What are the responsibilities and job description for the Library Assistant - Materials Management (Acquisitions) position at City of Appleton, WI?
This is a full-time benefited non-exempt library assistant position in the Materials Management Section (Acquisitions) of the library. Work involves the processes necessary to facilitate the acquisition and receipt of materials for the library's collections including the acquisition of bibliographic records for print, media, serials, and electronic resources. This includes processing the daily mail, checking-in newspapers and magazines, creating item records for new materials in the catalog, and assisting with the training of clerical staff to process new materials to be shelf ready. Work will include assisting in the development of section standards and procedures; serving as resource person for acquisitions issues; preparing monthly expenditure reports; assisting in quality control and problem solving; working as a member of the Materials Management Section staff team. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Materials Management Supervisor.
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Provides courteous, efficient, knowledgeable customer service to patrons, staff, vendors and system library staff.
- Searches for and downloads bibliographic records to facilitate ordering of print, media, serials and electronic resources using current standards and technologies.
- Generates orders using integrated & standalone computer applications.
- Maintains and verifies encumbered and expended budget lines for the library materials account(s).
- Works with vendors to establish accounts; monitors orders; identifies late orders; and communicates with vendors to resolve ordering issues.
- Assists with the management of staff accounts on vendor ordering systems.
- Works with catalogers to resolve collection holdings issues, especially regarding serials.
- Identifies problems and participates in discussions about solutions and/or updates to acquisitions procedures.
- Works with other library sections, OWLSnet, and library vendors.
- Troubleshoots departmental software and tests new acquisitions software.
- Applies RFID tags to new materials.
- Conducts and participates in yearend maintenance of periodical collections.
- Assists with physical processing of materials.
- Maintains regular, punctual, and predictable attendance.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS
- Participates on library wide task force(s) as assigned.
- Communicates library policies, rules & regulations to the public.
- Other projects as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts or Science Degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills:
- Knowledge of public library services and practices
- Some knowledge of ordering systems
- Some knowledge of accounting systems and practices
- Ability to communicate and maintain effective relationships
- Computer skills including a working knowledge of Windows, MS Office, internet search strategies, and electronic databases
- Good oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate with other in a tactful and courteous manner
- Ability to learn new technologies and software, and communicate that knowledge to others
- Ability to learn library procedures, policies, and communicate these
- Ability to work independently with creativity
- Ability to maintain paper and electronic files and records.
- Ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.
- Ability to deal with public relations problems courteously and tactfully
- Ability to work as a team member, maintaining effective relationships with co-workers
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to life at least 30 lbs.; push a loaded book cart (200 lbs.) on carpeting
- Ability to read fine print (font sizes of 8 or larger)
- Ability to hear the library's security system, computer alerts, and normal speaking voices
- Ability to read and speak Spanish or Hmong a plus
Supplemental Information
COMPETENCIES
Communication
Customer Focus
Handling Difficult People
Problem Solving
Adaptability/Flexibility
To learn more about these competencies click here