Library Assistant

Description

General Statement of Duties: Performs semi-skilled to skilled library support work to serve and assist the public in the use of the library and library services; processes books and materials and provides assistance at the circulation desk when needed or assigned; performs related duties as required.

Supervision Received: Works under the general and technical supervision of the Assistant Library Director and under the general supervision of the Library Director.

Supervision Exercised: None.

Examples of Duties

The listed examples may not include all duties performed by all positions in this class. Duties may vary somewhat from position to position within a class.

• Answers the telephone and greets walk-in patrons. Assists patrons in locating materials and instructs patrons in the use of the facilities, including SELCO regional catalog on public access computers, internet use, microfilm, and copy machine.
• Charges and discharges library material using automated circulation software over SELCO wide area network.
• Uses circulation software to handle overdue items, delinquent borrowers, requests for library materials, missing books, send items list, receipt and recording of fees and material booking.
• Issues library cards for the Albert Lea Public Library by verifying identification and library use history to determine eligibility for library cards; may complete registration for new library cards.
• Sends out overdue notices; explains and collects patron fees and assesses fees for damaged or lost materials; may determine to waive fees under special circumstances.
• Identifies materials in need of repair or replacement and relays information to appropriate staff member.
• Maintains book carts in appropriate shelf list order for shelving and shelves new books and interlibrary materials on hold; empties book drop.
• Organizes the check out desk daily; replenishing forms and supplies, and assists with opening and closing duties including totaling and locking the cash register at closing in the evening.
• Reads spine labels of materials on shelves to ensure correct shelf order is maintained alphabetically, or by category; regularly reads shelves using a methodical tracking record.
• Shifts materials to create additional space on shelves, assessing need for major shifts of materials; straightens materials within shelves, aligns books and materials, cleaning materials and shelves as needed.
• Monitors public actions and behaviors (i.e. damaging library materials or property) and reports any inappropriate actions or behaviors to supervisor.
• Handles audio-visual equipment circulation; check accessories when checked-in to verify that all the components are accounted for; perform simple maintenance and repair on equipment; instruct patrons in the use of the equipment.
• Interviews patrons and answers routine reference questions and refers in-depth questions to Library Director, Public Services Librarian, or other resources as appropriate.
• Assists patrons with computer reference databases for retrieval of magazine and newspaper articles, business data, and other currently available information.
• Teaches and/or assists patrons in the use of computers, microfilm reader, microfiche, reference databases, effective use of the Internet search engines databases.
• Uses web-based forms to perform routine functions including, but not limited to, placing ILL requests, registering for regional training, requesting “last borrower” reports, and completing regional surveys.
• Works within the library policies and applicable laws, including, but not limited to, those regarding data privacy, acceptable behavior, and safety regulations. Refers specific patron complaints or request to the supervisor.
• May assist with outreach programs and services, including but not limited to deposit collections and Books-by-Mail service.
• May be responsible for maintaining the library’s serials collection.
• May assist with the planning, promotion and delivery of programs and displays in accordance with guidelines set by the Library Director and Public Services Librarian.
• May process ILL items, including retrieving items from library shelves, preparing items for delivery, routing incoming items, and notifying patrons of availability of items following procedures set by the Albert Lea Public Library and SELCO.
• Performs related duties as needed or assigned.
  
  

Typical Qualifications

• Working knowledge of the scope and physical organization of library's collection.
• Working knowledge of the Library’s policies, services, and standard operating procedures.
• Working knowledge of computer use, particularly use of Internet search engines and Library web pages and databases.
• Working knowledge of grammar, spelling, basic math, and recordkeeping.
• Considerable skill in operating a personal computer, including use of a keyboard, typewriter, telephone, copy machine, printer, barcode reader, microfilm reader/printer and other equipment as assigned.
• Considerable ability to learn and use relevant programs of the integrated library automation system; searches for material on-line, updates records, and use computer applications.
• Considerable ability to sort and file alphabetically and to be able to arrange and locate materials according to prescribed sequence; and to manipulate objects requiring fine motor coordination and repetitive movements.
• Working ability to communicate effectively, diplomatically, and in a customer-friendly manner in English both verbally (phone and in person) and in writing (electronic mail) with a diverse community of all ages and abilities.
• Working ability to determine public information needs and to fulfill expectations in public reception and information services according to established library procedures and to maintain confidentiality and patron data privacy according to City, State, and Federal guidelines.
• Working ability to walk, sit or stand for regular or prolonged periods of time, and to change positions frequently when performing the work.
• Working ability to lift and carry library materials weighing up to 20 pounds, and to bend, crouch, stoop, push, or pull when pushing a book cart, emptying book bins or using step stools.
• Working abilities to follow both verbal and written instructions.
• Working ability to learn and follow Dewey Decimal classification system.
• Ability to work variable hours including evenings and weekends.
• Working ability to see and read documents, book titles, and computer screens.
  
