Library Assistant II/ Desk Clerk

Job Description
The Palos Verdes Library District is a public library system that operates three vibrant libraries serving the 68,000 residents of the four cities on the beautiful Palos Verdes Peninsula. We collaborate with our community to create inclusive environments for learning and inspiration, and to share the unique history of the Peninsula. The Palos Verdes Library District's role as the community's center for discovery, lifelong learning, and personal enrichment for all is supported by a strong emphasis on community engagement and a robust network of community partners. As an Independent Special District, the District's $12 million budget is funded primarily by a dedicated allocation of local property taxes, and is governed by a publicly elected Board of Library Trustees.

The Position:
The Palos Verdes Library District (PVLD) is seeking a part-time Library Assistant II/Desk Clerk. The Library Assistant II primarily performs routine circulation and customer service tasks at the circulation desk, including checking materials in and out, collecting fines and fees, and issuing library cards. Incumbents are required to interpret library policies related to the circulation of materials and to resolve customer issues within established policies. Incumbents may also be required to assist with general administrative duties such as passport processing.

This posting will close at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
*Applications will only be accepted online through our applicant tracking system.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Perform circulation and service desk duties using the automated circulation control system to check out and check in library materials; collect fines and fees; register new borrowers and update patron accounts and item records as needed.
• Provide a high level of customer service, using independent judgment and tact, while interpreting, applying, and resolving questions regarding library circulation policies and procedures; assist patrons with study room reservations and questions, answer basic questions about library operations and the location of materials and refer patrons to appropriate library staff and departments.
• Answer telephone calls and emails and provide assistance by investigating and resolving disputed patron accounts, answer mid-level reference questions or refer patrons to other library staff as appropriate.
• Assist patrons with the operation of copy machines and provide basic technology and computer help including issuing refunds and performing minor or routine maintenance.
• Ensure work areas, shelving areas, and library premises are clean, safe, and in good working order including ordering supplies and spot-checking items for repair.
• Perform daily opening and closing procedures including clearing the library of patrons at closing, collecting loose books and materials, reconciling the daily cash deposits.
• Provide general clerical support, including preparation and maintenance of lists, data entry or clean-up, search reports, flyers, and other documents, and statistical and data reports.
• Process daily deliveries including receiving, checking, routing and distributing incoming internal and external documents, items, materials and supplies.
• May perform paging duties as needed including counting, sorting and shelving materials, pulling and processing holds, retrieving items from the interior and exterior book drops, maintaining the literature racks & bulletin board, and performing shelf maintenance.
• May assist librarians with programming, displays, and outreach.
• Required to work at any PVLD branch when assigned, including working split shifts at different branches.
• Participate in District wide training for new equipment and technology.
• May act as a certified Passport Acceptance Agent; processing passports, including collecting documents and information required by the National Passport Office; performing all administrative functions related to passport processing, such as photos, mailing, postage, and completing transmittal reports.
• Work on special projects as needed and perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public, volunteers, vendors, contractors, and District staff, in person, and over the telephone. Principles, practices, and techniques of effectively dealing with the public and public relations.
• Standard library practices and procedures including circulation
• Alphabetic and numeric systems for classifying and organizing library materials and basic arithmetic principles and cash handling.
• Applications of automated library circulation systems and modern office practices, methods and computer equipment.
• Basic record keeping principles and procedures, data collection and report preparation.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of core library operating principles, including confidentiality of customer information, freedom of information, and intellectual freedom.

Ability to:

• Accurately sort, organize, retrieve, shelve and relocate library materials using alphabetical or numerical classification systems.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public using tact, initiative, and independent judgment. Use English effectively to communicate and carry out instruction orally and in writing.
• Access, retrieve, enter, prepare, update and maintain accurate and complete information and records using modern equipment.
• Organize own work and set priorities within procedural guidelines and work with speed and accuracy.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the workday. Respond well to change and be flexible in performing assigned tasks.

View the full job description

Experience and Skills
EDUCATION, LICENSE AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to graduation from high school and and two (2) years outside or one (1) year District experience in shelving books, processing materials, and providing library support

Desirable Qualifications:

• Previous customer service experience

Physical Demands

Must be able to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This classification requires continuous movement between work areas and prolonged standing. Must possess the ability to retrieve, process, and store library materials as well as enter and retrieve data using a computer. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach, as well as push and pull heavy book carts of up to 100 pounds and to retrieve and store materials. Positions in this classification frequently lift and carry library materials that typically weigh less than 50 pounds.

Environmental Elements

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Occasionally, incumbents may have to visit other branch libraries or perform job duties outdoors and may be exposed to inclement weather conditions and hot and cold temperatures. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or patrons in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Working Conditions

Required to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Selection Process

This posting will close at 5:00 pm on April 30, 2024

Applications will only be accepted online through our Applicant Tracking System

Please submit your resume with your application and answer all supplemental questions.

Any further questions can be directed to PVLD's Human Resources at (310) 377-9584 ext. 248

THE PALOS VERDES LIBRARY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER