Library Assistant (V26/10105)

Position Number:

Directorate & Branch: Community & Economic Services

Service: Library & Information Services

Location: Any Library Branch

Date Created/Updated 30/4/2021 Updated August 2026

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 Coordinator Library Branches

Reports to: Position Number P01211

Staff Responsibility: Nil

Key Internal Relationships: Library Coordinator Team, Team Leader Librarians,

Specialist Librarians, Library Assistants, other relevant

Council staff.

Key External Relationships: Members of the public

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide library circulation service to customers using the automated system with general

guidance on a daily basis.

• 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 customers; including

author, title and subject requests, and programs; and where necessary refer other enquiries

to appropriate staff.

• Assist customers with requests for inter-library loan service and buying suggestions.

• Assist with selection of materials for housebound readers where required.

• Assist customers in the use of technology, including but not limited to public access

computers, accessing the library catalogue and use of multifunction printers/photocopiers.

• Provide basic troubleshooting assistance and carry out basic maintenance of library

technology.

• Handle complaints from customers 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.

• Provide support with workplace training of new staff and advise supervisor of training needs.

• Participate in library activities and programs.

• 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.

WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY

Ensure compliance with WHS obligations and responsibilities as outlined in Councils policies

and procedure and under the relevant WHS legislation. These include but are not limited to

implementation of policies, procedures and work practices within your relevant portfolio and

provision of sufficient resources to ensure compliance with WHS legislation; ensuring duty of

care through keeping updated on relevant WHS and well-being matters within your relevant

portfolio; ensuring incidents, hazards, risks and well-being are understood, minimized and

managed effectively in a timely manner within your relevant portfolio including escalation of

issues where appropriate; provision of advice, support, equipment and training to your staff

members to enable compliance with Councils WHS policies and WHS legislation.

You have the right to cease or direct cessation of unsafe work. In addition, you are required at

all times to comply with Councils Asbestos Management Plan and Policy.

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.

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 (Team Leader) or Supervisor.

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 attention to

detail.

4. Demonstrated good written and verbal communication skills.

5. Demonstrated team experience.

6. Demonstrated ability to work with initiative and flexibility.

7. Knowledge of and commitment to Work Health and Safety systems and Equal Employment

Opportunity principles.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Age 18+

2. Higher School Certificate (HSC) or equivalent; or successful completion of the Blue

Mountains Library Junior Library Assistant Program.

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.