SUPERVISING LIBRARY ASSISTANT

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under general direction and in a supervisory capacity over a small staff of employees, performs technical and/or paraprofessional duties in one or more of the functional areas of librarianship; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

Issues and controls subordinates' work assignments and schedules. Supervises and provides guidance, instruction, and training to employees. Supervises and coordinates activities of a library unit or section such as circulation desk, periodical section, shelving of library material, microfilm section, book processing section, or inter-loan section. Supervises and processes interlibrary loan requests by filling those received and requesting materials from other libraries. Supervises and conducts established library programs such as story hours, preschool and school programs, programs for senior citizens, etc. Answers patrons' more complex inquiries regarding general reference and information topics, use of online resources, and utilization of library material and equipment. Supervises, determines, and prepares content and arrangement of library material for displays, exhibits, and special library programs. Supervises the checking of library email and keeps current with library news, announcements, programs, initiatives, etc. Under the direction and oversight of a Librarian, continually reviews library material and discards obsolete books, films, periodicals, etc. Supervises the charging and discharging of library material to users. Supervises the computation and collection of fines; makes change and inspects books and other library material and equipment for damage; performs basic repairs of audio-visual and other library equipment and accessories. Reviews library membership applications for completeness as to name, address, and similar personal identification and records changes of such information. Lists overdue library material and completes overdue notices for notifying patrons. Supervises and compiles numerical reports on circulations, accessions, or other aspects of library operations. Supervises and files or shelves material using the Dewey Decimal Classification System and alphabetical filing systems beyond the initial letter of a word. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

Three (3) years of library experience demonstrating a practical knowledge of library functions, services, terminology, techniques, procedures, and standard tools (card catalog, microfilm, shelving, circulation systems, etc.), six (6) months of which must have been in a lead role over lower-level employees.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of functions and services provided by a public library. Knowledge of library classification and filing systems. Knowledge of basic arithmetic operations using whole numbers. Knowledge of standard library reference tools. Knowledge of the Dewey Decimal Classification System but does not have to memorize what each numerical classification represents. Knowledge (paraprofessional) of typical library departments, functions, and services provided to the public. Ability to communicate effectively and courteously with staff and the public. Ability to perform extensive alphabetical filing beyond the initial letter of a word. Ability to perform numerical filing beyond the initial digit of a sequence of figures. Ability to provide guidance, assignments, and instructions to subordinate staff. Ability to maintain essential records and files. Ability to work cooperatively with library associates, patrons, and others. Ability to perform technical library work. Ability to coordinate technical library activities. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. This job specification is applicable to the following title code(s) which are different work week or work month and/or variants of the job class title: Job Spec Code State, Local or Common Class of Service Work Week State Class Code Local Class Code Salary Range

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. NOTE: Appointments may be made to positions requiring bilingual skills. - Bilingual in Spanish and English SPECIAL SKILL: Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in Spanish and English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. Successful completion of a two (2) year library technician course at an accredited college or university may be substituted for two (2) years of the non-leadership experience. LC N/A19 -Bilingual In Spanish And EnglishLC N/A19 - This job specification is for government use only. Salary range is only applicable to state government. Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions. 03/08/2025