Library Assistant, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, MA
Posted October 17, 2017
Provides informational and technical assistance in the Learning Commons and Scholarly Commons; supervises student workers; monitors the operation of equipment and supplies; responsible for the Library Learning Commons in the evenings. Primary responsibility may lie within a single department or division. Due to the interoperability of library systems and patron service needs, individuals may be cross-training in multiple departments.
Follows the University’s best practices to build and/or support student academic success and retention, and assist in meeting strategic objectives for persistence and timely graduation of all the student population.
DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supervises and shares in the daily operation of the of the Learning Commons desk for evening and weekend coverage.
- Aids library users in providing information concerning materials, library rules and procedures, and library facilities; suggests and explains the proper methods of locating and using materials to facilitate patrons’ use of the library.
- Provides informational and directional assistance to patrons related to the University Library and services.
- Assists patrons with software, technical, and printing questions including instruction in the operation of computers, printer, and/or other equipment.
- Assists with printer maintenance including paper and toner replacement.
- Troubleshoots technical issues and when not resolved reports or logs them promptly.
- Adjusts functional work schedules of student assistants to maintain efficient workflow and adequate service coverage.
- Assumes responsibility for the operation of the library facility in absence of the supervisor.
- Arranges for coverage of service points as required for student coverage.
- Shares in the training and daily supervision of student employees.
- May evaluate student employee performance and productivity, recommends disciplinary action as necessary.
- Assists with Library headcount statistics.
- Reports safety, security, and maintenance problems to ensure that facilities, equipment, and furnishings are properly maintained.
Requirements:
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time paraprofessional or clerical experience as a library assistant, or (B) any combination of the required experience and the substitution below.
Substitutions:
I. An Associate’s degree or higher may be substituted for the required experience. *
*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE (List knowledge, skills, abilities):
- Skill in typing.
- Ability to gather information by examining records and documents.
- Ability to work accurately with names, numbers, codes and/or symbols.
- Ability to assemble items of information according to established procedures.
- Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression.
- Ability to deal tactfully with others.
- Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
- Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to maintain accurate records.
- Ability to read, write and comprehend the English language.
- Knowledge of library reference materials and services including dictionaries, atlases, almanacs, bibliographies, catalogues, etc.
- Knowledge of library filing system such as alphabetic, classified and chronological.
- Knowledge of the types and uses of library equipment.
- Skill in mending and repairing books and other library material.
- Ability to understand and apply agency procedures and guidelines governing the purchase of supplies, materials and equipment.
- Ability to supervise, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of subordinates and available resources; controlling work through periodic reviews and/or evaluations; determining subordinates’ training needs and providing or arranging for such training; motivating subordinates to work effectively; determining the need for disciplinary action and either recommending or initiating disciplinary action.
- Ability to prepare general reports.
QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED ON JOB (List knowledge’s, skills, abilities):
- Knowledge of the policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
- Knowledge of the types and uses of agency forms.
- Knowledge of the types and applications of library classification and cataloging systems.
- Knowledge of the terminology, coding, symbols and standard abbreviations used in library work.
- Knowledge of library reference materials and services, including dictionaries, atlases, almanacs, bibliographies, catalogues, etc.
- Knowledge of library filing systems, such as alphabetic, classified and chronological.
- Knowledge of the types and uses of library equipment.
- Knowledge of the methods and techniques of preserving library materials and repairing books.
- Skill in operating microfilm readers and reader printers.
- Skill in operating audio-visual and video equipment.
- Skill in operating various types of book charging machines.
- Skill in operating office machines and equipment such as adding machines, calculators and photostatic copiers.
- Knowledge of On-Line Computer Library Center (OCLC) bibliographic system.
- Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of supervision.
- Knowledge of the methods of general report writing.
- Knowledge of computers and computer software used in the library.
- Skill in operating printers and copiers.
- Knowledge of university software systems.
For more information, see here:
https://umassd.