BOOK BUYER
#1503
General Characteristics:
A Book Buyer is responsible for identifying the textbook and general book needs of the College, choosing appropriate vendors and initiating the purchase of all books for sale in the Bookstore; provides direction, coordinates and leads the work of bargaining unit and hourly positions in the Book Department; handles and reviews complaints of customers; manages the day-to-day operation of the Book Department; does related work as required. Work requires considerable customer relations, analytical and organizational skills. Positions require the ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
Examples of Work:
Analyzes and evaluates past history of book purchases; assists faculty with textbook adoptions; processes and orders necessary coursebooks and supplemental reading materials for all classes each term; procures new and used books from wholesalers and students; oversees receiving, pricing and stocking of books; oversees inventory control and return of books.
Selects, evaluates and orders trade and reference books for the general trade section of the Bookstore; evaluates and selects titles; procures titles from publishers and distributors; clears invoices and resolves discrepancies before authorizing payments; coordinates and orders "special order" book requests from students, staff and the public; works with vendors to receive the best price and quality of goods; negotiates "buy back" of used textbooks by outside vendors.
Directs the use, maintenance and day-to-day operations of the Book Department's text management computer system which produces purchase orders, buy-back controls, charge backs and histories necessary to the operation of the Book Department.
Provides for smooth customer relations by answering questions from staff, students, customers and vendors concerning Bookstore policies, discussing problems and/or discrepancies and attempting resolution; handles customer complaints.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of bookstore operations and procedures; knowledge of administrative procedures including planning, budgeting, personnel, data analysis and report preparation; knowledge of College and department policies and procedures and the ability to apply them appropriately to day-to-day operations; knowledge of bookkeeping procedures; knowledge of current trends and marketing of trade and reference books; skill in training and monitoring the performance of staff; skill in organizing and managing work; ability to evaluate policies and procedures and make revisions to enhance operating efficiency and effectiveness; ability to plan and organize work assignments and set priorities; ability to organize and delegate tasks to assigned positions; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to keep accurate records and inventory systems; ability to operate textbook automated tracking system, microcomputer and printer; ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, other department personnel, students and the public; ability to work occasional evenings and weekends; ability to work safely.
Supervision:
Reports and works under the general supervision of the Bookstore Manager. Work is performed independently according to established procedures. General instructions as to the scope of work and priori- ties are provided by the supervisor. Employee is responsible for daily operations, with the supervisor available to consult on problems and policy decisions.
This position plans work, assigns tasks, provides priorities, trains and checks the work of Book Department staff and student assistants. This position has substantial input into hiring decisions and performance evaluations.
Minimum Qualifications:
High school graduation or equivalent is required. Two years of previous bookstore experience is required. This should include a year of experience equivalent to Bookstore Specialist, which provides a general knowledge of bookstore operations and the procedures for procurement of books and materials.
Equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered qualifying.
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