ASSISTANT CIRCULATION SUPERVISOR

CLASS DESCRIPTION

General Responsibilities:

This is responsible leadership work in directing the Central Library’s daily circulation operations. The work includes hiring hourly employees and participating in the hiring of permanent staff, training and/or overseeing the training of Central Library and branch circulation staff (i.e., clerks and pages), scheduling and overseeing the activities of all Central Library circulation staff, coordinating the processing of Central Library materials for delivery to and receipt from branches and regional libraries, and coordinating activities relating to Central Library security issues and staff. This position functions under the general supervision of the Library Circulation Supervisor and provides general oversight of the Circulation Services Division in the absence of the supervisor.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities:

Supervise circulation activities at the Central Library. Interview and select hourly Central Library circulation staff and participate in the hiring of permanent staff. Schedule all Circulation staff including coverage for night and weekend hours. Assign tasks, plan work priorities to balance needs of public service desk, Lower Stacks (sorting and retrieving) and shelving staff. Coordinate and perform training for branch circulation staff, provide ongoing technical and problem-solving support, and determine if additional training is needed. Explain policies and resolve complaints arising from circulation transactions throughout the Madison Public Library system.

Assist and advise the Library Circulation Supervisor in devising, improving, and implementing circulation procedures and facilitates the sharing of ideas by lower level staff. Helps all Circulation staff apply the library’s mission and values in their day-to-day activities and continuously improve their customer focus and service delivery.

Perform the full range of work assigned to subordinate staff in order to assess the effectiveness of circulation programs and procedures.

Coordinate the sorting and delivery of incoming and outgoing inter-library materials for the Central Library, Madison branches, and other area libraries.

Coordinate the work and scheduling of hourly security guard staff. Serve as liaison with the guards and/or police regarding patron problems, security incidents, etc. Consult with the Circulation Supervisor, supervisor-in-charge, and/or the police when serious problems are encountered.

Provide general supervision of the Circulation Services Division Services in the absence of the library Circulation Supervisor and report employee issues as appropriate. Represent the library to outside community groups on issues relating to Library Circulation functions and security issues.

Perform related work as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledges, Skills and Abilities:

Working knowledge of library circulation and shelf management procedures and practices, including knowledge of an automated circulation system. Working knowledge of public library principles, practices, and services. Working knowledge of general office/administrative procedures and practices. Working knowledge of data processing as it relates to the automation of circulation processes. Ability to oversee the daily work of the Circulation Section, and to hire, train, schedule, lead, and evaluate an hourly and permanent clerical staff. Ability to interpret circulation policies and exercise considerable judgement and discretion in completing assigned tasks. Ability to deal effectively with patron complaints, and to develop and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to identify automated system problems and to respond to day-to-day operational problems. Ability to provide technical assistance, training, and support to staff. Ability to develop, oversee and implement training materials and manuals. Ability to maintain adequate attendance.

Training and Experience:

Three years of responsible experience in library circulation services, including at least one year of leadership duties. Such experience would normally be gained after graduation from high school or equivalent, supplemented by technical college or college course work in library science, business administration, or a related field. Other combinations of training and/or experience which can be demonstrated to result in the possession of the knowledges, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of these positions will also be considered.