County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, this classification supervises the day-to-day operation of the County Library’s acquisition system. The classification manages an automated tracking system of library material orders, fund accounts, serials control and check-in, and other on-line selection procedures. In addition, the classification conducts on-line interface with vendors and other external entities related to Library materials acquisitions and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The class is distinguished from the Supervising Clerk series in that it requires specialized knowledge of other widely used on-line vendor and other libraries’ acquisition systems, their compatibility with the Alameda County Library’s automated system requirements and integration of these electronic ordering systems. This class requires specialized knowledge of current trends and costs of existing and new automated library acquisition systems. The class is further distinguished from Supervising Clerk by the department-wide focus of the training and services provided to staff throughout the Library at various locations. This class is distinguished from the Information Systems Technician classifications in that the latter does not have any supervisory responsibilities and is generally responsible for administering a P.C. network.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Reviews and evaluates acquisitions, serial control and fund accounting procedures to assess the effectiveness of the Library’s overall system as well as the impact that any changes might have on the Library’s system-wide services.

2. Develops and maintains vendor/Library integration by configuring the Library’s system-wide acquisition system to interface electronically with external ordering systems. Works directly with vendor technical system specialists to establish, modify and troubleshoot integrated electronic ordering.

3. Writes macros using the Library’s operating system programming language to automate repetitive procedures to create generic order records that would otherwise need to be hand keyed or to clean up coding or records on the database.

4. Configures and modifies the Library’s system by customizing system codes and record structure to allow for on-line serials check-in and material selection. Creates serials check-in and on-line selection procedures for use by all staff in all branches. Develops, tests and troubleshoots application.

5. Trains all Branch Managers, Supervisors, Selection Librarians and serials check-in staff throughout the Library to apply on-line procedures. Provides daily department-wide phone support for technical questions from Library staff.

6. Investigates use and/or system problems and resolves through either system reconfiguration and/or procedural change. Researches potential system enhancements with vendors and other libraries and recommends changes as appropriate.

7. Establishes and maintains fund structures and hierarchical system reports. Restructures system reports as fund structure changes due to factors such as trust funds, new grants and changes in special selection appropriations. Interfaces with Library Accounting Unit and Auditor to verify special Acquisition’s account balances.

8. Assigns and prioritizes work and trains, schedules and evaluates Acquisition Unit clerical staff.

9. Acts as Technical Services Manager in charge on a regular evening and weekend rotation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of one year of full-time experience as a Supervising Clerk I or in an equivalent or higher level supervisory classification and the equivalent of one year of experience that included direct responsibility for database management applications.

Or II

The equivalent of one year of full-time experience supervising clerical support staff and the equivalent of one year of experience that included direct responsibility for database management applications.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

· Advanced microcomputer applications.
· Library serials and acquisitions in an on-line database management system.
· Multi-platform system integration of commonly utilized vendor and libraries’ electronic ordering systems.
· Current trends and innovations in automated library material acquisitions.
· Automated fund accounting and database management.
· Principles and theories of supervision.
· Principles and techniques of training curriculum development and delivery.
· Positive human relations principles and techniques.

Ability to:

· Investigate and troubleshoot problems in an automated ordering system.
· Create code definitions, set system parameters and, otherwise reconfigure an on-line database management ordering system.
· Integrate library and vendor electronic ordering systems.
· Write short programs to automate repetitive procedures.
· Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical system users.
· Write and explain both system and general clerical procedures and processes.
· Speak and write effectively.
· Train all levels of library personnel in system use.
· Create new and revise existing fund structures and hierarchical system fund reports.
· Supervise day-to-day acquisition clerical support functions.
· Effectively manage multiple priorities.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Typed: 10/96
SA:lm
Old document: 1334h.doc
New document: Jobspecs/4125
ys/12/01
CSC Date: 11/27/96

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.