HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Assistant II – Information/Technical Services 2025
City of Port Townsend Job Description
Library Assistant II – Information/Technical Services
Classification title: Library Assistant II –
Information/Technical
Services
Working title: Library Assistant II –
Information/Technical
Services
Department: Community Services Union: Teamsters General
Government
FLSA status: Non-exempt Wage Classification: 6
Hours: Variable, may include
evenings and weekends
Effective date: 2025
Reports to: Library Manager Civil Service: No
JOB SUMMARY
Under general supervision, while providing excellent customer service, performs a wide range of
circulation and customer service-related functions. Typical duties include staffing the circulation desk,
checking out/in various library materials, issuing library cards, assessing or adjusting fines, maintaining
patron accounts, preparing money transmittal reports, processing periodicals, processing of the courier
and bookdrops, library courier, mending and processing library materials and providing direct
assistance to patrons.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Library Assistant II is distinguished from Library Assistant I in that the position exercises greater
independence and performs more complex library duties requiring greater knowledge and experience in
a functional area such as holding maintenance, serials, interlibrary loan, youth services, and reference.
Library Assistant II performs in a number of special capacities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - GENERAL
Perform all activities associated with the circulation function of the City of Port Townsend Public
Library (PTPL) including: all transactions pertaining to the Integrated Library System (ILS), money
transmittal and circulation reporting, administering PTPL policies, procedures and services,
providing excellent and welcoming customer service in person, online, and over the telephone,
assessing and/or adjusting fines and fees for damages, late returns, lost materials and other issues.
Respond to patron requests for information and direction, referring to other qualified staff as
appropriate. Assist patrons with basic reference information. Assist patrons in accessing computer
programs such as email and using the Internet. Assist with current and emerging library technology.
Respectfully respond to patron complaints or concerns within established guidelines.
Assist in promoting PTPL programs, information, services and materials.
May plan, implement, and lead certain programs under a librarian’s guidance.
Assist with periodicals processing, design of displays and other library promotional and
informational materials.
Perform basic Paging responsibilities as needed, such as shelving, processing of the courier and
bookdrop.
Assist with library courier by transporting library materials between the Jefferson County Library,
Port Townsend School District, City Hall, Northwest Maritime Center, library book returns and
delivering library materials to homebound patrons through the Books on Wheels program.
Assist with collection maintenance (under supervision), mending of books, periodicals, media and
other materials, as needed.
Provide oversight for library operations in the absence of the Director/Manager.
Library Assistant II
Prepare the library for opening and securing the library at closing.
May on occasion assist with training, programming and scheduling of staff.
Maintain a clean, welcoming and safe library environment.
Support volunteers as needed.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES- SPECIALIZED/TECHNICAL SERVICES
Interlibrary Loan
Processes patron requests for materials not available through CLEO following Interlibrary Loan
procedures
Verifies bibliographic information before submitting requests
Receives, tracks, and returns materials through the Interlibrary Loan process.
Interacts with libraries throughout the country regarding Interlibrary Loan issues.
Cataloging
Under the supervision of a Librarian, performs copy cataloging and classification of materials.
Performs maintenance of bibliographic records in the CLEO consortium Integrated Library
System (ILS)
Bookclub kit facilitation, scheduling and maintenance using the library’s book-kit software and
preparation of physical kits for patron use.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Ability to provide excellent, efficient customer service to all patrons, staff and volunteers, in a fast-
paced public environment.
Ability to work independently with limited direction or supervision.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with library staff, patrons and
volunteers.
Ability to handle money, give correct change and prepare money transmittal reports required for the
cash register.
Ability to sort and file alphanumerically and to perform basic mathematical computations, including
ability to navigate the Dewey Decimal System.
Ability to perform financial procedures using the ILS system and cash register.
Ability to access and utilize staff Intranet resources.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to follow detailed written or verbal procedural instructions accurately, with willingness to seek
clarification.
Ability to acquire and effectively implement knowledge of PTPL and the City of Port Townsend’s
policies and procedures and to use independent judgment to resolve circulation and patron
problems within established guidelines.
Ability to work a schedule that may change periodically, including evenings and weekends.
Willingness to being flexible to meet the needs of PTPL.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED
plus one year experience in a service-oriented environment required.
Must pass a criminal background investigation.
Library Assistant II
LIBRARY EXPECTATIONS
Listed below are shared expectations of all library employees:
Provide excellent customer service for patrons and co-workers
Acknowledge and support of City of Port Townsend’s Public Library’s principles of
intellectual freedom
Knowledge and support of City of Port Townsend’s Public Library’s policies and procedures
Ability to work effectively within a team
Ability to adapt to rapidly changing information, technology, work procedures and Library
services
Ability to maintain confidentiality in dealing with patron and/or employee records
WORKING CONDITIONS
While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is required to:
(Continuous) seeing, talking, hearing, grasping, handling and manual dexterity.
(Frequent) walking, reaching, bending, standing, sitting, twisting, squatting, keyboarding and
repetitive motion of hands/wrists.
(Occasional) climbing, kneeling, crouching, stooping, crawling and balancing.
Must be able to sort, unpack, lift and maneuver up to 30 pounds regularly and, occasionally, in
excess of 30 pounds.
Regularly requires the ability to push, pull and maneuver a loaded book cart (20 pounds of push/pull
force) on a frequent basis over an extended period of time.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
OTHER CITY REQUIREMENTS
Punctual and consistent attendance
Possess a Washington Driver’s License and maintain a driving record acceptable to the City’s
insurance carrier.
Dress and grooming appropriate to the position.
Safety attire, equipment and practices appropriate to the position.
Deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees
The City of Port Townsend is an equal employment opportunity employer. The City employs, retains,
promotes, disciplines and otherwise treats all employees and job applicants strictly on the basis of job-
related qualifications and competence. These policies and all employment practices shall be applied
without regard to any individual's sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation
(including gender identity), pregnancy, age, marital status, military status, disability, genetic information,
or any other characteristic protected by law.
This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed. The employee
occupying the position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any
other job related duties requested by their supervisors.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and the employee
and is subject to change as the needs of the City and requirements of the job change.