GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The LIBRARY TECHNICIAN 1 performs basic technical duties and/or provides basic customer assistance in support of library services in an operational unit or section of a university library. Some positions in this class may monitor the work of students.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the first level of a three-level series. At this level, employees have a general knowledge of available library services and provide routine information on the location or availability of material, resources, and services. Employees at this level receive regular direction from a higher level technician or librarian and perform basic tasks within well-established guidelines. At this level, employees have limited independent decision-making and limited responsibility for directing, coordinating, training, and scheduling work of lower level employees, student staff, and volunteers. The work requires a basic knowledge of library and unit operations, and review of work by a supervisor may become more general as job proficiency is obtained.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Positions in this class perform varying combinations of duties as exemplified by the typical tasks listed below.

1. Technical Operations. Typical tasks: uses local, regional, and national automated databases to obtain or verify basic information regarding library materials, titles, author names, subject headings, item availability in other libraries, or to establish current status of library holdings; refers unsolved searches to higher level technician or librarian for further processing or decision. Barcodes, labels, and security-tapes books; forwards materials within the library; performs serials check-in; prepares books for shelving and returns to correct location; processes/routes mail; gathers periodicals for binding; processes maps for storage; discharges bindery shipments; claims depository materials; creates item records; performs basic physical evaluation of materials; pulls and routes materials to be bound; prints/distributes circulation notices; bills patrons via electronic integrated system; logs requests for reserve materials; performs photo documentation; maintains web pages; may perform simple book or periodical material repairs.
2. Patron Services. Typical tasks: uses basic knowledge of library organizational structure and services to provide patrons and employees with information on the location or availability of material, resources, and services; checks materials in/ out; places holds/recalls on checked-out items; explains basic circulation policy; pages books from stacks; monitors security of library materials; refers complex patron problems and requests for circulation exceptions to higher level staff.
3. Miscellaneous. Typical tasks: may monitor, train, and oversee the work of lower level employees, students, and volunteers; may order office supplies; and pack, unpack, and/or move materials; some positions may process student payroll, produce general correspondence, perform minor repair/maintenance on library office equipment; participates in stack maintenance, including shelf-reading, floor pick-up, re-shelving, and cleaning.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this class may have regular in-person or phone contact with library patrons to provide general information about unit or general library operations and services. Employees will have occasional to regular contact with staff or other units to expedite the processing of materials and information.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Employees in this class receive general supervision from a higher level technician, librarian, or unit supervisor, once proficiency is obtained. Assignments are made orally or in writing. Work is reviewed in progress or upon completion for accuracy, timeliness, and conformance to library policies, procedures, and standards.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Positions are located in university libraries throughout the Oregon University System. Such positions require working with a diverse patron population and may also involve significant physical activity (e.g., standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting) in the handling of library materials. Positions may require regular use of computer equipment and databases.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of courses in Office Technology; OR

• One year of experience in a general clerical capacity; OR

• One year of experience as a Library Aide; OR

• An equivalent combination of training and experience.