Reporting to the Supervisor, Library Access Services, the Library Assistant carries out circulation duties, issues college identification and provides support to various areas of library operations such as reserves, periodicals, inter-library loan and technical services. As a front-line position, the Library Assistant also opens, closes the library, and monitors security. May be required to work evenings and/or weekends. For more information and to apply please visit https://camosun.peopleadmin.ca/postings/7549
TYPICAL DUTIES
Library Access Services
• Checks library materials out to borrowers and checks in library materials using the integrated library system according to established procedures;
• Answers user inquiries regarding the availability of specific items, the status of holds, etc. Explains routine library procedures and functions;
• Performs renewals, holds, traces and updates status of items claimed returned or lost;
• Retrieves and prepares for delivery items requested as holds or as an interlibrary loan;
• Receives payment for fines and processing charges, collects cash, sells copy credits and operates cash register according to established policies and procedures. Balances and prepares cash for deposit as directed by the supervisor;
• Books study rooms;
• Registers and maintains the automated circulation system for new community and reciprocal borrowers;
• Assists in developing public services procedures; alerts the Supervisor, Library Access Services to problems or potential problems;
• Answers directional questions in person and by telephone. Responds to basic reference questions using sources such as the Camosun Library catalogue and website. Helps users locate resources within the library’s physical and virtual collections. Refers users to the library’s Information Services staff for more in-depth assistance or to the AskAway service;
• Maintains and demonstrates library equipment upon request (e.g. photocopiers, film readers, printers, computers). Provides basic troubleshooting assistance and refers non-routine questions to IT staff;
• Maintains the physical order of the collection by shelving and shelf reading; directs student aides performing this work;
College Identification
• Performs all duties related to issuing college identification including: taking photographs, printing cards; updating cards;
• Explains UPass and identification policies to card recipients and liaises with Student Services when necessary regarding eligibility for a card;
• Performs basic maintenance on equipment; monitors supplies;
Facility and Security Duties
• Opens and closes library facilities. Opening may be performed alone, closing occurs in the evening with one other library staff member;
• Monitors security gates and responds to alarms sounded when materials are removed without using appropriate checkout procedures;
• Responds to security and emergency situations according to established procedures and guidelines;
Library Assistants are assigned the following tasks on a rotating basis.
a) Technical Services
• Physically discards library materials identified for discarding by a librarian;
• Under the direction of the acquisitions technician, assists in the acquisitions function by checking holdings before ordering; entering items from journals, catalogues etc into selection lists; receiving new items, verifying materials against order records and initiating and/or verifying payment;
• Organizes the processing of materials for cataloguing; processes new or added material include label printing and laminating;
• Mends damaged or worn items. Prepares books bindery shipments;
b) Overdues, Claims & Returned Services
• Runs overdue report from the integrated library system; checks shelves for materials which were not returned correctly;
• Prints and mails letters for overdue materials;
• Flags patrons in the Registration system and ensures a corresponding note is placed on patron’s circulation record;
c) Serials
• Checks in serials as they arrive;
• Alerts the Acquisition/Serials Technician of claims for issues not received;
• Maintains periodicals and newspaper shelving and determines items to be moved to storage;
d) Reserves
• Receives requests from faculty and librarians to place items on reserves; checks databases and other sources for digital copy of requested item or locates the requested materials in the collection;
• Creates a reserve record for e-reserves;
• If no electronic version available, copies print article and physically processes into folders;
• Checks textbook lists for potential items for the reserve collection; purchases reserve copies at bookstore as directed by a librarian;
• Physically prepares items for reserve collection; changes the loan period to the correct reserve loan period for catalogued materials; for uncatalogued materials or items loaned by faculty, enters the information correctly in the “Uncatalogued Materials” database;
• Removes materials from Reserve collection as required;
• Ensures overdue notices are sent for overdue Reserve items;
e) Library Operations Support
• Responsible for departmental mail distribution;
• Maintains bulletin boards and displays;
• Maintains appropriate files, compiles and keeps statistical records as directed;
• Routine print interlibrary tasks;
• Performs other related duties similar in scope and complexity.
For more information and to apply please visit https://camosun.peopleadmin.ca/postings/7549