Library Specialist II-Assistant Branch Manager-Cedar Grove/Line Ave. Branch

SUMMARY

Under general supervision, this individual is responsible for a variety of public service duties in various phases of library operations. This position may include the exercising of judgment and discretion in performing library routines with technical advice available when needed and the determining of methods necessary to accomplish duties and objectives.  This individual may exercise supervision over staff of lower classifications and is responsible for interpreting policies and providing public service.  This individual is expected to use acquired knowledge of library principles, practices, procedures and skills in the performance of most duties.  This individual performs related and other work as required.

REQUIREMENTS

Basic Qualification(s)

High school diploma or equivalent.

Two years of paid customer service work experience involving frequent interactions with the public + Six (6) months of paid library work experience.

OR

Attainment of a B.A. or B.S. from an accredited university/college + Six (6) months paid library work experience.

Preferred Training & Experience

Supervisory experience is preferred.

Experience planning and/or presenting programs utilizing books, crafts, and/or other activities, to appropriate audiences is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Good knowledge of:

standard library principles, practices and procedures;

current technology;

integrated library system, and electronic and printed materials, resources and databases.

Skills to:

understand and follow written and oral instructions;

make decisions based on established policies and practices;

deal with multiple and extra unexpected tasks and patrons simultaneously;

plan and present programs to targeted audiences.

Ability to:

use resourcefulness, tact, courtesy, and respect in dealing professionally with library patrons, employees and vendors;

create and maintain courteous, pleasant impressions of the library;

establish good patron and staff rapport;

train , evaluate, and discipline subordinates with input from supervisory team;

handle opening and closing duties and building and grounds issues;

participate in the hiring process;

use Dewey Decimal system.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, sit, twist, use hands to finger, grasp, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, talk and hear.  Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and office equipment.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, crouch, squat, kneel, and crawl.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or carry up to 20 pounds, frequently lift and/or carry up to 10 pounds.  Employee must frequently push and/or pull loaded book carts weighing up to 75 pounds.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Branch management:  Serves as Assistant Branch Manager.  As a working supervisor, coordinates, directs and supervises all the work of a branch in conjunction with the Branch Manager; will be cross-trained and assists in other departments; works at service desks; opens and/or closes the branch; conducts investigations and resolves patron inquiries and/or complaints; assists administrative supervisors with handling of these matters.

Personnel: Assists with training and supervising employees; maintains effective working relationship with all staff and is available for the staff to discuss all issues; completes payroll and approves leave requests utilizing Replicon; schedules substitutes; covers for personnel shortages; recommends staffing needs and changes; assists with conducting investigations and resolving employee inquiries and/or complaints; keeps branch manager informed of staff/department issues; assists administrative supervisors with handling of these and other personnel matters; participates in corrective action meetings; makes informed decisions based on policies listed in the Employee Handbook; keeps staff and supervisors informed on new policies and procedures.

Facility Management: Assists with overseeing daily use, care and upkeep of the building and grounds including plumbing, heating/cooling, lighting and lawn maintenance; signs and keeps records of work completed; works with building cleaning service; responsible for cleanliness of facility grounds; stocking and/or cleaning restroom and other areas of the library; ordering maintenance supplies.

Branch Security: Responds to after-hours security calls; works with security guards; utilizes emergency supplies, and ensures all staff are prepared to handle emergency situations; assists with coordinating and conducting building evacuation drills at least semi-annually; monitors guards’ working hours.

Public Services:  Performs reference, readers’ advisory, youth services, circulation, outreach and/or special collection duties; assists patrons in the selection of materials and the use of other library equipment, services, and/or special collections; answers routine questions;  takes interlibrary loan requests; assists patrons in the use of databases, digital resources, Internet usage, software applications and hardware configuration; conducts computer classes; plans and/or provides programming to various target audiences; conducts and attends community outreach programs; plans and/or participates in system-wide outreach activities for targeted audiences; promotes library services and fosters positive relationships with community organizations and/or schools; gives library tours; coordinates displays and promotional signage; answers telephone; charges, discharges and renews library materials; registers new borrowers; updates registration records; pulls and processes request materials; empties book drop; assists with filing & sorting; shelves library materials; straightens library materials on shelves; reads shelves for proper order; searches for lost library materials; processes incoming materials; assesses and collects fines for overdue materials and payment for lost materials from patrons; makes change for patrons; collects and records payment for miscellaneous transactions.  

Collection Development:  Reads reviews and offers suggestions to Acquisitions staff for selection of branch-appropriate materials; weeds collection on an on-going basis.  

Finances:  Counts Fines and Miscellaneous Receipts on a rotational basis and prepares money and reports to be sent to SML Financial Assistant.

Reports:  Assists in the preparation of reports and maintenance of records.

Professional Development:  Attends staff meetings; meets quarterly with supervisor for work review meeting; attends other meetings as necessary. This position requires travel to other locations for work, meetings and training.

Other: Performs other duties as required.

PRESENT SCHEDULE [subject to change without notice]:                      

Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (with 1-hour unpaid lunch)

*May be asked to work a Sunday shift as needed.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 15, 2026

STARTING DATE: Two (2) weeks after selection

SALARY: $19.50/hour + benefits

A criminal background check, drug screening, and professional reference check are part of the pre-hire process. The State of Louisiana Revised Statute 15:587.1.1 requires fingerprinting by local law enforcement and background checks by the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information and will be conducted on a yearly basis. A mandatory full day orientation is part of the new hire process; these orientations are on Tuesdays from 8:30am to 5:00pm. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status, non-job related physical or mental disability, veterans' status, sexual orientation or gender identity. Our facilities are non-smoking.  03.09.26