School Library Assistant

Tasks

• Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.

• Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment.

• Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.

• Enter and update patrons' records on computers.

• Answer routine inquiries and refer patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians.

• Manage reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library, and removing out-dated items.

• Lend, reserve, and collect books, periodicals, videotapes, and other materials at circulation desks and process materials for inter-library loans.

• Instruct patrons on how to use reference sources, card catalogs, and automated information systems.

• Inspect returned books for condition and due-date status and compute any applicable fines.

• Maintain records of items received, stored, issued, and returned and file catalog cards according to system used.

• Perform clerical activities, such as answering phones, sorting mail, filing, typing, word processing, and photocopying and mailing out material.

• Register new patrons and issue borrower identification cards that permit patrons to borrow books and other materials.

• Process new materials including books, audio-visual materials, and computer software.

• Provide assistance to librarians in the maintenance of collections of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audio-visual and other materials.

• Review records, such as microfilm and issue cards, to identify titles of overdue materials and delinquent borrowers.

• Send out notices and accept fine payments for lost or overdue books.

• Maintain library equipment, such as photocopiers, scanners, and computers, and instruct patrons in proper use of such equipment.

• Schedule, supervise, and train clerical workers, volunteers, student assistants, and other library employees.

• Repair books using mending tape, paste, and brushes or prepare books to be sent to a bindery for repair.

• Take action to deal with disruptive or problem patrons.

• Prepare, store, and retrieve classification and catalog information, lecture notes, or other information related to stored documents, using computers.

• Select substitute titles when requested materials are unavailable, following criteria such as age, education, and interests.

• Prepare library statistics reports.

• Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using push carts.

• Assist in the preparation of book displays.

• Classify and catalog items according to content and purpose.

• Operate small branch libraries, under the direction of off-site librarian supervisors.

• Plan or participate in library events and programs, such as story time with children.

• Perform accounting and bookkeeping activities, such as invoicing, maintaining financial records, budgeting, and handling cash.

• Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.

• Place books in mailing containers, affix address labels, and secure containers with straps for mailing to blind library patrons.

• Design or maintain library web site and online catalogues.

• Acquire books, pamphlets, periodicals, audio-visual materials, and other library supplies by checking prices, figuring costs, and preparing appropriate order forms and facilitating the ordering process by providing such information to others.

Skills

• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.

Knowledge

• Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

• Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.