Public Library Assistant Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Position Type:
Support Staff/Library Media Assistant
Date Posted:
5/13/2026
Location:
Multiple Locations
FAIRFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT, SOUTH CAROLINA
JOB DESCRIPTION, MAY 2011
JOB TITLE: MEDIA ASSISTANT
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
Under occasional supervision, assists the Media Specialist with non-professional library tasks required to manage the library and its collections, circulate materials, and provide reference, research and technical assistance for students and teachers. Reports to the Principal and Media Specialist.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Maintains and updates computerized inventory of library holdings and patron information; maintains card catalogs and other collection records as directed.
Schedules and video-records instructional programs as requested by teachers; assists in evaluating quality and effectiveness of programs for classroom use; schedules and sets up audio-visual equipment in classrooms as needed for viewing.
Assists in selecting, procuring and processing commercial videos for classroom use. Prepares recorded videotapes, books, periodicals and other materials for circulation.
Assists students and teachers in selecting appropriate reading materials and information sources and in locating needed information for research / classroom projects.
Assists students (individually and in small or large groups) in the use of reference materials and in the development of research skills; assists students in using electronic resources and applications software; assists students in preparing Powerpoint presentations and materials produced with desktop publishing software.
Assists in administering small group standardized testing.
Prepares and distributes overdue notices; receives and receipts payments for overdue, lost or damaged materials; prepares related financial reports.
Performs general library duties, including receiving and processing new materials, cataloging, checking materials in and out, reserving materials for patrons, shelving materials and straightening shelves, weeding materials, mending books, preparing book displays, preparing bibliographies, etc.
Prepares and issues student library cards.
Assists the Media Specialist in managing students and classes while in the media center.
May coordinate morning televised announcements, including setting up equipment and stage area, coordinating student news anchors and guests, and taping the live broadcast.
Assists in instructing and supervising the work of student assistants and volunteers.
Assists in maintaining media center equipment and software; troubleshoots problems and initiates maintenance and repair work as needed.
Assists in procuring library materials.
Assists in conducting annual physical inventory of library materials.
Assists in coordinating special programs, services and events as required, including the Accelerated Reader program, schoolbook fairs and author visits.
Performs duties of Media Specialist as necessary in his/her absence.
May assist teachers by binding books, laminating items, applying art wax, preparing die cut materials, etc. Receives and responds to inquiries, requests for assistance and complaints in areas of responsibility.
Operates a variety of equipment such as computers, printers, scanner, audio-visual equipment, recording equipment, digital camera, copier, calculator, telephone, laminating machine, LCD equipment, die cut machine, art waxer, binding machine, etc.; uses clerical, copier, computer supplies.
Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, co workers, teachers, other school administrators and staff, District administrators and staff, vendors / service providers, students, parents, volunteers and the general public.
Attends training, seminars and workshops, etc., to maintain and enhance job knowledge and skills.
ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS
May assist with morning and afternoon bus/carpool procedures as scheduled.
Monitors classes for absent teachers as necessary.
Videotapes school events and performances.
Performs routine office tasks as required, including but not limited to preparing routine records and reports, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, sending and receiving faxes, entering and retrieving computer data, etc.
Performs related duties as required.
MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Requires Associate's degree, vocational technical degree or specialized training that is equivalent to satisfactory completion of two years of college education with emphasis in library and/or computer technology or a closely related field, supplemented by nine to twelve months of library and/or instructional technology experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must possess a valid state driver's license.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIREDTO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Physical Requirements: Requires sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a recurring basis or routine keyboard operations.
Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes the receiving of information and instructions from supervisor and giving information and instructions to students.
Language Ability: Requires ability to read a variety of policy and procedure manuals, literary materials, reference materials, technical manuals, etc. Requires the ability to prepare reports, records, notices, etc., with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control and confidence.
Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in oral, written, diagrammatic or schedule form. Requires the ability to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to make routine independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow verbal and written instructions; to teach students. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with students, teachers and other staff using technical and/or professional languages including library studies, instructional technology, etc.
Numeric Aptitude: Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to use mathematical formulas, to determine percentages and decimals and to determine time. Must be able to use practical applications of fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion.
Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape.
Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using office equipment.
Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Color Discrimination: Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.
Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations or tight deadlines. The worker may be subject to tension as a regular, consistent part of the job.
Physical Communications: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear).
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Knowledge of Job: Has knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the assigned school and Fairfield County School District as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Media Assistant. Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Has knowledge of the methods and practices of school library operations, including circulation, reference services, etc. Has knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System. Has good general knowledge of reference topics, and is able to assist students and teachers in locating and researching information as needed. Has good knowledge of the various technologies used in media center operations and in classroom instruction, and is able to help teachers select and coordinate appropriate technology / media resources for instructional use. Is able to assist students and teachers in producing Powerpoint presentations, desktop publishing products and other products using computer technology. Has knowledge of and is able to use modern office practices and equipment, including computers for word processing, records management and instructional applications. Is able to troubleshoot and resolve computer / AV equipment problems. Has knowledge of proper English usage, vocabulary, punctuation and spelling; has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Is able to type accurately at a rate sufficient for the successful performance of assigned duties. Knows how to maintain a variety of office equipment as necessary in the performance of daily activities. Is skilled in applying a responsible attention to detail as necessary in preparing records, reports and correspondence. Is able to read and interpret various materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Knows how to perform duties in a courteous manner and with the utmost integrity in the best interest of the public. Knows how to maintain effective relationships with students, teachers, co-workers, personnel of other departments and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Has knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the position. Is able to effectively perform assigned duties despite frequent interruptions. Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with internal and external entities with whom the position interacts.
Quantity of Work: Performs described Essential Functions and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets established standards and expectations.
Dependability: Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Maintains accountability for assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.
Attendance: Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests.
Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be accomplished, and initiates proper and acceptable action for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.
Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies issues or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to issues or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches issues, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.
Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with established policies or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation intra- and inter-departmentally.
Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and co-workers for mutual benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships inter- and intra-departmentally, and with external entities with whom the position interacts. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints in order to establish and maintain good will. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image.
Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound tim