  

Desired Minimum Qualifications

High school graduation or GED equivalent and one year of customer service experience, including the use of computers or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

None

• Note: Asterisked (*) items are essential to the job.
  
  

Supplemental Information

Physical Job Requirements and Working Conditions: Pick one box that describes the requirements needed for your job and the conditions you encounter on the job.

Intermittent-Less than15% of the time in a typical week (one per week or less)

Occasional-15%-45%ofthetimeinatypicalweek Frequent - 45%-70% of the time in a typical week

Continuous-Over70% of the time in a typical week (averages daily)

N/AIntermittentOccasionalFrequentContinuousWalk

XStand

X

Sit

X

Bend or Stoop

X

Kneel or Squat

X

Work with arms above shoulder

X

ClimbingX

Lift or carry less than 10 lbs.

X

Lift or Carry 11-25lbs.

X

Lift carry, push, pull 26-60lbs.

X

Lift, carry, push, pull over60lbs.X

Keyboarding

XRepetitive movement

XWorking in cold weather below freezingX

Workinginhotweatherabove90X

Exposed to toxic/caustic materialsX

Exposed to blood borne pathogens

X

Exposed to fumes or airborne particles

X

Exposed to annoying odorX

Exposed to sickening odorX

Exposed to grease/grimeX

Exposed to driving on streetX

Exposed to wet conditionsX

Exposed to machine toolsX

Exposed to moving mechanical partsX

Exposed to high, precarious spacesX

Exposed to risk of electrical shockX

Exposed to slippery conditionsX

Inability to leave workstationX

Exposure to angry public

X

Exposure to deadly assaultX

Exposure to offense language

X

Exposure to threats

X

Exposure to traumaX

Limited mental effort and/or stress

X

Some mental effort and stress involved resulting in frustration

X

Considerable mental effort and stressX

Work alone

X

Work with moderate detail

XWork with high detail

X

Work with moderate deadlines

X

Work with high deadlines

X

Employee Benefit Summary for the City of Albert Lea 2025

• Retirement (PERA) – as a full-time employee of the City of Albert Lea, you are automatically a member of PERA (Public Employee Retirement Association of Minnesota).
• Employee Contributions -6.50%
• Employer Contributions-7.50%
• Vesting- 100% after 3 years
• Health Insurance: coverage for you and your eligible dependents start on the first of the month following your date of hire.
  
  

The City offers two different health insurance plans with three deductible options for each plan.

HSA/VEBA contribution of single $1,200 and family $1,900 with the opportunity to make an additional $300 through participation in the wellness program

• Life Insurance: $10,000 provided by the City.
• Flexible Benefit Accounts for both health care and dependent care.
• LTD – 90 day waiting period, 60% of monthly pay up to a max of $6,000 per month
• Leave Benefits initially: Vacation – 8 hrs. per month (240 max) Sick Leave – 8 hrs. per month (960 max) Holiday – 11 paid holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
  
  

Voluntary Plans

• Supplemental Life Insurance. PERA and/or Sun Life
• AFLAC Insurance – optional employee benefits; critical illness, medical bridge, accident & short-term disability.
• Dental insurance through Met Life
• Deferred compensation (457 plan) -- Mission Square or Nationwide (similar to a 401k)
• Identity Theft/Legal Insurance
• Vision Plan
  
  

01

Describe your previous experience in customer service roles.

02

Describe why you are interested in working at the Albert Lea Public Library.

• Required Question