GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The LIBRARY TECHNICIAN 3 uses advanced knowledge of library and information procedures, services, and resources to provide expertise and assistance with administrative tasks or unit operations for a unit, division, or branch of a university library. Employees in this class may oversee and assist with the supervision of the work of lower level employees and may supervise student assistants or volunteers.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the third level of a three-level series of classes. It is distinguished from the lower levels by the requirement for advanced knowledge of print and electronic library and information resources, public service experience, and/or technical expertise in library procedures, resolution of problems referred from lower levels, and by a high degree of independent decision-making. At this level, assignments may include serving as unit operations coordinator or at a specialized public service desk (e.g., reference, circulation, branch libraries).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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

• Technical Operations. Typical Tasks: Resolves complex, non-routine acquisition ordering, billing or credit problems with vendors/publishers, staff and selectors; performs backset receiving; resolves serial bibliographic record and government document check-in problems; sorts and prioritizes incoming materials; serials problem-solving (duplicates, non-receipts, payments, claims and other order problems); online catalog database maintenance and quality control; original and complex copy cataloging for review and completion; cataloging and classification (especially for unique collections such as electronic journals, non-book formats, manuscripts or rare materials); upgrades cataloging (call number assignment, subject analysis, additional access points); performs authority work; classifies maps and photographs; re-cataloging (e.g., changes location, searches, reviews, edits local records); collection maintenance (physical inventory and analysis of classifications); coordinates stacks maintenance and recommends changes and shifts to alleviate overcrowding; oversight and training of loose-leaf filers; manages web sites and creates and oversees maintenance of web pages; uses expertise in handling/processing special materials (art, maps, audiovisual, instructional materials, recordings, slides, etc.); may require specialized foreign language knowledge and skills in working with and processing foreign language materials.
• Patron Services. Typical tasks: provides reference service in person, by phone, and/or e-mail with the guidance of librarians in general and/or specialized collections (e.g.; Map, Visual Resources; Music, etc.); receives referrals for information assistance and/or unresolved reference questions from lower-level staff or students; resolves non-routine and complex service problems and requests for policy exceptions referred by lower level staff; coordinates library-wide patron billing; reviews reserve materials for copyright compliance; troubleshoots interlibrary loan patron services.
• Miscellaneous. Typical tasks: outreach (training, workshops and displays); coordinates work of lower level staff; maintains basic services and essential activities in absence of unit manager or professional staff (e.g., acts as assistant manager for functional work units such as Preservation, Circulation, Reserve, ILL); assembles, compiles, reviews, and reports unit operating data and statistics; reviews unit operating practices and procedures and recommends changes to increase accuracy or efficiency; monitors operational budgets for functional work units (e.g., student wages, supplies); provides direct liaison and coordination with other operational units to facilitate the timely processing of materials and information; provides direct assistance and performs special projects for unit manager/professional library staff as needed; inventories, maintains, and troubleshoots technical equipment and electronic resources; writes electronic resources documentation and provides resource user group training (e.g., the Internet, online catalog, bibliographic and full-text databases, etc.); may hire, train, schedule, assign, and evaluate student employees. May train, schedule and oversee the work of lower-level staff, students, and volunteers.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this class may have regular in-person, phone, or e-mail contact with library patrons to provide information and/or reference assistance. Employees often have regular contact with technical and professional staff of other units to resolve problems and coordinate and expedite materials/information processing. The employee may have regular to frequent contact with publishers or vendors and with staff of other libraries.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Employees in this class receive limited supervision from a unit manager or librarian. Work is performed with a high degree of independence and is guided by consultation with professional staff and access to library manuals of policy, practice and procedure. The employee is further guided by technical resource materials.

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). Positions may require regular use of computer equipment and databases.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Positions in this class require:

• three years of experience as a Library Technician, OR
• an equivalent combination of training and experience.