Library Assistant I

Position Summary

Located 45 minutes from the Nation’s Capital, nestled in a history-rich community of southern Maryland, The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) is a two-time Aspen Award-winning institution (top 15% of Community Colleges) with academic programs in over 100 disciplines. CSM is among America’s top 100 producers of Minority Associate Degrees in twenty categories, according to Diverse Issues in Higher Education. CSM offers excellent health insurance benefits; State Retirement Pension plan; wellness programs; Code Green early closure Fridays in the summer; college closure for spring break and several major holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year; and for several days in March for Spring Break. We are an innovative institution committed to student success and well known for our flexibility to meet student and community needs.

Under the close supervision of the Department Director or designee, the Library Assistant I provides support with library services at the circulation desk and handles general inquiries from customers about the library and CSM. The incumbent assists cost center managers with all procurement paperwork and assists with the maintenance and use of library equipment and software. This position is entry level and requires the use of basic skills acquired through prior work experience. The incumbent performs work with minimal latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

The College of Southern Maryland conducts background checks in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the College's staff and students. The final candidate for this position will be subject to the following background checks: Criminal History Check and Sex Offender Registry Check.

This position is open until filled. The College of Southern Maryland is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Provides coverage at the service desk, assists customers, answers telephone inquiries, takes messages, and handles general inquiries about the Library and CSM
• Locates and obtains library materials for customers (students, staff, faculty and community members) from multiple sources including in-house, other campus libraries, area libraries, and inter-library loans.
• Assists customers with inquiries related to a variety of online resources and print-based materials as appropriate
• Refers customers to the appropriate personnel or department as required
• Refers reference and research questions to the Library Coordinator, and assists with reference and research questions when the Library Coordinator is unavailable
• Demonstrates the use of Library materials, equipment and computers to customers as needed
• Contacts customers by phone, e-mail and other written communications about holds, overdue materials, and other questions and problems as necessary
• Produces ID cards for students, staff and faculty, verifying status of customer and ID number for the card
• Performs online circulation functions using Follett software programs
• Assists Library Coordinator with check-in, labeling and shelving of faculty reserve items and maintaining items in the reserve collection
• Performs check-in, labeling and shelving of other library materials
• Assists in collection maintenance (shelving, straightening, shifting, shelf checks) of the campus’s print and audio-visual collections
• Performs weekly check-in and maintenance of periodical in the campus library’s collection using an excel workbook
• Provides clerical support for Library Coordinator as needed
• Collects fines and fees for overdue and lost library materials, collects fees for ID card reprints, completes the necessary forms and informs other library staff and/or other CSM department staff when appropriate
• Assists in inventory and notifies Library Coordinator of supply requirements for the efficient running of library operations (ID card supplies, office supplies, student printer paper, etc. etc.)
• Replenishes supplies in printers and copier on a regular basis or as needed
• Contacts vendors, in writing, on the phone, email, and by fax regarding orders and billing
• Establishes and maintains appropriate files and procedures to support all acquisitions functions
• Cleans and maintains printers, copier, other office and library equipment on a regular basis or as needed
• Troubleshoots problems with computerized equipment within the library, including computers, printers, and copiers. Notifies the appropriate departmental staff of actions required or repairs needed
• Advises the Library Coordinator of problems related to the daily operation of the library service desk
• Assists in maintaining the general order of the library by relating policies and procedures to customers and notifying the proper staff of problems when necessary
• Opens and closes campus library when necessary
• Light cleaning duties as assigned or as needed (dusting, emptying trash and recycling, cleaning tables and computer workstations, sweeping and vacuuming in and around tables, and pushing in chairs around tables and computer workstations).

• Performs other related work as required

Minimum Education and Training

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent
• Customer service experience, library experience preferred

Minimum Qualifications and Standards Required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Good written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills
• Accurate typing/data entry and filing skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Working knowledge of computers
• Ability to use and troubleshoot library, office and computer equipment