Class Series Concept

Library & Archives Paraprofessionals perform a wide variety of tasks in the delivery of library or archival services offered by universities or colleges, the State Library, the State Archives, or other state agencies or institutions.  These may range from basic tasks at the entry level to complex technical work and problem solving at the higher levels.  Some positions in this series supervise assigned personnel and maintain or direct the operations of library or archives units or functions.  Perform library or archival technical tasks such as assist clients with reference, informational, bibliographic or archival questions, perform circulation and collection maintenance and preservation functions, perform a range of acquisition and receipts functions, perform interlibrary lending and document delivery functions, perform a range of cataloging functions, input/update library records or archival databases, stay current with library or archives standards, practices, and technology, maintain the operations of library or archives units or functions, and participate in the development and implementation of policies.  At the higher levels perform complex library technical work involving intensive application of specialized knowledge and skills. 

Performs library technical tasks such as assist clients with general reference and bibliographic questions, perform circulation and collection maintenance and preservation functions, and receipts, perform input/update library records, maintain the operations of a library unit. 

Definition

Performs entry-level and routine technical library tasks related to public and/or technical services using manual and/or automated systems. Refers clients to librarians when appropriate. Performs repairs of library materials.

Typical Work

Answers elementary library informational and directional questions; answers questions regarding information contained in the technical services and public catalog systems, refers clients to appropriate employees for other services; 

Searches for library materials reported missing; maintains records of items missing or in need or repair or rebinding; gathers items for bindery/mendery; 

Routinely constructs bindings in various styles and materials, including pamphlet bindings, case bindings, and post bindings; makes pockets for loose parts such as maps, charts, etc.; 

Repairs simple binding structures, including making repair to textblocks prior to sending them out for commercial binding, tightening hinges, cloth case re-backing, re-sewing, endpaper replacement, tipping in replacement pages, etc.; 

Prepares bibliographic listings of assigned subject matter, using standard bibliographies, indexes, catalog systems, and abstract service; verifies bibliographic information using print, non-print, or automated sources; 

Updates catalog records such as add holdings and change locations; checks manual and/or automated systems for name and subject authorities and reports conflicting entries; interfiles author, title, and subject cards into an established card catalog or filing system; inputs information into an automated catalog system; 

Physically processes items for collections including stamping and labeling; 

Shelves items in various library collections according to specific classification schemes.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:  library organization, practices and technical procedures in library material acquisition, bibliographic control, circulation, and reference techniques. 

Ability to:  interact courteously with customers; effectively direct the work of others; read quickly and accurately; work effectively in a team environment; use and explain information tools and services.

Legal Requirement(s)

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification.  It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Desirable Qualifications

High school graduation or equivalent and one year of experience repairing books or in a library or closely related activity.  Equivalent education or experience will substitute.

Class Specification History

New class, consolidates 4325 Library Technician I, 4326 Library Technician II; adopted January 1, 2006.
Revise class. General revision; adopted May 10, 2007 effective July 10, 2007.
(04/16/2009) Correction/Revision: Changed Category Concept heading to Class Series heading.