Assistant I, Circulation

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

This position assists students, faculty and the general public in obtaining the library circulating resources. Circulates library materials and maintains patron records using the Horizon Automation System and Colleague. Interprets and enforces established library policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provides information and assistance to all library visitors, serving as public contact for the library in person, by telephone and email, referring patrons to reference librarians when additional assistance is needed.

• Interprets and enforces circulation policies and procedures for the public and for college staff.

• Responsible for operation of the Circulation Department in the absence of the Circulation Coordinator.

• Uses the Horizon Library Automation System and Colleague software to perform circulation services.

• Participates in the daily supervision and training of student assistants and part time staff.

• Participates in the development of documentation for circulation procedures.

• Collects monies for fines and lost materials and resolves patron records using Colleague and the Horizon Library Automation System.

• Assists library patrons in the use of copy machines, audiovisual equipment and digital microform reader printers.

• Receives, sorts and distributes mail and courier deliveries as assigned.

• Maintains supplies and forms needed for the daily operation of the Department.

• Participates in shelf reading, collection inventory project and facilities monitoring.

• Serves on local and district library committees as requested.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• High School education or equivalent.
• Technical library knowledge and experience, usually obtained through higher education and/or on the job training.
• Ability to problem solve equipment problems.
• Working knowledge of office practices and procedures.
• Working knowledge of personal computers and productivity software including Excel and Word, the Horizon Automated Library System, and Colleague.
• Job requires excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and the ability to prioritize duties using sound customer service principles.
• Immediate interpretation of policy and procedure is necessary.
• Excellent communication both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential.

EQUIPMENT USED:

Horizon Library Automation software, Colleague college management software, Windows 2000 including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Use and troubleshoot networked computers and printers, digital microform reader/printers, photocopier machines, audiovisual equipment and general office equipment.

CONTACTS:

Internal - Regular contact with students to provide assistance and information; Regular contact with library personnel and with faculty and staff in other departments to exchange information, provide efficient library services and to provide assistance.

External - Regular contact with general public for use of the library; Regular contact with Lone Star College System library partners for smooth operation of intra-library borrowing; Regular contact with District Library Staff for problem solving, exchange of information for smooth operation of the library services and interlibrary borrowing; Regular contact with Automated Library Services Department regarding operation of the Horizon automation software.

COMPLEXITY/EFFORT:

Job involves attention to detail, flexibility, ability to cope with interruptions and diverse user needs, good verbal and written communication skills, organizational skills, good interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team and immediate interpretation of library policies and procedures. Evening and weekend work required. Ability to lift 40 pounds, e.g. books, courier bins, cases of paper. Accuracy with money and records. Job duties require physical effort and safety precautions.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed primarily in climate controlled library environment.

GENERALIZED WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Communicating with Persons Outside the Organization - Communicating with persons outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.