County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, the Library Assistants perform para-professional or technical Librarian services for the County Libraries and County Library Outreach Service Units. Positions in this series perform functions in direct support of the Librarian classes; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Library Assistant I is the entrance level classification. Incumbents in this classification perform, under close supervision, the most difficult clerical or technical duties unique to the Library. These tasks may include bibliographic searching for book selection and audio/visual materials selection (simple reference and reader’s advisory service), back-up clerical tasks for professional and para-professional services, simple cataloging tasks, assistance during age-level programs, community aide and outreach duties.

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. Assists the public in the use of book catalogs, periodical indexes and other catalogs.

2. Answers reference questions and gives readers advisory services.

3. Performs simple and/or difficult bibliographic searches using a library computer system.

4. Assists in the compilation of order lists for books and other library materials prior to selection.

5. Provides clerical backup for professional and para-professional service.

6. Assists other para-professional and professional staff in the various age-level program activities and events.

7. Assists with and/or develops a unit age-level program activity, under the general direction of a Librarian.

8. Interprets Library policy in the absence of a Librarian.

9. Directs the work of subordinates in routine and clerical matters.

10. Performs library service in a bookmobile, hospital library, County institution or reading center.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

Experience:

The equivalent of two years of full-time experience as a Clerk II or higher level clerical classification in the Alameda County Library Department.

Or II

Education:

The equivalent of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university.

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:

• Literature in written form and other formats.
• Books and authors in several fields.
• Library materials, procedures, and practices.
• Library automated systems.

Abilities:

• Problem solve, plan and organize work.
• Communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Learn basic skills appropriate to library service.
• Perform general clerical tasks as applicable.
• Manipulate and use library catalogs and other computer-based tools.
• Perform public speaking before audiences.
• Interpersonal sensitivity.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

PB:dg-5/5/76
SA:cla-Retyped 7/15/97
VS:lm-Revised: 9/97
Old document: 4115h.doc
New document: Jobspecs/4115-4120
ys/5/01
CSC Date: 12/17/97

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) 
• 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
• 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.