TRIM No. Date last reviewed: October 2024 Page 1
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Library Assistant
Position Number:
Directorate & Branch: Cultural & Community Services
Service: Library & Information Services
Location: Any Library Branch
Date Created/Updated 30/4/2021 Updated October 2024
Position Classification: Band 2
POSITION PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE
Assist in the provision of a courteous, efficient and effective library service in a branch library.
RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to: Position Title Lower / Upper Mountains Library Coordinator
Branch Librarian as relevant
Reports to: Position Number
Staff Responsibility: N/A
Key Internal Relationships: Library Leadership Team, Branch Librarians, Specialist
Librarians, Library Assistants, Volunteers, other relevant
Council staff.
Key External Relationships: Members of the public
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Provide library circulation service to clients using the automated system with general
guidance on a daily basis.
• Be available to work at any of the six (6) Library Branches.
• Sort and shelve library materials quickly and accurately by Dewey Decimal classification
and alphabetical order where required.
• Carry out regular shelf checking and tidying and assist in setting up displays.
• Provide information in response to straightforward enquiries from clients; including author,
title and subject requests, and where necessary refer other enquiries to appropriate staff.
• Assist clients with requests for inter-library loan service and buying suggestions.
• Assist with selection of materials for housebound readers where required.
• Assist clients in the use of the library catalogue.
TRIM No. Date last reviewed: October 2024 Page 2
• Assist clients to use the photocopiers and carry out basic maintenance including refilling
paper and toner and clearing jammed paper.
• Assist clients in the use of technology, including public access computers, internet,
microfilm reader/printer, self-checkout machines and other technology as appropriate.
Provide basic troubleshooting assistance where applicable.
• Handle complaints from clients according to routine procedures and refer to supervisor
when necessary.
• Handle cash and EFTPOS transactions, issue change and receipts and assist with
counting and balancing of money.
• Collect newspapers, as required.
• Provide support with workplace training of new staff and advise supervisor of training
needs.
• Participate in activities and programs for client groups in the library.
• Contribute to help Council deliver its sustainability goals.
Guiding Principles
• We act as one organisation responding to the changing needs of our community while
protecting and enhancing our World Heritage environment.
• We are strategy led, driven by our Community Strategic Plan with clear priorities and focus.
• We are service focused we continuously improve service provision and provide excellent
customer service.
• We collaborate and work together to achieve our outcomes.
• We ensure safety and well-being is at the centre of our organisation, operations and culture
for our employees, our community and our environment.
• We are a socially, environmentally and financially sustainable organisation, living within
our means, ensuring best value resource allocation.
These Guidelines complement the Council’s adopted Values of: Work Together; Work Safe
Home safe; Service Excellence; Value for Money; Trust and Respect; and, Supporting
Community.
COMMUNICATION
This position will be required to communicate with members of the community of all ages and
backgrounds, as well as staff at varying levels. This will include providing advice and relaying
and receiving information. The position will need to be able to deal with difficult customers and
resolve issues promptly where possible.
JUDGEMENT & PROBLEM SOLVING
• Maintaining a high level of customer service at all times.
• This position will be required to recognise problems/issues as they arise and resolve them
in the most appropriate manner. They will exercise sound judgment in determining
appropriate outcomes in line with existing policies and procedures in the workplace
environment.
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AUTHORITY
This position will be required to make decisions as they arise and resolve them in the most
appropriate manner. They will exercise sound judgment in determining appropriate outcomes
in line with existing policies and procedures in the workplace environment. If need be, refer
matters to Branch Librarian.
SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS & BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES
ESSENTIAL
1. Demonstrated ability to deliver efficient and enthusiastic Customer Service in response to
changing needs.
2. Demonstrated computer literacy with the ability to assist clients in the use of technology
and to provide basic trouble-shooting assistance where required.
3. Demonstrated ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure and with an attention
to detail.
4. Demonstrated good written and verbal communication skills.
5. Demonstrated team experience that shows an ability to work with initiative and flexibility.
6. Knowledge of and commitment to Work Health and Safety systems and Equal Employment
Opportunity principles.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Higher School Certificate (HSC) or equivalent.
DESIRABLE
1. Public Library experience.
2. Knowledge of Dewey Decimal classification and library call numbers and categories.
The position holder can be required to work at any Branch of the Blue Mountains Library
Service.
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BMCC POSITIONAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS ANALYSIS
NOTE: to be completed with the Recruitment Requisition form by the requesting Manager/ Supervisor.
Please contact the WH&S Officer if assistance is required in completing this form.
Position: Library Assistant
Responsible Manager/Supervisor:
Lower / Upper Mountains Library Coordinator
Branch Librarian as relevant
Signature: Date:
Complete the physical requirements and
working condition sections of the table below
based on an employee’s average daily
exposure to the tasks listed. Ratings as
follows:
Exposure Level Rating
No Exposure 0
Low Exposure (0 – 2hrs daily) 1
Medium Exposure (2 – 4hrs daily) 2
High Exposure (4 – 8hrs daily) 3
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Heavy Manual Tasks 0 Pushing loads > 5kgs 1
Frequent bending/
stooping
1
Sitting for extended
periods
2
Light Manual Tasks 3 Pulling loads >5kgs 0 Repetitive Lifting 3
Standing for extended
periods
3
Trunk Twisting 1
Extend arms for
reaching
1
Elevating arms above
shoulder height
1
Kneeling for extended
periods
0
Climbing to access/
exit excavations
0 Throwing 0
Walking on uneven
ground
0
Walking for extended
periods
2
Balancing 1 Crawling 0
Hearing above
background noise
0 Depth Perception 1
Colour Vision 0 Fine Manipulation 1 Shovelling/Digging 0
WORKING CONDITIONS
PHYSICAL
Inside Work 3 Outside Work 0
High Temperatures
> 38deg
0
Low Temperatures
< 3 deg
0
Operating Machinery 0
Working Near
Machinery
0 Working at Heights 0 Noisy Work Areas 0
Vibration 0 Confined Spaces 0
Prolonged Driving
(periods > 2hours)
0 Working Alone 1
Overhead Work 0
Use of computer for
screen-based activities.
3
Prolonged Sitting
(periods > 1hour)
0
Prolonged Standing
(periods > 1 hour)
3
CHEMICALS BIOLOGICAL
Dusts 0 Liquids 0 Pesticide Spraying 0 Herbicide Spraying 0
Working with
Solvents
0 Mists / Fumes 0
Possible exposure to
Hepatitis A, B, C
1
Possible exposure to
Tetanus
1
Gases/ Vapours 0 Odours 0 BIOMECHANICAL
Repetitiveness 2 Fatigue 1
ASBESTOS
Asbestos Awareness √ None of the below
Class B Asbestos Removal 0
Asbestos Removal and
Supervision
0 Asbestos Assessor 0
USE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Safety Boots/
Shoes
0
Dust Mask/
Respirator
0
Protective
Eyewear
0 Ear plugs/Muffs 0 Hard Hat 0
Provide a brief description of the job requirements:
Customer facing library work including computer use, physical handling of library materials, and delivery of programs.
