LIBRARY TECHNICIAN
#2204
General Characteristics:
A Library Technician is responsible for ordering, processing and/or cataloging serials, monographs and audiovisual items in the Cataloging or Acquisitions Departments of the Library; does related work as required. Work requires judgment and analytical skills to evaluate sources for purchasing and the appropriateness of cataloging information provided by the bibliographic database. Work requires excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Checking information and entering data on serials or books into the computerized system requires manual dexterity and good visual acuity.
Examples of Work:
Serves on the Serials Selection Committee; enters newly received serials or books into the computerized inventory records; processes and displays new serials and books; maintains a listing of all serial holdings; prepares and organizes book, serial and microform orders; orders and renews books and serials; orders, processes and maintains inventory of college catalogs and telephone directories; handles correspondence with vendors regarding delinquent books and serials.
Conducts special searches in the online cataloging database; provides reference and circulation desk assistance as needed.
Processes purchase orders and work orders for the library; determines vendor and signs purchase orders; maintains acquisitions order files and records; inputs and verifies all financial data maintained in computer records; produces monthly financial reports; monitors and reconciles various library accounts and prepares budget transfer documents.
Performs all check-in activities, including computer record keeping and verifying acceptable condition; processes receiving documentation; sends appropriate documents or verification to College Finance for payment; prepares books and materials for transfer to cataloging.
Prepares annual listing of serials and periodicals in the Library by title and subject; maintains updates on additions to or discontinuation of publications in the collection.
Catalogs monographs, serials and audiovisual items; searches computerized OCLC subscription database in CD or online format and assigns appropriate call numbers by comparing to ISBN, LCCN, title, author or OCLC numbers; checks records in OCLC database for match to hardcopy of book for publisher, date, cost, Library of Congress call number, codes for special issues, pagination, etc. Compares and evaluates the specific cataloging information in up to 60 fields and 200 subfields on OCLC record and makes changes to records as appropriate for LCC Library; downloads OCLC record onto diskette for batch production, once record is determined to be correct or is changed appropriately; utilizes AACR2 rules, CatCD and OCLC system manuals and ALA filing rules to catalog items.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of and skill in applying the processes and resources used to acquire and catalog serials and books; knowledge of library automation systems, particularly OCLC online and CD cataloging systems; knowledge of College library cataloging procedures and practices; knowledge of cataloging rules and materials formats; knowledge of and skill in library acquisitions procedures; skill in comparing and evaluating cataloging information for its, appropriateness to College library policies; skill in developing appropriate cross referencing information for catalogs; ability to interpret, adapt and apply cataloging rules to a variety of circumstances, including books, serials and audiovisual materials; ability to operate OCLC work station, typewriter, microfiche reader, video and audio recorders, microcomputer and copier; skill in the use of spreadsheet software; ability to perform highly detail oriented tasks; ability to check the catalog filing of colleagues; ability to set up and maintain complex filing systems for tracking acquisition of serials and books; ability to work as a team member and independently; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to provide library services in a pleasant, courteous and helpful manner; ability to verify acceptable condition of materials and process required paperwork; ability to type with speed and accuracy; ability to work safely.
Supervision:
Reports to and works under the general supervision of the Acquisitions or Cataloging Librarian. A Lead Library Technician assigns tasks, provides priorities and is available to answer questions and troubleshoot problems on a daily basis. After an initial training period, work is performed independently according to Library policies, with the supervisor periodically checking accuracy of output. General instruction as to the scope of work and priorities are provided by the supervisor. occasional assistance is provided by the Librarian in solving intricate or non-routine ordering, indexing or cataloging problems.
Supervision of others is not a normal responsibility of this position.
Minimum Qualifications:
Two years of post-secondary education with course work in liberal arts, library science, archives or a related field is required. one year of library technical services experience is required. This experience should include some responsibility for cataloging, acquisitions or archives and records management.
Equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered qualifying.
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