County of Nevada, CA
March, 2013
LIBRARY ASSISTANT I/II/III
DEFINITION
Under supervision, to perform a variety of responsible clerical and technical activities in
support of the County’s Library System, to provide service to library patrons and the general
public, to function as a cooperative and supportive team member and to perform related work
as required.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Library Assistant I:
This is the entry level classification in the Library Assistant series and is distinguished from
the Library Assistant II by the performance of more routine tasks and duties assigned to
incumbents within the job class. Incumbents perform the more defined customer service and
processing functions, and the higher level tasks in a training capacity. Assigned duties fall
within established parameters and there is less variation in the type of duties assigned or the
amount of discretion assumed in the performance of assigned duties.
Library Assistant II:
This is the journey level classification in the Library Assistant series and is distinguished from
the Library Assistant I by the wider variety of assigned tasks. Incumbents may also perform
higher level tasks in a training capacity. Incumbents in this classification perform the full
range of assigned duties in an independent manner, and receive only occasional instruction
or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully competent and knowledgeable
of the operating procedures and policies within the County's library system.
Library Assistant III:
This is the advanced journey level classification in the Library Assistant series. Incumbents
in this classification may provide lead supervision to assigned subordinate staff members
and/or volunteers, and serve as the primary resource person regarding assigned area's
operational processes and procedures. This classification is responsible for providing
training of others in assigned area(s) of expertise. Incumbents perform assigned duties in a
highly independent manner within the context of established guidelines.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (Illustrative Only)
Essential:

Operates the library circulation desk; charges and discharges books, periodicals and
other library materials; registers new patrons, explains library rules and procedures
and issues library cards

Assists patrons by providing information about library programs

Shelves books, periodicals, and other library materials; maintains manual and
computerized records and files to include circulation statistics, fees collected and
books circulated

Assists professional staff with designated library programs, displays, and community
outreach/promotions

Searches for and locates books, reference and other materials within and outside the
County’s Library System upon patron requests; sends books to other branch libraries
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
Updates patron records on computer, prepares overdue notices and hold and
collection notices

Prepares order slips and other forms; orders books and other materials

Files, types, prepares reports and operates computer terminals in support of assigned
library programs and operations
Important:

May supervise, guide and/or train volunteers as assigned and provide direction to
temporary help

Conducts inventories; repairs and re-covers books
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Library Assistant I:

Basic and general functions of public library service

Standard and accepted English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation

Standard and accepted customer service techniques and etiquette
Library Assistant II: The above, plus:

Standard and accepted library terminology and standard library practices

Standard and accepted library materials and equipment

Administrative/operational procedures and practices of the County’s Library System
operations and procedures
Library Assistant III: The above, plus:

Standard and accepted book demand analysis, book selection tools and reference
materials

Basic budget preparation methods and practices

Principles of supervision and training
Skill in:
Library Assistant I:

Learning and understanding the administrative/operational procedures and practices
of the County’s Library System operations and services

Learning to utilize designated word processing, spreadsheet, and/or database
software programs accurately and effectively

Learning to maintain a variety of manual and computerized record keeping systems

Understanding and carrying out a variety of both oral and written instructions

Typing/word processing accurately and at a speed sufficient for successful job
performance

Performing mathematical calculations in an accurate and timely manner

Operating a variety of office machines and equipment including computer terminal,
peripheral equipment, fax machine, copier and calculator

Communicating effectively, and tactfully in both oral and written forms

Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with those contacted
in the course of work
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Library Assistant II: All of the above, plus:

Understanding the administrative/operational procedures and practices of the
County’s Library Systems' operations and services

Utilizing designated word processing, spreadsheet, and/or database software
programs accurately and effectively

Maintaining a variety of manual and computerized record keeping systems

Performing routine reference work and assisting patrons in the selection and location
of library materials
Library Assistant III: All of the above, plus:

Organizing and prioritizing a variety of tasks in an effective and timely manner

Assisting patrons with research utilizing a variety of resources

Scheduling, coordinating, and monitoring the work of others, as directed, in an
effective and positive manner
Education and Experience:
Library Assistant I:
Equivalent to completion of twelfth grade and at least one year of clerical work
experience which include customer service activities.
Library Assistant II:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade and at least one year of
progressively responsible experience performing duties equivalent to a Library
Assistant I in Nevada County OR an Associate of Art or Associate of Science degree
in Library Science from an accredited college or university.
Library Assistant III:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade and at least three years of
experience performing duties equivalent to a Library Assistant I in Nevada County or
two years of progressively responsible experience performing duties equivalent to a
Library Assistant II in Nevada County. Possession of an AA degree in Library
Science from an accredited college or university is highly desirable.
Licenses and Certificates:
Possession of a valid driver’s license within 30 days of hire.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
Mobility to work in a standard office environment, use standard office equipment and
attend off-site meetings. Physical ability to sit or otherwise remain stationary at work
post for long periods of time, mobility to reach, bend, grasp, knee and stoop. Mobility
and strength to lift, carry and position supplies and equipment using hand cart.
Manual dexterity to use standard office equipment and supplies and manipulate both
single sheets of paper and large document holders (binders, manuals, etc.). Vision to
read handwritten and printed materials and a computer screen. Hearing and speech
to communicate in person and by telephone.
Some accommodation may be made for some physical demands for otherwise
qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.
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Other Requirements:
This class description lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not allinclusive. Not all duties are necessarily performed by each incumbent. Incumbents
may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this
document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.
FLSA: (All Levels) NE