San Mateo Public Library - Supervising Library Assistant

https://www.calopps.org/ViewAgencyJob.cfm?ID=20288

Close: March 27, 2015 @ 5:00 p.m. or upon receipt of first 100 applications, whichever occurs first

Salary:  $5,071 to $6,049 Monthly

The Position

The Supervising Library Assistant is a management level position who performs full, first-line supervisory responsibilities, including planning, assigning and evaluating the work of subordinates, and provides technical assistance to the Deputy City Librarian.  Positions in this class differ from Senior Library Assistant in that the Supervising Library Assistant is the first-line supervisor responsible for supervising merit staff assigned to Circulation/Patron Account Services and Technical Services programs.

The Duties

Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Recommend and assist in implementation of goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for the performance of duties related to Circulation/Patron Account Services and Technical Services (both print and audio-visual formats); implement policies and procedures.
• Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, and review the work of staff involved in paraprofessional duties. 
• Evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities.
• Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and control expenditures.
• Participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures.
• Receive and respond to the more complex inquiries of library patrons.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate programs and services for children, adults, teens and others; recommend and implement program procedure changes.
• Attend and represent the library at community and interagency meetings as required.
• Assist in the enforcement of library policies and procedures and creation and implementation of solutions to operating problems.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service. Perform related duties as assigned. 

The Qualifications

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Three years of increasingly responsible experience performing paraprofessional library duties, including one year providing technical and functional supervision over assigned personnel.

Training:

Equivalent to an Associate of Arts degree from an accredited college with major course work in library science or related field.

Knowledge of:

• Standard library procedures of a complex nature including, circulating, cataloging, bibliographic search procedures, and the use of a variety of reference sources.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluations.
• Classification systems.
• Principles and practices of budget monitoring.
• Principles and practices of safety management.
• Effective utilization of volunteers.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, ordinances and rules.
• Modern office equipment including use of applicable computer applications.

Ability to:

• Organize, implement and direct assigned library operations/activities.
• Supervise paraprofessional library activities including circulation/patron account services, technical services, and audiovisual services.
• Interpret and explain pertinent City and department policies and procedures.
• Assist in the development and monitoring of an assigned program budget.
• Develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned operations.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.
• Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software.

Supplemental Questionnaire*

1.     Please describe your experience in supervising library operations. Include information regarding the size of library unit; your title and role; your level; and scope of responsibility.  Please use direct examples of your duties.

2.     How would you describe your philosophy of supervision and your expectations as a leader?  Please describe how you have helped shift organizational culture and helped staff deal positively with change.  Please use direct examples, including training, coaching and evaluation.

3.     Please describe your experience in, and technical knowledge of, the following elements of Library operations:  Circulation, Acquisitions, and Cataloging.  Please provide specific examples of innovative practices you have developed and implemented.

Unit:  This classification falls within an employee bargaining unit, employees of which may elect to join or pay an equivalent service fee.

*Supplemental Questionnaire required