PT Reference Assistant

JOB DESCRIPTION General Statement of Duties Under the general supervision of the Reference Supervisor, the Part-Time Reference Assistant performs general library work.
Incumbent will assist in delivering reference service to patrons using appropriate reference materials and resources, oversee reference desk operations; perform ILL transactions as needed.
Incumbent will also assist patrons with Internet searches and computer programs.
Some data entry into the reference system is required, such as daily records.
The employee has daily contact with the public which requires much tact and diplomacy.
Has the authority to make decisions regarding the delivery of reference services within the limits set by the Reference Supervisor.
Knowledge and clear thinking are specifically required for reference duties.
Constant supervision is not necessary for most tasks.
However, when help is required, employees in this class may consult the Reference Supervisor for assistance.
Essential Functions The primary functions listed below are those that represent the main objectives of this class: ~ Maintain regular, reliable, and prompt attendance, physically present to work.
~ Assist patrons in the use of library catalogs, databases, and indexes to locate books and other materials; and by answering questions that require only brief consultation of standard reference.
~ Answer routine reference inquiries and refer patrons needing further assistance to librarians.
~ Answer the phone.
~ Schedules meeting rooms, study rooms, and training center.
~ Assist patrons by answering simple directional and informational type questions.
~ Assist patrons by answering complex reference questions.
~ Schedules use of reference research computers.
~ Maintains reference statistics on the reference log sheet.
~ Trains, supervises, work-study students and volunteers assigned to Reference dept.
~ Prepares orders for and displays public information forms and publications, including IRS forms, financial aid forms, etc.
~ Take actions to halt disruption of library activities.
~ Uses print reference sources to find information requested by patron.
~ Uses electronic sources such as the internet and database to find information.
~ Assists patrons to locate books by using the computer catalog.
~ Collects material and maintains the local historical file.
~ Assists with ILL requests and transits as scheduled or requested.
~ Assumes responsibility for the Reference Area and occupants in the event of the absence of the Reference Supervisor or Reference Assistants.
~ Maintains current issue periodical collection by logging in, placing cover, shelving on current issue shelves, and filing on back issue shelves as needed.
~ Assists patron in using the copy machine.
~ Processes inter-library loan requests.
~ Shelves new magazines and newspapers; and ~ Performs other duties, as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibility This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Work Conditions Office setting environment such as: sitting for long period of time, interacting with people, using phone, typing, etc.
Physical Demands Must have the use of sensory skills to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public using the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle, or feel objects and controls.
Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment such as, but not limited to a, personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine.
No significant walking, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, crawling, handling, standing, pushing, and pulling.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work This is a non-exempt, part-time position working 19 hours per week.
Incumbent must have the ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.
Special and/or library events participation may be occasionally required.
Minimum Qualifications and Requirements ~ Must have a high school diploma or possession of an acceptable certificate of high school equivalency (GED).
~ On the job training.
~ Must possess a valid, Texas (Class C) driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
~ Pre-employment drug screen and physical required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge- Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography, and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customers and personal services.
This includes customer needs assessments, meeting quality standards for services and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Knowledge of the use of the following computer software: Microsoft Office, Microsoft Works, Excel, Word Perfect and Power Point.
Skills - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Actively looking for ways to help patrons.
Teaching others how to do something.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Abilities - The ability to read and understand the information and ideas presented in writing.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
The ability to operate a copy machine, book charger, microfiche reader and reader printer, as well as audio-visual material if assigned.
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.
g.
, patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
AAP/EEO Statement The City of Pharr is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAAA) the City of Pharr will provide reasonable accommodations, upon reasonable request, to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
The city focuses on identifying candidates who are customer oriented and committed to public service to create a culture that is committed to diversity.
Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.
Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.