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Job Purpose and Summary
Performs a variety of paraprofessional technical services for Yakima Valley Libraries in support of acquisitions, cataloging and processing library materials. Coordinates tasks for the Technical Services Department. Supervises and evaluates the Technical Services
Department Staff under the direction of the Technical Services Manager. Will uphold the concept of Intellectual Freedom, based on the First and Fourth amendments to the US
Constitution, which affords all library users the right to seek and receive information on the subject of one’s interest without examination or scrutiny by others.
Supervision Received and Exercised
Receives supervision from Technical Services Manager May exercise direct supervision over technical assistants, clerical, page or volunteer staff.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Any of the following duties may be performed. These examples are not necessarily performed by all incumbents, however, and do not include all specific tasks an incumbent may be expected to perform.
1.
Coordinates original cataloging of materials, as necessary under direction of
Technical Services Manager.
2.
Performs copy cataloging of library materials in all formats; upgrades and edits existing records; downloads bibliographic records into the integrated library system’s bibliographic data base. Consults with Technical Services Manager and applies rules and guidelines of appropriate cataloging resources.
3.
Coordinates with Staff and Technical Services Manager to maintain quality and integrity of bibliographic database; corrects and cleans up bibliographic records; ensures consistent and timely authority control.
4.
Supervises and provides oversight to assigned personnel to ensure that library services within functional area meet library mission, goals, and objectives.
5.
Conducts performance appraisals of assigned personnel, develops annual objectives, monitors progress and adjusts work plans as appropriate in coordination with Technical Services Manager.
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6.
Under the direction of the Technical Services Manager will assesses workflow and processes and develops short and long range plans to improve efficiency and services as appropriate.
7.
Links items to records in integrated library system bibliographic database; updates records when changes in status or location occur.
8.
Downloads order records into integrated library system database; obtains bibliographic records from a variety of sources including vendors and OCLC; edits and updates records according to library policies and procedures. Assigns classification number and genre designations according to local practices and procedures.
9.
Responds to vendors for purpose of outsourcing cataloging and processing of library materials, catalog enrichment, and subject authority control, and reports to
Technical Services Manager.
10.
In conjunction with Technical Services Manager ensures compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, regulations, and ordinances as well as all library system policies and procedures.
11.
Assists Technical Services Manager in coordinating the provision of library services with other library managers and staff and performs services in person, by telephone, by mail and electronically, as required.
12.
Investigates staff complaints and problems and recommends corrective action to resolve complaints or problems to the Technical Services Manager and Human
Resources Department.
13.
Processes lease book materials, including downloading bibliographic records, creating item records, physically processing, and managing adds and withdrawals.
14.
Maintains magazine and newspaper subscriptions; oversees serials module and serials database creation and maintenance; oversees serials claiming and replacement process; resolves subscription problems with branch personnel.
15.
In conjunction with manager, has a leadership role in training incumbent and new hire Technical Services staff.
16.
Participates in professional associations and activities; attends user group meetings; reads professional journals and publications; reviews current information and trends in public library services and technology and its applicability to the library system. Attends trainings as directed.
17.
Attends meetings and participates in various committees, as assigned.
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18.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
1.
Associate of Arts degree from an accredited college. AA in Library Technology preferred.
2.
Two years of library experience, including experience in a technical services environment utilizing specialized cataloging and acquisitions software.
3.
One year experience in a supervisory or lead position.
4.
In lieu of 1-2 above, equivalent technical training, education, and/or experience may be substituted.
Knowledge of:
1.
English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
2.
Principles and procedures of record keeping.
3.
Principles and practices of basic library work, including the Dewey Decimal
System.
4.
Specialized library serials, acquisitions and cataloging software.
5.
Current office methods, equipment, practices and procedures including PC usage and familiarity with word processing and spreadsheet software, emailing systems, and web-based searching.
6.
Principles and procedures related to acquisition, cataloging, and processing of library materials.
7.
Principles and practices of goal setting and project management.
8.
Principles and practices of intellectual freedom and the Library Bill of Rights.
9.
Pertinent Federal, State, and Local laws, regulations, and ordinances as well as all
Library System policies and procedures.
10.
Modern office methods, equipment, practices and procedures including PC usage and familiarity with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software, and
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Skill in:
1.
Keyboarding, word processing or entering data at a speed and accuracy level necessary for successful job performance.
2.
Interpersonal relationships and teamwork.
3.
Effective written and verbal communications, including public speaking.
Ability to:
1.
Gain thorough knowledge of Yakima Valley Libraries’ policies, procedures and programs.
2.
Represent Yakima Valley Libraries in a positive, responsive manner to vendors and the public.
3.
Learn and practice the principles of intellectual freedom.
4.
Supervise employees effectively.
5.
Analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, recommend and implement changes.
6.
Understand general technical services trends – review trends in conjunction with
Technical Services Manager.
7.
Establish and promote a service ethic and relationships between Technical
Services and its customers.
8.
Master the procedures related to the acquisition, receiving, and cataloging of library materials. Use available cataloging tools, including but not limited to
MARC System Format, AACR2, and Library of Congress Subject Headings.
9.
Establish priorities and organize workload; manage time effectively and remain on task despite interruptions.
10.
Establish and maintain a pleasant and productive working atmosphere and maintain composure and work under the stress of handling several tasks at one time.
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11.
Keep relevant parties informed of major issues and recommend changes as appropriate.
12.
Work and communicate effectively with diverse staff in order to accomplish library goals and objectives.
13.
Operate relevant computer systems, including hardware, software and office machines.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
1.
Normally seated, standing or walking at will.
2.
Normal physical activity including some bending, pushing, pulling, and lifting and carrying, which may range up to 45 lbs. upon occasion. Pushing/moving library materials weighing up to 120 pounds with mechanical assistance, such as cart or dolly upon occasion.
3.
Frequent and repetitive lifting of books weighing up to 20 lbs. from cart to desk and back.
4.
Frequent pushing and pulling of fully loaded book carts.
5.
Keyboarding and working at a computer monitor for extended periods required.
6.
Phone usage, reading, speaking, and listening required.
7.
Interaction with library vendors and other staff members will be necessary for information and to resolve situations or problems.
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Signature Date
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