Personnel Commission
CLASS SERIES TITLE: Library Resource Specialist I/II (Alternate Class Series)
DESCRIPTION OF BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Performs clerical/technical and paraprofessional library work related to the acquisition, circulation, reference, and/or catalog activities of library, media, and instructional materials in the Library Services Center of the Santa Clara County Office of Education. This job class assists and coordinates a variety of library tasks and details from the initiation of a relevant procedure to its completion.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Library Resource Specialist I: This is the first class in a two-level Library Resource Specialist series. Employees perform paraprofessional library work and technical duties of moderate difficulty. Employees in this job class receive direct to general supervision within a standard framework of policies and procedures until full working proficiency is attained.
Library Resource Specialist II: This is the second class in a two-level Library Resource Specialist series. Employees perform technical and paraprofessional library work of routine difficulty. Employees in this job class are work proficient and receive general to limited supervision within a broad framework of policies and procedures, and may assign work to other clerical, relief, or substitute staff. This class differs from the next higher class of Library Reference Specialist in that the latter provides highly specialized technical support in the acquisition, circulation, reference, and cataloging for library, media, and instructional materials of the Professional Library.
ALTERNATE CLASS SERIES SPECIFICATIONS
Employees may be hired in the first or second class. Appointment to the second class requires library experience, and knowledge of library catalogs (card or online), filing systems, circulation support systems, and reference sources to conduct on-line searches and operate library information systems. Employees initially hired in the first class may reasonably expect to be reassigned to the second class within a period of two-years.
ESSENTIAL TYPICAL DUTIES
Circulates and disseminates library materials according to established procedures
Provides patrons with reference and other technical assistance; determines research methods; conducts ERIC and Internet searches to locate requested materials
Contacts publishers, distributors, and vendors regarding shipping/receiving instructions and discrepancies
Estimates costs of materials and determines patron fees
Assists patrons in the review of instructional materials for adoption; analyzes materials; and synthesizes evaluation reports
Creates and maintains computer library/media data bases
Orders, receives, and processes a variety of library, media, and instructional materials and equipment; assists in the selection of materials for Library collections
Sets-up displays for the evaluation of new instructional materials under consideration for purchase
Reviews and evaluates library/media materials for cataloguing purposes; assigns accession and/or classification numbers, develops reference catalogue information, and writes abstract of library/media materials
Compiles, edits, and distributes bibliographies
Prepares and maintains a variety of correspondence, forms, files, abstracts, records, and reports related to assigned functions
Prepares and makes presentations, conducts in-service training, and consults with educators on the development and use of library/media and instructional materials
Provides patrons with an orientation to library center services; responds to questions regarding materials and services
Designs and prepares public relations materials on behalf of the library/media center
Trains and may oversee the work of other assigned personnel
Performs related duties as assigned.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:
Computer search strategies; on-line databases, network Internet use; electronic resources, and integrated systems; computerized data retrieval systems
Library terminology, operations, theories, practices and procedures relating to circulation, reference, classification systems, and cataloguing
Education terminology, theories, principles, and practices relating to elementary and secondary grade level teaching
Reference sources and educational library/media center materials including textbooks, professional journals, curriculum guides, adopted and non-adopted frameworks, and special resource materials
Principles, concepts, and effective use of instructional technology
Modern audio-visual and office equipment such as a desktop computer, copier, and printer as well as filing systems, and record-keeping practices
Word processing, spreadsheet, publishing, and database software application programs
Abstract writing techniques and practices
Basic inventory control practices and procedures
Proper English usage including grammar, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure.
Ability to:
Interpret search requests; perform or learn to perform reference services using computerized reference service systems
Identify and interpret K-12 teaching and classroom needs and provide resources that support those needs
Learn to apply or apply innovative technology to library management and information services
Order, catalog, and process book and non-book materials
Communicate effectively orally and in writing using tact and diplomacy
Conduct workshops, and present information to individuals and large groups
Learn to troubleshoot or troubleshoot problems
Learn to determine or determine appropriate search strategies
Learn to formulate or formulate appropriate search strategies using computerized databases and online sources
Design and disseminate public relations materials and set-up displays for new products
Operate a variety of office equipment and audiovisual equipment
Composes, edits, and proofreads correspondence, memorandums, bulletins, reports, abstracts
Maintain a variety of documents, records, and files using specialized databases
Operate a computer, office equipment, and audio-visual equipment; use word processing and database application programs
Direct, train, and oversee the work of assigned personnel
Work effectively with frequent interruptions
Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Generally, any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical method of demonstrating these qualifications would be:
Library Resource Specialist I: Associate's degree or certificate in library science, education, or a related field and at least two years of paraprofessional experience in a library, media, or instructional resource facility.
Library Resource Specialist II: Bachelor's degree with coursework in library science, education, or a related field and three years of paraprofessional and technical experience in a library, media, or instructional resource center. Working knowledge of on-line search and information retrieval systems required.
BARGAINING UNIT: Office, Technical, and Business Services (OTBS) Unit
WORKING CONDITIONS: Duties are performed in a library and office environment; constant interruptions; some positions especially those in higher series may include prolonged usage of desktop computer equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a desktop computer; hearing and speaking to exchange information in person and on the telephone; seeing to read a variety of materials; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; lifting, pushing, carrying, pulling moderately heavy objects or book carts; bending at the waist, kneeling, or crouching; and reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to reach materials.
Personnel Commission Approval Date: June 27, 1996
Revised: 03/23/00; 01/2002