St. Charles City-County Library

Paraprofessional - General Reference

Reports to: Librarian on duty and/or Branch Manager

Salary Track: D

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

Rate:

SUMMARY:

Performs public service duties in the reference area responding to initial inquiries in person and by telephone. Responsibilities include determining the specific nature of information requested, locating the basic information and alternate sources, and referring more complex issues to the Reference Librarian. May also perform clerical and/or circulation duties but these are not the primary functions of the position. Performs routine tasks independently and refers more complex questions and issues to the Reference Librarian.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Interacts with customers in the library and by telephone responding to basic reference inquiries;
2. Locates basic reference information from a variety of sources and recommends alternate sources;
3. Refers more complex questions and issues to reference librarian.
4. Assists customers in using library materials and equipment, such as readers' advisory, OPACS, and CD ROM products;
5. Maintains equipment in public service area and assists with minor repairs.

GENERAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Fills requests and reserves for customers;
2. Assists customers with special needs or disabilities;
3. In non-regional branches, performs opening and closing procedures for the branch, including locking and unlocking, and arming and disarming the security system when necessary;
4. In non-regional branches, assists in circulation area using the automated circulation system to check  materials in and out, and access customer records;
5. In non-regional branches, assists with other clerical responsibilities as needed in circulation or at the reference desk;
6. Completes special projects and assignments as directed.

EQUIPMENT:

Must be able to operate: copier, telephone, TDD, fax, personal computer, microfiche reader, reader printer, OPACS-automated catalog, InfoTrac, CD ROM information sources, bill changer, building security system and other library information equipment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required: BS/BA degree in a field compatible with library service and one (1) year related experience in public or customer service. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Knowledge of public library's function and purpose.

OR: Two years of library experience at the library assistant level may be substituted for each year of college (30 credit hours = 1 year of college). For example, an applicant may have 3 years of college and 2 years as a library assistant; or 2 years of college and 4 years as a library assistant, etc.

Must successfully complete the District's Paraprofessional Training within one year of employment as a paraprofessional. At the discretion of the Director or Deputy Director, some or all of the training classes may be waived based on prior library course work.

(Revision approved 6/9/97)