Job Description

Library Assistant I/II: Circulation & Customer Service

 
Are you an excellent communicator who consistently offers a high level of customer service? Would you enjoy working as a primary representative in serving the public? Are you skilled in data entry and attuned to detail? 

If you are flexible and adaptable, have great interpersonal skills, and thrive on collaboration, please consider joining the dedicated team of professionals at the Humboldt County Library. Thoughtful problem solvers with a great work ethic are welcome. Humboldt County Library currently has an opening for Library Assistant I/II position at the Eureka Library with the Circulation Division.

Circulation and Customer Service –

some of the primary functions of this position include providing customer service on the circulation desk, lending materials to library users, collecting and sharing statistics and checking in materials returned. This employee will work directly with the public and may serve as support staff to other library projects.

What You'll Do:

• Assist patrons with locating and checking items out, resolve account issues.
• Set up of the circulation desk, preparing cash drawers, and closing the building at the end of the night.
• Create library accounts for new patrons and updating information for existing patrons.
• Answer circulation related questions in person and through email.
• Compile statistics and report data. 
• Participate in department-wide committees.  

Qualities We Value:

• A desire to improve library services to people of all ages.  
• Innovative and unconventional approaches to planning and problem-solving.
• An attention to detail mindset that builds healthy rapport with co-workers, customers, and community members.
• A continual improvement-based approach to existing library facilities.

Team-oriented:

• Enjoys collaboration.
• Values diversity.
• Celebrates team members and their successes.
• Considers issues from multiple points of view.
• Communicates effectively with customers, staff, and library leadership.
• Brings passion and energy to the team.

Personal Accountability:

• Prioritizes accuracy and efficiency.
• Brings a drive for excellence.
• Demonstrates resourcefulness and creativity.
• Sees change as opportunity.
• Likes to get things done.
• A ‘will-do’ attitude.  

Where You'll Do It:
This position is located at the Eureka Library, 1313 Third Street in Eureka, CA.

A typical schedule for this position is Tuesday through Saturday, 8am to 5pm with a one-hour lunch. The schedule may include some evenings.

 

Under general supervision, performs paraprofessional library and public contact and library and office support work; provides check-out, return, registration, circulation desk and technical services in the central library or branch library; uses and updates computer data bases; performs related work as assigned.

 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

 

Library Assistant I is the entry level class in this library paraprofessional support series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents perform the more routine duties while learning County policies and procedures and becoming familiar with library systems and practices. This class is alternately staffed with Library Assistant II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency that meets the qualifications of the higher level class.

• Locates materials for patrons, verifies bibliographic information and obtains materials from County or other local library systems.
• Sets up circulation desk for daily activities; prepares cash drawer and desk supplies; verifies accessibility to various databases.
• Checks library books and materials in and out utilizing a computerized on-line or manual system; explains County library circulation policies and procedures.
• Registers and issues library cards to patrons; checks patron status to verify registration, information; enters patron information to the appropriate database.
• Calculates and collects fines and other charges for overdue, lost or damaged books; clears patron records for borrowed books; records and balances daily receipts.
• Assists library professional staff and refers difficult or unusual problems to appropriate supervisory or professional staff members.
• Responds to basic patron requests for information and materials and provides such reference information as possible; refers questions of a more technical or detailed reference nature to appropriate staff members.
• Contacts patrons regarding overdue items and books and materials that are received; receives, verifies and releases materials for on-line reserve requests.
• Receives returned books and materials, reviews due dates and examines items for damages; sorts returned materials for return to local shelves or for shipment to other library locations.
• Unpacks and sorts daily book shipments and distributes as indicated; processes library materials for circulation, including jacketing, security tagging, bar coding and installing pockets and date due and route slips inside covers; may place orders for library materials.
• Operates computer to access, input, edit and/or remove bibliographic and other information from database; design and print labels and perform other related computer operations.
• Performs standard office support work such as answering telephones, maintaining files and operating standard office equipment, including computers, typewriters and copy machines.
• Maintains records and files related to library services activities and projects; prepares a variety of periodic and special library processing and activities reports for supervisory review.
• May direct the work of lower level and/or volunteer staff.
• May evaluate books and other materials for mending potential and determine whether damaged books should be sent out for complete re-binding.
• May repair or replace cut or torn pages, rebuild jackets, cut out damaged binding sections, repair or replace damaged hinges, re-glue and reset pages and use laminates and tapes to strengthen bindings.
• May assist in a variety of assigned special projects and services.

Knowledge of:

• General public library services, organization and functions.
• Books, authors and general reference sources in a variety of areas.
• Basic business data processing applications used in library support activities.
• Basic public desk etiquette and methods of providing information.
• Business arithmetic, including percentages and decimals.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including the use of standard office equipment.

Skill in:

• Interpreting and applying library procedures and policies.
• Making accurate arithmetic computations to determine overdue fees, cash balances and related tasks.
• Using sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Directing and instructing part-time and volunteer staff.
• Operating and using standard office equipment including a typewriter, copier, microfilm reader/printer, and computer and word processing equipment and software.
• Performing office support work, including keyboarding and filing.
• Understanding and following oral and written directions.
• Dealing tactfully and effectively with a variety of individuals, including patrons, library staff and the general public.

Other Requirements:

Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as required.

 

Desirable Education and Experience:

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:

 

Library Assistant I: 
One year of experience in EITHER providing basic support in a library, OR in public information and/or office support work.

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for.   Applicants must apply online through the county’s automated application system at  . 
Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer. All applications are screened by Human Resources staff and may also be screened by additional subject matter experts. The most qualified candidates may then be invited for further testing.
It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected. 
Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.
Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. All candidates who pass will be ranked according to their scores. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible. 
 
SELECTION PROCEDURE
The county utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered most qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

 
CalPERS RETIREMENT PROGRAM
Employees fall into one of the following tiers based on the date you first start working for the County or any other employer that uses CalPERS for retirement.

• Tier I - Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7% @ 55
• Tier II - Post 7/6/2012: 2% @ 55
• Tier III - Post 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62

 
If this is your first job with a CalPERS employer, you’d be in Tier III.

• 2% means that for every year you work for the County, you will receive 2% of your maximum annual pay rate for every year that you work for us (or other CalPERS employers) if you work the required minimum number of years (that’s called vesting) and retire after the age following the @.
• If you work 20 years and retire at 62 years of age, you will receive 20 x 2% or 40% of your maximum annual pay rate every year in retirement payments.

EMPLOYEE PERKS
For more information about County benefits, visit our benefits webpage:  . 
For more details about employee perks, see our Employee Perks flyer:  . 
 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to fill out the application?

• You should allow 30 – 45 minutes to fill out your application. 

Can I change my application after submitting it?

• No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

• You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, feel free to contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us.

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

• Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The county Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the county is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The county recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position. 
If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

 
POLICY OF NONDISCRIMINATION
The County of Humboldt does not discriminate based on mental or physical disability in the admission or access to, treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. Contact the Human Resources Department at (707) 476-2349 well in advance of the examination to request an accommodation.
 
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. 

 
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
A pre-employment medical examination provided by the county may be required upon offer of employment.

 
OTHER EXAMINATIONS
Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

 
LICENSES
Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

 
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Persons appointed to regular county positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

 
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY
It is the county’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

 
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the county requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

 
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.

Job Tags

Full time, Contract work, Part time, Work experience placement, Local area, Flexible hours, Night shift, Weekend work, Saturday, Afternoon shift,

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