen Tial Job Functions

• Assist patrons with the operation of copy machines and provide basic technology and computer help including issuing refunds and performing minor or routine maintenance.
• Retrieve library materials from interior and exterior books drops, lifts and transports boxes of books and materials.
• Spot-check books and materials for needed repair and identify worn or damaged items for withdrawal or replacement.
• Operate computer software: integrated library system, email, Microsoft Office.
• Manage the workflow of the sorting room by ensuring that materials are reshelved efficiently according to department priority.
• Collect, sort, and shelve all library materials using different filing systems; maintain placement of materials, cleanliness and orderliness of shelves, and shift library material by relocating items as required.
• Search for and process new books & materials, hold requests, claim returns, transit, missing or lost materials utilizing reports.
• Required to work at any PVLD branch when assigned, including working split shifts at different branches.
• Ensure the circulation and shelving areas are safe, attractive, and maintained in good working order.
• Provide a high level of customer service and assistance to patrons by answering basic questions about library operations and the location of materials and refer patrons to appropriate library staff and departments.
• May provide direction, training, and work review for volunteers.
• Perform daily opening and closing procedures by collecting, counting and sorting loose books and materials, and clearing the library of patrons at closing.

To view the full job description please visit the Human Resources page on PVLD.org

Qualifications

Required Experience:

Knowledge Of

• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Basic record keeping principles and procedures, data collection and report preparation.
• Standard library practices and procedures including circulation
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public, volunteers, vendors, contractors, and District staff, in person, and over the telephone. Principles, practices, and techniques of effectively dealing with the public and public relations.
• Alphabetic and numeric systems for classifying and organizing library materials and basic arithmetic principles and cash handling.
• Applications of automated library circulation systems and modern office practices, methods and computer equipment.

Ability To

• Accurately sort, organize, retrieve, shelve and relocate library materials using alphabetical or numerical classification systems.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public using tact, initiative, and independent judgment. Use English effectively to communicate and carry out instruction orally and in writing.
• Access, retrieve, enter, prepare, update and maintain accurate and complete information and records using modern equipment.
• Organize own work and set priorities within procedural guidelines and work with speed and accuracy.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the workday. Respond well to change and be flexible in performing assigned tasks.

Education, License And Experience

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to the completion of the tenth (10th) grade. Must be sixteen (16) years of age or older. Applicants under the age of eighteen (18) who are required to attend school must provide a valid California Workers Permit prior to appointment.

Desirable Qualifications

• Previous computer experience
• Some experience, paid or unpaid, in a library setting.

Physical Demands

Must be able to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This classification requires continuous movement between work areas and prolonged standing. Must possess the ability to retrieve, process, and store library materials as well as enter and retrieve data using a computer. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach, as well as push and pull heavy book carts of up to 100 pounds to retrieve and store materials. Positions in this classification frequently lift and carry library materials that typically weigh less than 50 pounds.

Environmental Elements

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Occasionally, incumbents may have to visit other branch libraries or perform job duties outdoors and may be exposed to inclement weather conditions and hot and cold temperatures. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or patrons in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Working Conditions

Required to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Selection Process

THIS POSTING WILL CLOSE AT 5:00 PM ON AUGUST 4, 2023.

Applications will only be accepted online through our Applicant Tracking System

Please submit your resume with your application and answer all supplemental questions.

Any further questions can be directed to PVLDs Human Resources at (310) 377-9584 ext. 248

THE PALOS VERDES LIBRARY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Keyword: Library Assistant I