This is routine clerical work in a library involving basic support services and services to patrons. Work involves responsibility for routine circulation, shelf maintenance and clerical functions using automated circulation system. Duties include checking books in and out, shelving library materials, data inputting, and telephone answering. This position also includes making beginning level library clerical decisions. The position also involves providing patrons with basic reference services. This position requires a thorough knowledge of the policies of the library, as determined by the Library Board of Trustees. Since the circulation desk is the public face of the library, courtesy and public service are paramount in this position.

Supervision Received

Works under the direct supervision of the Library Director.

Circulation Desk Services

• Assists patrons by checking in, checking out, and renewing library materials.
• Collects fines and fees owed, clearing them from patron records in the automated circulation system and recording them in the cash register.
• Answers the telephone.
• Depending on scheduled work time, assists in opening procedures each morning, including but not limited to, accounting for the cash receipts of the previous day, locating items on the daily pull list, preparing materials for transit by the courier, and turning on the computers.
• Reviews all data entered for accuracy and completeness.
• Depending on scheduled work time, assists in closing procedures at the end of the service day, making sure all returned items are checked in, checking the building to make sure everyone has exited, shutting down the computers, etc.
• Distributes and reviews meeting room reservation forms, entering the reservations in the calendar and collecting fees, if applicable.
• During the mornings and afternoons, prints off paging lists of requested materials, searches for these materials, and checks them in to place them in transit to patrons’ libraries.
• Checks out public Internet computers and children’s computers to patrons, following the guidelines in the Computer Use Policy.
• Replaces books, magazines and other library holdings on shelves according to classification criteria.
• Inspects returned materials for damage and missing parts before checking in, changing status as needed and directing material for repair; contacts patrons as needed.
• On receipt of overdue and billing notices, searches for materials listed and advises catalog library assistant of the patron name
• Prepares library material for courier service following consortium guidelines in packaging and labeling
• When coming on shift, checks the gate counter to make sure it’s operating; reports any malfunctions to the Library Director and advises the Maintenance Manager

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  Patron Services

o Assists patrons in locating library materials they are interested in on the floor of the library

o Demonstrates use of the online catalog in finding and reserving library materials and checking patron accounts

o Troubleshoots problems with the public copier

o Assist all patrons with the effective use of technologies necessary to access and use the internet and other electronic and non-print resources

o Assists patrons in placing holds on wanted items, encouraging them to use the online catalog whenever possible; assists them in filling out ILL requests as needed

o Enters data regarding children’s programs as requested

o Encourages and demonstrates use of the library’s electronic databases o Contacts patrons regarding missing pieces from returned library items

o Demonstrates and troubleshoots use of the microfilm reader/printer for genealogy researchers o For those patrons calling on the phone or unable to use Internet computers, assist them in

finding the information they seek through Internet searches, reference materials, and electronic databases

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  Miscellaneous Responsibilities

o Participates in inventory of books and other library materials

o Assists before and after the courier arrives with materials from other libraries with

preparation, courier sheets, and sorting materials.

o Shelf reads all collections to straighten and organize materials on the shelves

o Performs other duties, as assigned

Hours

Part-time position at 20 hours per week.

Circulation Desk Services

o Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from staff and patrons

o Familiarity with Dewey Decimal and Cutter classification systems

o Ability to learn assigned technical and clerical tasks readily

o Ability to learn the library’s automation software

o Ability to convey a positive, friendly, and welcoming interest in patrons’ needs and the

library’s commitment to serve the community

o Ability to operate personal computers, peripherals, telephones, answering machines, copy machines, microfilm reader/printer, and cash register

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  General Knowledge

o Skill in both oral and written communication as well as the ability to search the Internet and other electronic databases

o Ability to follow detailed oral and written directions

o Ability to organize and prioritize work, respond to varied/changing work demands and make decisions as required.

o Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain and foster cooperative and courteous working relationships with patrons, co-workers, and supervisor

o Keyboarding and filing ability

o Willingness to maintain skills in above-mentioned areas through active participation in

appropriate continuing education activities

o Working knowledge of English grammar and spelling