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Senior Library Assistant

Ramsey County

Ramsey County

King County, WA, USA · Multiple locations · Ramsey County, MN, USA
Posted on Nov 30, 2024

Basic Function

The current vacancy is in the Ramsey County Libraries department. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County.


To provide assistance to library patrons in person and on the telephone; to staff the service desk, check out library materials, assist patrons with self-service checkout, process library card applications, collect fees and troubleshoot patron accounts; to shelve library materials such as books, periodicals, and media; to process returned library materials via an automated materials handling system or manual check-in, or to work in the Technical Services department of the library to order, receive, label, and invoice library materials; to communicate with vendor patrons service representatives; to support librarians responsible for selecting materials; to locate and download bibliographical records; to provide interlibrary loan service; and to manage supplies and donations. To provide direction and guidance to Library Assistants and volunteers; serve on library system-wide projects and initiatives; and to perform related duties as assigned.


If an internal candidate is selected, salary will be set in accordance with the personnel rules (i.e., promotion, transfer, or voluntary reduction).

To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.

Examples of Work Performed

Senior Library Assistant in Public Services

  1. Promote a diverse and culturally competent respectful workplace.
  2. Staff the service desk, check in library materials, collect library fees and answer account-related questions, assist patrons with library card applications, update borrower records, and provide assistance in person or over the phone to patrons with general questions.
  3. Check in and sort library materials manually and monitor the automated materials handling system.
  4. Shelve library materials by arranging them in alphabetical order or according to Dewey Decimal number, as appropriate.
  5. Check library shelves on a periodic basis to ensure that materials are being maintained in proper sequential or alphabetical order, and reorganize materials as needed.
  6. Straighten bookshelves and common areas of the library to maintain orderliness and appeal of the facility.
  7. Unpack and distribute library materials delivered from other Ramsey County Library and metro-area library locations.
  8. Fill requests for library materials from other branches by pulling requested items from library shelves and preparing and packing materials to be sent to designated branches.
  9. Set up program rooms for library events including technology set up.
  10. Provide technical support to patrons, including assistance with copying, scanning, printing, and internet usage.
  11. Perform public contact duties such as receiving and routing phone calls; responding to complaints and inquiries by phone and in person; directing patrons to proper locations; scheduling appointments for patrons or staff; and assigning service requests for program units or staff in accordance with established guidelines.
  12. Balance and record circulation-generated money, including daily financial reports using library software.
  13. Prepare weekly bank deposit using established bookkeeping procedures.
  14. Perform duties relating to forms and records maintenance such as establishing, maintaining, and updating files; searching files for information; maintaining records and statistics; and recommending new forms or other revisions of existing forms.
  15. Generate and circulate inventory lists of missing items.
  16. Order and maintain inventory of office supplies, recommend equipment purchases.
  17. Coordinate volunteers and participate in system-wide committees, projects and initiatives.
  18. May provide work direction to other library personnel engaged in similar duties.
  19. Perform related duties as assigned.

Senior Library Assistant in Technical Services

  1. Order, receive, and invoice library materials using the integrated library system.
  2. Work with vendors to resolve problems. Provide support to librarians responsible for selecting materials.
  3. Locate and download vendor bibliographic records into the catalog.
  4. Print labels for library materials using the Cataloging module.
  5. Provide interlibrary loan service, borrowing and lending, at state and national levels, and create bills for lost or damaged materials.
  6. Receive periodicals using Serials module. Claim missing issues. Submit annual subscription orders. Contact patron service for newspapers and magazines as needed.
  7. Track supply levels, order supplies, and research products.
  8. Add donated materials to the collection and track value of donations.
  9. Collect and report statistics related to ordering, interlibrary loan, and donations.
  10. Complete work tickets submitted by public services staff.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 9, 10, 11 ,12, 13.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Sufficient to perform required duties.

Experience: One year of experience as a Library Assistant or equivalent.

Certifications/Licensure: None.

Other: Must be 18 years of age.

Exam/Screening Process Information

The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:

  • Training and Experience Rating = 100%
The examination for Senior Library Assistant will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions – do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.

The names of all applicants who pass the examination with a score of 75 or higher will be forwarded to the department for further consideration.

Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as Senior Library Assistant. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 2 months or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted, informing them that the list has been certified and their status.

Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.

Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.

Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.

To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application (Download PDF reader). You will need to print this posting AND answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.

For further information regarding this posting, please contact Lindsey.Hunter@co.ramsey.mn.us