Position Overview:

Library Assistant whose duties include the following: Under the supervision of the Supervisor of Circulation and Shelving, or delegate, assumes responsibility for the routine operations of the Library's central circulation and shelving activities.

Reports to:

Supervisor Circulation and Shelving

Under immediate supervision and in accordance with standard policy and practices, performs any or all of the following:

• Assumes responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the circulation and shelving activities, in both open and closed stack areas in the absence of senior personnel.
• Supervises, trains, and directs library assistants and library aides to carry out their duties.
• Supervises and, as required, participates in shelving, retrieval, and delivery to patrons of materials for in-library or take-home use in all formats handled by the department.
• Supervises and, as required, participates in related operations including, but not limited to, special searches, charging and discharging materials, processing reserves, registering borrowers, issuing library cards, maintaining patron records, and addressing customer service issues.
• Supervises and participates in the work of all staff so as to respond to requests for materials by members of the public.
• Supervises and participates in activities at departmental service points.
• Develops and maintains an understanding of the Library's integrated library system (ILS) and any other computer application that pertain to any circulation and shelving activity and ensures that staff develops a level of understanding necessary to provide excellent customer service.
• Ensures the consistent application of procedures and policies pertaining to circulation and related functions of the department. Answers basic questions about circulation procedures from other library staff members.
• Assists in evaluating lower-ranking staff and library aides in the department.
• Assigns work to others to carry out functions of the department.
• Supervises and/or prepares statistical reports, revenue reports, supply requisitions, and other oral and/or written reports as required.
• Assumes responsibility for and assists in the ongoing, orderly maintenance of the shelves and the shelving and/or shifting of books and other materials, including some barcoding of material and theft protection of material.
• Traces, reports, and takes appropriate action on excessive delays in processing materials and in locating missing materials.
• Assumes responsibility for the daily maintenance of an orderly library atmosphere in departmental areas.
• Assists with the daily maintenance of an orderly library atmosphere in public areas.
• Provides on-going input for the improvement and streamlining of functions related to the Central Library's circulation and shelving activities.
• Performs other related duties as required.

• Education - High School Graduate or equivalent; some additional education is desirable.
• Experience - At least two (2) years of library or related experience to carry out the responsibilities of the position. Experience in the application of automated systems to job-related functions.
• Proficiency with MS Word and Excel.
• Ability to execute library policy.
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of others.
• Demonstrates initiative and appropriate independent decision-making skills.
• Communicates effectively and presents ideas clearly.
• Identifies, plans, and prioritizes job responsibilities and tasks; assists in implementing project timelines.
• Ability to collaborate with library staff, external partners, and resources.
• Demonstrated ability to accept responsibility, train and handle large staff, plan and supervise the work of the department to satisfactory completion, and deal successfully with patrons and other staff members of all age levels and diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to solve problems of sorting, storage, and retrieval of materials.
• Ability to read and interpret bibliographic information.
• High sense of responsibility, excellent work habits and organizational skills, detailed knowledge of Boston Public Library practices, with special emphasis on circulation procedures. 
• Familiarity with the Library of Congress classification system and the Boston Public Library classification system.
• Tact, dependability, adaptability to a variety of assignments, ability to work well under pressure, good attendance and punctuality record. Willingness to work a public service schedule.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
• CORI - Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: AFSCME/LA-5

Hours per week: 35