Public Service Assistant

Job Purpose:

Interacts directly with library users at the circulation and reference desks, performing a variety of tasks. The Public Service Assistant (PSA) takes a leadership role in promoting library services and in making library services reflective of community needs and assumes responsibility and accountability for the success of the branch within the community it serves.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provides reference services for library users:
   • Instructs library users in use services
   • Locates specific material in the online catalogue and on the shelves
   • Processes requests for interlibrary loans
2. Performs circulation functions
   • Processes check-ins, check-outs, reserves, renewals, and registrations
   • Performs telephone reception duties and opening and closing procedures
   • Enforces library rules and regulations
   • Assists users with using public access computers and electronic resources available through the library
   • Receives, prepares and displays library materials at the branch
   • Provides Interlibrary Loan Services (ILLO) at the branch as part of the process developed for PEC's participating in the provincial interlibrary loan system
3. Provides collection maintenance services
   • Shelves materials and weeds outdated books
   • Maintains inventory of books
4. Contributes to collection development for the entire system
   • Makes recommendations for the entire system
   • Keeps informed of current trends and developments affecting libraries
   • Attends professional development meetings or workshops as required
5. Handles programs and events at the branch level
   • Relates to the community and identifies programs and services that contribute to the profile of the branch within the community
   • Develops, implements and evaluates programming within the designated branch
   • Ensures posting and promotion of all programming and communicates programming ideas, proposals and plans to the Communications and Outreach Coordinator
6. Performs other library related duties
   • Communicates problems and/or concerns to the CEO or designate
   • Keeps current with library initiatives and contributes to their promotion
   • Performs other library-related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Post-secondary Library Technician diploma, or diploma/degree in related discipline
• Two (2) years of library experience or an extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of libraries, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Knowledge of personal computers and hands-on experience with word processing, the Internet, library database applications, and library automation systems is required
• Excellent customer service skills
• Good interpersonal skills required to communicate with the public
• Must possess a valid driver's license and transportation for work-related travel
• CPR/First Aid certification

Supervision

• This position provides guidance to the Desk Assistant (Call In) and volunteers

Work Environment:

• Works in a library environment and onsite at any of the six (6) branches as required
• Availability for work weekdays, weekends and evenings
• May be required to work alone during a shift

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry boxes weighing up to forty pounds (40 lbs or 18 kilograms)
• Required to stand for long periods of time

This job description is intended to summarize the responsibilities of the job and is not an exhaustive list of all the duties performed.