DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This is varied and difficult clerical work requiring a thorough understanding of library rules, procedures and policies. The principal differs from the senior level in the level of independent judgment in handling of library procedures and special projects. Incumbents may be responsible for training and/or overseeing the work of lower level library employees. The Principal Library Clerk works closely with higher level library administrators to assist with organizational and program development. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:    (Illustrative only)

• Performs circulation duties, including working at the circulation and/or information desks;
• Communicates with, and provides assistance to, library patrons and the general public in person, or via telephone, email and/or mail;
• Provides reference service and directional assistance to library materials, and assists with routine and non-routine needs;
• Processes inter-library requests and provides related recordkeeping including monthly circulation report;
• Circulates books by mail;
• Participates in selection and ordering of books and materials;
• Orders and records audiovisual material;
• Performs cataloging, collection development and interlibrary loans;
• Conducts research as assigned by librarian;
• Processes new books including accessing, covers, etc., and send records of acquisitions and withdrawals to appropriate agency;
• Keeps records of rotating collections (books, art prints, cassettes, etc.);
• Keeps statistical records of library holdings;
• Attends meetings to keep abreast of new library and inter-library loan procedures;
• Coordinates, schedules and/or conducts programs such as summer reading programs, book club programs, book talks, library orientations, etc.;
• Creates public relations materials such as press releases;
• Composes new forms needed in office and maintains file of master forms;
• Performs system operation, maintenance and back-up for PC, LAN, or on-line computer system; maintains and operated audiovisual and other library equipment;
• Orders and keeps inventory of library and office supplies;
• Opens the library security system and empties book-drop bin;
• Supervises and assigns work to lower level library staff, as necessary;
• Performs a variety of related activities as required.

Typical Work Activities are intended only as illustrations of possible types of work that might be appropriately assigned to an incumbent of this title. Work activities that do not appear above are not excluded as appropriate work assignments, as long as they can be reasonably understood to be within the logical limits of the job.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Thorough knowledge of office terminology, procedures and equipment as applied to library clerical work; good knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System; thorough knowledge of library filing and shelving rules; good knowledge of business arithmetic and English; ability to supervise the work of others; ability to understand and follow oral and written directions; ability to accurately operate an alphanumeric keyboard such as a typewriter or personal computer; ability to write legibly; tact and courtesy in dealing with staff and public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:    Either

1. Graduation from high school or possession of a comparable diploma and three (3) years of library clerical experience; or
2. Graduation from high school or possession of a comparable diploma and five (5) years of general clerical experience; or
3. An equivalent combination of training and experience as indicated in a) and b) above.

SUBSTITUTION NOTE: Post-secondary level education may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience indicated above on the basis of thirty (30) college credits per year of experience.

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Competitive Class