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CITY OF ELLENSBURG
LIBRARY
LIBRARY ASSOCIATE - REFERENCE
REPORTS TO: LIBRARY DIRECTOR

MISSION:

Provide reference services and coordinate reference activities with heads of other principal library divisions; assist Director in achieving goals and objectives of quality library service.

SUMMARY:

Responsible for planning and coordination of activities of a principal division or function within the library. Direct patron service for reference activities and researching the library collection and resources. Responsible for installation, use, and staff training in computerized resources such as Internet, CD ROM databases, PC software for patron use. Provide staff training in reference and research. Responsible for creation of internal resources, such as local information, fugitive facts file; Organize uncataloged government documents and ephemeral reference materials. Provide reader advisory service and bibliographical lists for patron use. Train and supervise volunteers assigned to reference.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

All of the following are to be performed while adhering to City of Ellensburg operational policies, safety rules, and procedures.

Reference Coordination:

Implement policies for reference service; assist in Policy development

Develop procedures to accomplish division work

Provide reasonably close supervision on quality and quantity of reference work

Implement use of automation system as it applies to reference service

Provide staff training and coordination in research

Prepare statistical reports on reference service; prepare reports for Director as needed

Provide reference and consulting help to other public libraries in the County

Maintain reference forms, supplies, and other materials as needed

Maintain orderliness of desks, cabinets, supplies and equipment for shared staff use

Interview patrons to determine information needs

Analyze needs and identify appropriate sources to fulfill those needs

Assist patrons in use of library resources; explain print and computer sources

Assist patrons in use of library computers, readers, copier, and other equipment

Serve patrons from special collections, such as Local History

Demonstrate use of library catalog, CD ROMS, Internet and other resources; assist Director with outreach efforts on library services

Locate items in catalog and on shelves as needed; Assist patrons with holds

Locate information using standard reference sources in books and CD ROM and electronic databases; consult with Director and Librarian as needed

Assist school librarians in use of the library DialPac and related activities

Provide information about library programs and services, orally and with flyers

Answer telephone inquiries

Enforce library rules of behavior; take appropriate action in case of misbehavior; keep Director informed

Provide input on purchase of CD ROM and reference materials; and software and hardware as appropriate

Implement use of PC software to produce reader advisory and publicity materials

Install CD ROMs in reference computers; complete data as needed to install

Apply knowledge of computer technology to reference services

Maintain supply inventory for public computers; diagnose problems and maintain hardware and software

Assist in use of office software programs such as spreadsheets, word processing, etc.

Read professional journals, computer publications to maintain knowledge

In charge of the library in absence of Director, Head of Circulation/ Collection Support, Children's Librarian; or as assigned evening and weekend hours

Assist Head of Circulation at check out desk as scheduled or when requested

Conduct tours and orientation sessions for patron groups/classes as needed

Assist with special projects, such as Web Page development, grants, etc.

Attend workshops, conferences, training; weekly and monthly library staff meetings

Provide reference reviews/information at monthly staff meetings

Prepare informational flyers on reference and Internet services

This is a representative sample--not to imply a complete listing of responsibilities and tasks.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assist Library Assistants (5-6) and part time Reference Specialist, when engaged in reference activities. Plan the scope of the unit's work with the Director, determine appropriate assignment of work to volunteers; provide training opportunities and materials for staff; monitor quality and quantity of reference work accomplished; refer complaints and problems to Director. Coordinate activities of reference unit with heads of circulation, children's services, and collection support services.

TYPE OF SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Employee is under the general supervision of the Library Director.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from four year college or university; and two to four years of related experience and/or training working in reference services including supervision; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from clients, customers, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as interest, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

A) Knowledge of general office practice and procedures; considerable knowledge of basic principles of library practices and procedures, considerable knowledge of library reference practices, principles, and classification systems; considerable knowledge of reference resources and the library collection; knowledge of personal computer software and equipment; working knowledge of principles of supervision and personnel practices;

B) Interviewing skills to determine patron needs; Skill in using automated library systems; skill in keyboard and computer data entry; skill in library data base searching; operation and maintenance of listed tools and equipment; skill in public relations; constantly accesses sensitive information required to perform job tasks, requiring the ability to maintain confidentiality.

C) Ability to be courteous and tactful with the general public; Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; to implement policy and procedure; to exercise initiative and judgment in completing tasks; to organize various activities; Ability to work independently, exercising initiative and judgment in directing the work of others; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patrons, employees, supervisors, and the general public.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Certification in First Aid and CPR; Valid State driver's license or ability to obtain one.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Automated library system, personal computer, printer, software programs, phone and fax; audio-visual equipment, microfilm reader/printer, Kurzweil reading machine, cash register, calculator, copier

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to taste or smell.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Tasks affected include, computer work, researching print and non-print sources; watching patrons while working; creating lists, flyers, forms, and posters.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock by working a considerable amount of time at computer terminal and associated equipment.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

The key relationships described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will provide information to and collect information from library patrons, other libraries, and other agencies for information purposes. Children are a significant proportion of the public. Contact will be made by telephone and in person and in writing.

The employee will coordinate projects and activities with other libraries and agencies by telephone, in person, or in writing.

The employee will solve problems and negotiate solutions within policy guidelines with the public, other libraries and agencies by telephone, in person, or in writing.
 

Department Head (date) Supervisor (date) Employee (date)
NOTICE: The above job profile does not include all essential and nonessential duties of this job. All employees with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Personnel Department to review and discuss the essential and nonessential functions of the job. An employee with a disability can evaluate the job in greater detail to determine if she/he can safely perform the essential function of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

DISCLAIMER: Job profiles are not intended, nor should they be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, tasks, skills, efforts, working conditions or similar behaviors, attributes or requirements associated with a job. A job profile is not a comprehensive job description. It is intended for the sole purpose of acquainting a person who is unfamiliar with such position with a brief overview of the position's general direction and scope. This position profile is confidential, is intended for internal use only and may not be copied or reproduced by anyone for any purpose without written permission from the Director of Personnel or the City Manager.